Key Takeaways
- Connecticut real estate licenses are valid for 2 years and expire on May 31 of even-numbered years
- Continuing education requirement is 12 hours per 2-year cycle
- 3 hours of mandatory fair housing/legislation CE is required each cycle
- First-time licensees (new to Connecticut) are exempt from CE in their first renewal cycle
- Reciprocal licensees are NOT exempt from CE in their first cycle
License Maintenance and Renewal
Connecticut real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Expiration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years |
| Expiration date | May 31, even-numbered years |
| Renewal fee | Approximately $315 |
| Late renewal penalty | Additional fees apply |
Key Date: All Connecticut real estate licenses expire on May 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030, etc.).
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (12 hours per renewal cycle)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Fair Housing / Legislation | 3 hours (mandatory) |
| Approved electives | 9 hours |
| Total | 12 hours |
Mandatory 3-Hour Requirement
The 3 mandatory hours must cover:
- Fair housing laws
- Legislative updates
- Connecticut real estate law changes
Important: This 3-hour requirement cannot be waived or substituted with other courses.
First-Cycle CE Exemption
Connecticut offers a first renewal cycle exemption for new licensees:
| Licensee Type | First Cycle CE Exemption |
|---|---|
| New Connecticut licensee | YES - Exempt from CE |
| Reciprocal licensee | NO - Must complete CE |
Why the Distinction?
- New licensees just completed 60 hours of pre-license education
- Reciprocal licensees obtained their education in another state and need Connecticut-specific updates
Exam Alert: This is a frequently tested distinction. Reciprocal licensees are NOT exempt from CE in their first renewal cycle.
Renewal Process
Timely Renewal
- Complete 12 hours CE before May 31 (even years)
- Log into eLicense portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Tip: DCP sends renewal notices approximately 90 days before expiration.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within grace period)
If your license expires but you renew within the grace period:
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 0-90 days | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
| 90+ days | May require additional steps |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
Expired Beyond Grace Period
If your license has been expired beyond the grace period:
- May need to retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete additional education
- Apply as a new applicant
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | DCP disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A salesperson's license becomes inactive when:
- Not affiliated with a broker
- Voluntarily placed on inactive status
- Failing to meet CE requirements
To reactivate, the salesperson must affiliate with a broker and complete any outstanding education requirements.
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify DCP within 30 days of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
Changes are made through the eLicense portal.
When do Connecticut real estate licenses expire?
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Connecticut real estate license?
Which statement about the first-cycle CE exemption is TRUE?