Key Takeaways
- Georgia real estate licenses expire on the licensee's birthday in the 4th year after issuance
- Renewal requires 36 hours of continuing education every 4 years, including 3 hours of Georgia License Law
- Starting July 1, 2025, brokers must complete 18 hours of broker-specific CE as part of the 36-hour requirement
- Late renewal within 2 years requires payment of lapsed fees; after 2 years, retake exam required
- Licensees must notify GREC of address changes within 30 days
License Maintenance and Renewal
Georgia real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Expiration
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 4 years |
| Expiration Date | Last day of birth month, 4th year |
| Renewal Window | Up to 6 months before expiration |
Continuing Education Requirements
Salesperson CE (36 hours every 4 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Georgia License Law | 3 (required) |
| Electives | 33 |
| Total | 36 |
Broker CE Requirements (Starting July 1, 2025)
Per GREC rule changes effective July 1, 2025:
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Georgia License Law | 3 (required) |
| Broker-Specific Education | 18 (required) |
| Electives | 15 |
| Total | 36 |
Important: The new 18-hour broker CE requirement applies to Associate Brokers, Brokers, and Qualifying Brokers. It does NOT apply to Salespersons or CAM licensees.
First-Year Post-License Requirement
New salespersons must also complete:
| Requirement | Hours | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Post-License Course | 25 | First year after initial license |
Failure to complete post-license education results in automatic license lapse.
Renewal Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Renewal (on time) | $125 |
| Late Fee (within 2 years) | Additional fees apply |
| Reinstatement (after lapse) | Varies |
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
Renewal Within 2 Years of Expiration
If your license expires but you renew within 2 years:
- Pay all back fees and penalties
- Complete all required continuing education
- Cannot practice until license is reinstated
- No exam required
Expired More Than 2 Years
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years:
- Must retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete additional education
- Apply as if a new applicant
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current and valid, under broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Valid but not under a broker | No |
| Lapsed | Not renewed/CE not completed | No |
| Suspended | GREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A licensee may maintain inactive status if:
- Not currently affiliated with a broker
- CE must still be completed for renewal
- Cannot perform any licensed activities
To reactivate, affiliate with a broker and notify GREC.
Address and Contact Changes
Licensees must notify GREC within 30 days of:
- Change of home address
- Change of business address
- Change of email address
- Change of legal name
Failure to maintain current contact information is a violation.
Reciprocity with Other States
Georgia has full reciprocity with all other U.S. states for licensees with active, good-standing licenses. Reciprocity applicants may:
- Skip Georgia pre-license education
- Skip the national portion of the exam
- Must pass the Georgia state portion (52 questions)
- Must meet background check requirements
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Georgia real estate license?
What new CE requirement takes effect for Georgia brokers starting July 1, 2025?
If a Georgia real estate license has been expired for more than 2 years, what must the former licensee do?