Key Takeaways
- Kentucky real estate licenses are renewed annually with an expiration on March 31
- Salespersons must complete 6 hours of continuing education (CE) annually, including 3 hours core curriculum
- New licensees must complete 48 hours of post-license education within first 2 years
- Kentucky has reciprocity agreements with Florida, Tennessee, Illinois, and an MOU with Ohio
- Late renewal incurs additional fees; licenses expired over 2 years require re-examination
License Maintenance, Renewal & Reciprocity
Kentucky real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal. Kentucky also offers reciprocity with several states.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 1 year |
| Expiration date | March 31 annually |
| Renewal fee | $50 (salesperson), $60 (broker) |
| Late renewal penalty | Additional fees apply |
Continuing Education Requirements
Annual CE (6 hours per year)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Curriculum (mandatory) | 3 hours |
| KREC-approved electives | 3 hours |
| Total | 6 hours annually |
The Core Curriculum is updated each license year and covers:
- Changes to Kentucky real estate law
- KREC rule updates
- Ethics and professional standards
- Current industry issues
Post-License Education (NEW LICENSEES)
New salespersons must complete 48 hours of post-license education within their first 2 years of licensure:
| Year | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 24 hours post-license education |
| Year 2 | 24 hours post-license education |
| Total | 48 hours within first 2 years |
Important: Failure to complete post-license education will result in license becoming inactive. This requirement is IN ADDITION to annual CE.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before March 31
- Log into KREC eGov portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Tip: KREC sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 2 years of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 2 years:
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 0-12 months | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
| 12-24 months | Pay renewal + increased late fee, complete CE |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
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 a new applicant
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with principal broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | KREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Kentucky Reciprocity Agreements
Kentucky has reciprocal licensing agreements with several states:
Full Reciprocity States
| State | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Florida | Pass KY state portion exam only |
| Tennessee | Pass KY state portion exam only |
| Illinois | Pass KY state portion exam only |
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
| State | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Ohio | MOU agreement - streamlined process |
Reciprocity Requirements
To qualify for reciprocity, you must:
- Hold an active license in the reciprocal state
- Be in good standing with no disciplinary actions
- Complete any required Kentucky-specific courses
- Pass the Kentucky state portion exam
- Submit application and fees to KREC
Exam Tip: Memorize the reciprocity states: Florida, Tennessee, Illinois (full reciprocity) and Ohio (MOU).
How many hours of continuing education are required annually to renew a Kentucky real estate salesperson license?
What is the post-license education requirement for new Kentucky salespersons?
With which of the following states does Kentucky have a reciprocity agreement?