Key Takeaways
- Maryland real estate licenses are valid for 2 years from the date of issuance
- Salespersons and associate brokers must complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) for renewal
- CE must be completed 30 days prior to license expiration date (effective October 2024)
- Fair Housing CE requirement increases to 2 hours for renewals on or after October 1, 2025
- CE providers have up to 14 days to upload credits to the MREC system
License Maintenance and Renewal
Maryland real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years |
| Expiration date | 2 years from date of issuance |
| Salesperson renewal fee | $90 |
| Broker renewal fee | $190 |
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (15 hours per renewal cycle)
All active real estate licensees must complete 15 hours of approved continuing education during each two-year license term.
| Course Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| MREC Required Topics | Varies |
| Brokerage Relationships & Disclosure | Required |
| Fair Housing | 1.5 hours (2 hours after Oct 2025) |
| Electives | Remaining hours |
| Total | 15 hours |
First-Time Renewal Requirements
If you received your initial license on or after October 1, 2023 and this is your first renewal, you must complete specific mandatory topics that cannot be substituted with other courses.
Broker Supervision Course
If you hold a broker license, or function as an office manager or team leader:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| MREC Supervision course | 1.5 hours |
Important 2024-2025 Changes
30-Day Completion Rule (Effective October 1, 2024)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE completion deadline | 30 days before license expiration |
| Provider upload window | Up to 14 days to upload credits |
| Failure to comply | Reinstatement fee required |
Important: CE courses must be completed and shown in your licensing records 30 days prior to your renewal date to avoid a reinstatement fee.
Fair Housing Increase (Effective October 1, 2025)
| Change | Before Oct 2025 | After Oct 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Housing CE | 1.5 hours | 2 hours |
Online CE and Out-of-State Credits
Online Courses
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Online hours limit | No limit—all hours may be taken online |
| Provider requirement | Must be MREC-approved |
Out-of-State Credits
If you hold a license in another state, those CE hours may count toward your Maryland electives:
| Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Submit | Email completion certificates to MREC |
| Deadline | At least 30 days before license expiration |
| Review | MREC determines if hours will be credited |
| Contact | dloplrecec-labor@maryland.gov |
Renewal Process
- Complete 15 hours CE at least 30 days before expiration
- Verify credits in your licensing record (providers upload within 14 days)
- Submit renewal application through eLicense Maryland
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Critical: MREC will not accept copies of completion certificates from licensees. All CE must be electronically submitted by the approved education provider.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| CE not completed 30 days before | Reinstatement fee required |
| Expired license | Cannot practice until renewed |
Reciprocal Agreements
Maryland has reciprocal agreements with:
| State | Agreement |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Full reciprocity |
| Oklahoma | Full reciprocity |
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify MREC of changes to:
- Business address
- Mailing address
- Legal name
- Sponsoring broker
Changes are made through the eLicense Maryland portal.
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Maryland real estate license?
How long is a Maryland real estate license valid?
When must continuing education be completed before a Maryland license expires?