Key Takeaways
- North Dakota real estate licenses are valid for 1 year and expire on November 15
- Salespersons must complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) for renewal
- CE includes mandatory topics set by NDREC each renewal cycle
- New salespersons licensed in 2025 are exempt from CE for their first renewal
- E&O insurance must be maintained continuously for an active license
License Maintenance and Renewal
North Dakota real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education, E&O insurance, and timely renewal.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 1 year |
| Expiration date | November 15 annually |
| CE cycle | November 16 - November 15 |
| Renewal fee | As determined by NDREC |
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE Requirements (12 hours per year)
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mandatory topics (set by NDREC) | Varies by cycle |
| NDREC-approved electives | Remaining hours |
| Total | 12 hours |
Mandatory Topics
Each renewal cycle, NDREC designates specific mandatory topics. For the current cycle, check the NDREC website for required courses.
First-Year Exemption
| Situation | CE Requirement |
|---|---|
| Salespersons first licensed in 2025 | Exempt from CE for first renewal |
| Subsequent renewals | 12 hours required |
Note: If you completed the 90-hour pre-license course, no post-license education is required.
E&O Insurance Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Required for | Active license status |
| Coverage period | Must be continuous |
| Proof | May be required at renewal |
Renewal Process
- Complete 12 hours CE before November 15
- Verify E&O insurance is current
- Log into NDREC online portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Tip: NDREC sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal
If your license expires but you renew within the grace period:
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Within grace period | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
| Beyond grace period | May need to reapply |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
License Reactivation
If your license has been expired or inactive:
- Must complete required CE
- May need to retake licensing exam (if expired too long)
- Must reactivate through a sponsoring broker
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | NDREC 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
- E&O insurance lapses
To reactivate, the salesperson must:
- Affiliate with a broker
- Obtain E&O insurance
- Complete any outstanding CE requirements
- Pay any required fees
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify NDREC within 10 days of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
- Change in trust account information
Changes are made through the NDREC online portal.
Broker Responsibility
Brokers are responsible for:
| Duty | Description |
|---|---|
| Supervision | Supervise all affiliated salespersons |
| Notification | Notify NDREC of salesperson changes |
| Trust accounts | Maintain proper trust account records |
| Education | Ensure salespersons complete required CE |
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a North Dakota real estate salesperson license?
When do North Dakota real estate licenses expire?
Which statement is TRUE about first-year licensees in North Dakota?