Key Takeaways
- Ohio real estate licenses expire on the licensee's birthday every 3 years
- Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education every 3-year cycle, including mandatory topics
- Ohio requires specific CE topics including Civil Rights, Core Law, and Ohio-Specific topics
- Late renewal up to 2 years is possible with late fees; after 2 years, reapplication required
- Licensees must notify the Division of address changes within 30 days
License Maintenance and Renewal
Ohio real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Expiration
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 3 years |
| Expiration Date | Licensee's birthday |
| Renewal Window | Up to 90 days before expiration |
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (30 hours every 3 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Law (Ohio Law Update) | 3 (required) |
| Civil Rights/Fair Housing | 3 (required) |
| Ohio-Specific Topics | 3 (required) |
| Ethics | 3 (required) |
| Electives | 18 |
| Total | 30 |
Mandatory Topics
Ohio requires specific CE topics each renewal period:
| Topic | Hours | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core Law | 3 | Updates to Ohio license law |
| Civil Rights | 3 | Fair housing and discrimination |
| Ohio Specific | 3 | State-specific issues |
| Ethics | 3 | Professional standards |
Note: The Division may change mandatory topics for each renewal period. Check current requirements.
First Renewal Cycle
Newly licensed salespersons may have reduced CE requirements for their first renewal if licensed mid-cycle.
Renewal Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Renewal (on time) | $81 |
| Late Fee (varies) | Additional fees apply |
| Education Fund Assessment | Included in renewal |
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
Renewal Within 2 Years of Expiration
If your license expires but you renew within 2 years:
| Timeframe | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 0-12 months late | Late fees apply, CE required |
| 12-24 months late | Higher late fees, all CE required |
| Cannot practice | License is inactive until renewed |
Expired More Than 2 Years
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years:
- Must reapply as a new applicant
- May need to retake pre-license education
- Must pass the licensing exam again
- Full application process required
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, under broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not under broker, or not renewed | No |
| Suspended | Division disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A license becomes inactive when:
- Salesperson is not affiliated with a broker
- License is not renewed on time
- Licensee requests inactive status
To reactivate:
- Complete any required CE
- Affiliate with a broker (if salesperson)
- Pay any outstanding fees
- Division approves reactivation
Address and Contact Changes
Licensees must notify the Division 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
Ohio has limited reciprocity arrangements:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | May be waived with equivalent experience |
| National Exam | May be waived if passed elsewhere |
| State Exam | Must pass Ohio state portion |
| Background Check | Required for all applicants |
| Application | Full application to Division |
Note: Check current reciprocity agreements as they change periodically.
How often must Ohio real estate licenses be renewed?
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew an Ohio real estate license?
What happens if an Ohio real estate license has been expired for more than 2 years?