Key Takeaways
- Rhode Island licenses issued before January 1, 2020 renew April 30 of even-numbered years; newer licenses renew every 2 years on the anniversary date
- Licensees must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal cycle
- At least 9 hours must be core courses, including 3 hours of Fair Housing
- Licensed attorneys in good standing are exempt from CE requirements
- Licenses can be renewed up to 1 year after expiration with late fees; after 1 year, must reapply
License Maintenance and Renewal
Rhode Island real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal Dates
| License Issue Date | Renewal Schedule |
|---|---|
| Before January 1, 2020 | April 30 of even-numbered years |
| After January 1, 2020 | Every 2 years on license anniversary |
Example: For licenses issued before 2020, the current CE cycle began May 1, 2024 and runs through April 30, 2026.
Continuing Education Requirements
Total Hours Required
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE required | 24 hours per renewal cycle |
| Core/mandatory hours | At least 9 hours |
| Fair Housing (within core) | At least 3 hours |
| Elective hours | Remaining 15 hours |
Mandatory Core Topics
Rhode Island requires core courses in these subject areas:
- Rhode Island law defining relationships between licensees and consumers
- Rhode Island law pertaining to real estate licensure
- Rhode Island landlord-tenant law
- Law of contracts
- Federal, Rhode Island, and local fair housing law
- Lead hazard mitigation or environmental issues
- Local ordinances pertaining to residential real estate
- Financing the purchase of real estate
- Ethical considerations in real estate transactions
- Coastal real estate, wetlands, flood plains and sea-rise
Key Requirement: 3 of the 9 core hours MUST include Fair Housing education.
CE Exemptions
First Renewal Exemption
New licensees whose initial license was approved within 180 days of their first renewal date are exempt from continuing education for that first renewal only.
Attorney Exemption
Rhode Island real estate attorneys in good standing with the Rhode Island Bar are exempt from completing continuing education requirements.
Renewal Process
- Complete 24 hours CE before renewal deadline
- Log into DBR online licensing portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 1 year of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 1 year:
| Action Required | Details |
|---|---|
| Use online portal | Same system as regular renewal |
| Pay late fee | Additional fee required |
| Complete CE | Must have completed CE before renewal |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
Expired More Than 1 Year
If your license has been expired for more than 1 year:
- Cannot renew through normal process
- Must reapply as a new applicant
- May need to retake pre-license education and exam
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | DBR disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify DBR promptly of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
- Change in E&O insurance status
Changes are made through the DBR online portal.
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Rhode Island real estate license?
How many hours of Fair Housing education are required within the Rhode Island CE requirement?
Who is exempt from Rhode Island continuing education requirements?