Key Takeaways
- South Carolina real estate licenses are valid for 2 years and expire on June 30 of odd-numbered years
- Associates and brokers must complete 10 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal cycle
- CE must include the mandatory 4-hour core course; BICs need an additional 4-hour BIC course
- Property managers and timeshare salespersons are NOT required to complete CE
- Late renewal incurs a \$15 monthly penalty; licenses lapsed over 2 years require re-examination
License Maintenance and Renewal
South Carolina real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Deadlines
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years |
| Expiration date | June 30, odd-numbered years |
| Renewal window opens | April 1 |
| Renewal deadline | June 30 |
Continuing Education Requirements
Associates and Brokers (10 hours per renewal cycle)
| Course Type | Hours | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Core Course (Legal Hot Tips) | 4 hours | Mandatory |
| Elective Courses | 6 hours | Choose any approved courses |
| Total | 10 hours |
Broker-in-Charge (BIC) Requirements (10 hours)
| Course Type | Hours | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Core Course (Legal Hot Tips) | 4 hours | Mandatory |
| BIC Duties and Responsibilities | 4 hours | Mandatory for BIC |
| Elective Course | 2 hours | Choose any approved course |
| Total | 10 hours |
CE Exemptions
| License Type | CE Required? |
|---|---|
| Associate (Active) | Yes - 10 hours |
| Broker (Active) | Yes - 10 hours |
| Broker-in-Charge | Yes - 10 hours (including BIC course) |
| Property Manager | No |
| Property Manager-in-Charge | No |
| Timeshare Salesperson | No |
Important: You are limited to 8 hours of coursework per day.
CE Carryover (New in 2024)
Licensees who complete more than the required 10 hours may now carry over up to 4 hours of elective courses to the next renewal period.
CE Tracking
South Carolina uses CE Broker as the official CE tracking system:
- Courses are automatically reported by approved providers
- Licensees can verify completion online
- Rosters submitted each business day
Renewal Fees
| License Type | On-Time Renewal | Late Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | $45 | +$15/month |
| Broker | $55 | +$15/month |
| Broker-in-Charge | $75 per office | +$15/month |
Maximum Reinstatement Fees (if lapsed)
| License Type | Maximum Total |
|---|---|
| Associate | $405 |
| Broker | $415 |
| Broker-in-Charge | $435 per office |
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
Late Renewal (after June 30)
If your license lapses after June 30:
| Status | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Lapsed | Cannot practice; $15/month penalty accrues |
| Reinstatement deadline | Must reinstate by June 30 of the following renewal cycle (2 years) |
| CE still required | Must complete all CE before reinstatement |
Warning: Practice during a lapsed license period is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.
Lapsed More Than 2 Years
If your license has been lapsed for more than one full renewal cycle:
- Must retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete additional education
- Apply as a new applicant
Special CE Exemptions
| Exemption | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Partial Exemption (25+ years) | 25+ years SC licensure; must still complete 4-hour core course |
| Full Exemption | 25+ years SC licensure AND age 65+ |
| Military Exemption | Active duty military; upload orders to CE Broker |
| Georgia Reciprocity | GA residents licensed in SC may use GA CE to satisfy SC requirements |
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with BIC | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with BIC | No |
| Lapsed | Not renewed by deadline | No |
| Suspended | Disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify SCREC of changes:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of supervising BIC (associates)
Changes are made through the LLR online portal.
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a South Carolina real estate associate license?
When do South Carolina real estate licenses expire?
Which South Carolina license type is NOT required to complete continuing education?