1.4 License Maintenance and Renewal
Key Takeaways
- Georgia real estate licenses expire on the licensee's birthday in the 4th year after issuance
- Renewal requires 36 hours of continuing education every 4 years, including 3 hours of Georgia License Law
- Starting July 1, 2025, brokers must complete 18 hours of broker-specific CE as part of the 36-hour requirement
- Late renewal within 2 years requires payment of lapsed fees; after 2 years, retake exam required
- Licensees must notify GREC of address changes within 30 days
Georgia real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Expiration
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 4 years |
| Expiration Date | Last day of birth month, 4th year |
| Renewal Window | Up to 6 months before expiration |
Continuing Education Requirements
Salesperson CE (36 hours every 4 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Georgia License Law | 3 (required) |
| Electives | 33 |
| Total | 36 |
Broker CE Requirements (Starting July 1, 2025)
Per GREC rule changes effective July 1, 2025:
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Georgia License Law | 3 (required) |
| Broker-Specific Education | 18 (required) |
| Electives | 15 |
| Total | 36 |
Important: The new 18-hour broker CE requirement applies to Associate Brokers, Brokers, and Qualifying Brokers. It does NOT apply to Salespersons or CAM licensees.
First-Year Post-License Requirement
New salespersons must also complete:
| Requirement | Hours | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Post-License Course | 25 | First year after initial license |
Failure to complete post-license education results in automatic license lapse.
Renewal Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Renewal (on time) | $125 |
| Late Fee (within 2 years) | Additional fees apply |
| Reinstatement (after lapse) | Varies |
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
Renewal Within 2 Years of Expiration
If your license expires but you renew within 2 years:
- Pay all back fees and penalties
- Complete all required continuing education
- Cannot practice until license is reinstated
- No exam required
Expired More Than 2 Years
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years:
- Must retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete additional education
- Apply as if a new applicant
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current and valid, under broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Valid but not under a broker | No |
| Lapsed | Not renewed/CE not completed | No |
| Suspended | GREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A licensee may maintain inactive status if:
- Not currently affiliated with a broker
- CE must still be completed for renewal
- Cannot perform any licensed activities
To reactivate, affiliate with a broker and notify GREC.
Address and Contact Changes
Licensees must notify GREC 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
Georgia has full reciprocity with all other U.S. states for licensees with active, good-standing licenses. Reciprocity applicants may:
- Skip Georgia pre-license education
- Skip the national portion of the exam
- Must pass the Georgia state portion (52 questions)
- Must meet background check requirements
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Georgia real estate license?
What new CE requirement takes effect for Georgia brokers starting July 1, 2025?
If a Georgia real estate license has been expired for more than 2 years, what must the former licensee do?