1.4 License Maintenance and Renewal
Key Takeaways
- Virginia real estate licenses must be renewed every 2 years by the last day of the licensee's birth month
- Renewal requires 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including required topics
- Required CE topics include fair housing, ethics, and legal updates
- Late renewal within 6 months requires late fees; after 6 months, additional requirements apply
- Licensees must notify REB of address changes within 30 days
Virginia real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Expiration
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Expiration Date | Last day of birth month |
| Renewal Window | Up to 90 days before expiration |
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (16 hours every 2 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Required Topics | Varies by cycle |
| Electives | Remaining hours |
| Total | 16 |
Required Topics
Virginia mandates specific CE topics that change each renewal cycle. Common required topics include:
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Fair Housing | Federal and Virginia fair housing laws |
| Ethics | Professional standards and conduct |
| Legal Updates | Recent changes to Virginia real estate law |
| Agency | Virginia agency relationships and disclosures |
First-Year Post-License Requirement
New salespersons must also complete:
| Requirement | Hours | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Post-License Course | 30 | Within first year of initial license |
Failure to complete post-license education results in license becoming inactive.
Renewal Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Renewal (on time) | $65 |
| Late Fee | Additional fees apply |
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Renewal Within 6 Months of Expiration
If your license expires but you renew within 6 months:
- Pay all back fees and late penalties
- Complete all required continuing education
- Cannot practice until license is reinstated
- No exam required
Expired More Than 6 Months
If your license has been expired for more than 6 months:
| Timeframe | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 6-12 months expired | Additional CE may be required |
| 12-24 months expired | May need to complete additional education |
| More than 2 years | May need to retake exam and/or complete pre-license education |
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current and valid, under broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Valid but not under a broker, or post-license not complete | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | REB disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A licensee may maintain inactive status if:
- Not currently affiliated with a principal broker
- CE must still be completed for renewal
- Cannot perform any licensed activities
To reactivate, affiliate with a broker and notify REB.
Address and Contact Changes
Licensees must notify REB 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
Virginia has mutual recognition agreements with some states:
- Must apply through REB
- May need to pass Virginia state portion of exam
- Must meet Virginia fingerprinting requirements
- Education requirements may vary based on home state
How often must Virginia real estate licenses be renewed?
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Virginia real estate license?
Within how many days must a Virginia licensee notify the REB of an address change?