Keeping your Pennsylvania real estate license active is a key part of your career. It allows you to stay compliant with state regulations and continue working with clients without interruption.
If the renewal process feels a bit overwhelming, that is completely normal. The good news is that once you understand the timeline, education requirements, and fees, it becomes much easier to manage.
This guide walks you through everything you need for the 2024 to 2026 renewal cycle. You will learn how to complete your continuing education, use the state’s online system, and avoid common mistakes so you can keep your business moving forward.
Key takeaways
• Understand renewal deadlines: Pennsylvania real estate licenses expire every two years on May 31 of even-numbered years, and you must renew on time to continue practicing legally.
• Complete required continuing education: You must finish 14 hours of CE during the renewal cycle, including state-mandated topics like Agency and Fair Housing.
• Use the PALS system: All renewals must be submitted online through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), where you verify information and pay fees.
• Maintain your CE records: You are responsible for keeping proof of completed continuing education in case of a state audit, as credits are not automatically reported.
• Know your reactivation options: If your license expires, you can reactivate it by completing CE and submitting an application, but additional requirements apply after extended inactivity.
Understanding the license renewal process
Pennsylvania follows a strict two-year licensing cycle. Every real estate license expires on May 31 of even-numbered years, including the current deadline of May 31, 2026.
There is no grace period after that date. If you miss the deadline, your license becomes inactive right away. That means you cannot legally practice real estate until you complete the reactivation process. You can still reactivate your license after it expires, but it requires additional steps.
Steps to renew your Pennsylvania real estate license
Here is a clear, step-by-step look at how to renew your license and stay active for the next cycle.
Step 1: Fulfill continuing education (CE) requirements
Before you submit your renewal, you need to complete 14 hours of continuing education during the current cycle (June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026).
Most salespersons and brokers:
- 14 total hours required
- 3 hours of Agency
- 2 hours of Fair Housing
- 9 additional hours can be electives
First-time renewals:
- 14 hours of Commission-developed modules
- 7-hour General Module
- 7-hour Residential or Commercial Module
Important: Courses must be approved by the Commission to count toward your renewal
Step 2: Access and use the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)
All renewals are completed online through PALS. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
Before you begin, check that your contact information is up to date. Renewal notices and important updates are sent to the email address on file, so accuracy matters.
Understanding the PALS login process
- Can’t remember your license number? You can easily look it up using the state’s public license verification tool.
- Need a registration code? The Commission sends a registration number in your renewal notice approximately 60 days before the expiration date.
- Experiencing technical issues? For any lingering login problems, you must submit a support ticket directly through the PALS website.
Step 3: Complete the renewal application
Once you are in your PALS dashboard, find your license and select the renewal option. You will answer a series of questions about your background and professional activity.
You will also confirm that you have completed your 14 hours of continuing education. You usually do not need to upload certificates during this step, but you are responsible for keeping them on file in case of an audit.
Step 4: Pay renewal fees
To finish your application, you will need to pay the state fee.
- Salespersons and associate brokers typically pay $96
- Brokers of record, sole proprietors, and broker corporations typically pay $126
Fees can vary based on your license type, so it is always a good idea to confirm the exact amount in PALS before submitting.
Payments are made online using a credit card. If you submit after the deadline, additional late fees may apply.
Step 5: Await approval
After you submit your application and payment, the system will process your renewal. You can check your status in your PALS dashboard.
Once approved, your license will update with a new expiration date of May 31 of the next even-numbered year.
Pennsylvania real estate continuing education requirements
Continuing education is not just a requirement. It is also a chance to grow your skills and stay competitive.
For the 2024 to 2026 cycle, all active agents and brokers must complete 14 hours of CE. This includes 5 required hours in Agency and Fair Housing, along with 9 elective hours.
First-time renewals follow a different structure. If you were licensed between December 1, 2023 and November 30, 2025, you must complete the full 14-hour post-licensing program with no electives.
If you received your license on or after December 1, 2025, you are not required to complete CE for the 2026 renewal. However, you still need to submit your renewal application and pay the fee.
Online courses are a flexible option, and Pennsylvania does not limit the number of CE hours you can complete online. This makes it easier to fit learning into your schedule.
Learn more about Pennsylvania real estate license requirements here.
What to do if your license expires
If you fail to renew by May 31, you must reactivate your license to resume your business. This involves completing an online reactivation application, paying the required fees, and submitting proof of CE completion.
Important: For reactivation, the 14 hours of CE:
- Do not require mandatory topics (Agency or Fair Housing)
- Cannot be reused for your next renewal cycle
If your license remains inactive for more than five years, you lose the ability to simply reactivate it. Under Pennsylvania law, you must retake and pass the state licensing examination to practice real estate again.
Your next steps for a thriving real estate career
Staying compliant is crucial for protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build. But continuing education should do more than just meet state requirements. It should help your career thrive.
With a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership, you’ll gain unlimited access to our entire library of Pennsylvania-approved CE courses, plus career-advancing certifications and exclusive tools designed to keep you competitive. Take control of your professional growth and become part of a community of top real estate talent. Explore our membership options and discover your all-access pass to career success.
Are you licensed in more than one state? Colibri Real Estate offers multi-state CE membership options.
