How to renew your real estate license in Alabama
Alabama real estate licenses must be renewed every two years through the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC). To renew an active license, real estate salespersons, associate brokers, and qualifying brokers must complete continuing education requirements, submit a renewal application online, and pay the required renewal fee before the renewal deadline.
Alabama real estate license renewal steps
Alabama real estate licenses renew every two years during even-numbered years. Renew your license before the August 31 renewal deadline to avoid additional penalties and interruptions to your ability to practice real estate in Alabama.
Step 1
Complete your continuing education requirements
Before renewing your license, complete all required continuing education.
Salesperson continuing education requirements: 15 hours
Currently, Alabama salespersons must complete:
- 3-hour “Risk Management: Initial Contact to Accepted Offer” course
- 12 hours of Commission-approved elective continuing education
Qualifying broker and associate broker continuing education requirements: 15 hours
Currently, Alabama qualifying brokers and associate brokers must complete:
- 3-hour “Risk Management: Initial Contact to Accepted Offer” course
- 3-hour Mandatory Broker CE Course
- 9 hours of Commission-approved elective continuing education
Important continuing education reminders:
- Both active and inactive licenses must still be renewed to remain current
- Licensees should verify CE credits through AREC Online Services before renewing
- Continuing education courses must be approved by the Alabama Real Estate Commission
Be sure to save your continuing education completion certificates and maintain copies for your records.
Pro Tip: Complete your continuing education well before the August 31 deadline to allow time for course reporting and avoid late renewal penalties.
Step 2
Verify your CE status and access Online Services
Alabama real estate license renewals are completed online through AREC Online Services.
To renew online:
- Log into your Online Services account
- Verify your contact information is accurate
- Confirm your continuing education requirements are complete
License renewal notices are typically mailed in mid-July to licensees who have not yet renewed.
Step 3
Submit your renewal application and pay your renewal fee
Current Alabama real estate renewal fees include:
- Salesperson renewal fee: $185
- Broker renewal fee: $205
Late renewal penalty fee:
- $150 additional fee if renewing after August 31
After submitting payment:
- Save your renewal confirmation
- Verify your updated license status online
- Download or print your updated license information for your records
Licenses not renewed by September 30 will be placed on inactive status beginning October 1.
Quick renewal facts
Here are a few additional renewal details to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years during even-numbered years
- Renewal deadline without penalty: August 31 of even-numbered years
- License expiration date: September 30 of even-numbered years
- Salesperson continuing education requirement: 15 hours
- Qualifying broker and associate broker continuing education requirement: 15 hours
- Renewal method: Online through AREC Online Services
- Salesperson renewal fee: $185
- Broker renewal fee: $205
- Late renewal penalty fee: $150 after August 31
- Grace period after August 31: Through September 30 with penalty
- Licenses placed inactive: October 1 if not renewed
Continue growing beyond renewal requirements
A Colibri Real Estate CE Membership gives you access to continuing education, career development resources, and professional growth opportunities designed to support you beyond your next renewal.
Depending on your membership level, benefits may include:
- Unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses in Alabama
- Learning Snacks with short trainings, templates, checklists, and business resources
- Discounts on certifications like Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Buyer Agent Expert, and Real Estate AI Specialist (Included FREE in a Pro or Premier package)
- AI MasterTracks training focused on using AI for lead generation, client communication, marketing workflows, and repeat business strategies
Whether you’re focused on staying compliant, building expertise, or growing your business, a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership helps you continue building momentum throughout your real estate career.
Are you licensed in multiple states? Multi-state membership options are available!
Colibri Real Estate also offers CE packages and individual courses for Alabama real estate professionals.
FAQs
If you renew after August 31, a $150 late renewal penalty applies.
Licenses not renewed by September 30 are placed on inactive status beginning October 1.
Yes. Alabama real estate licenses may be renewed online through AREC Online Services.
Yes, during the late renewal period through September 30.
After that time, additional reinstatement requirements may apply depending on the license status and length of expiration.
Yes. Both active and inactive licenses must be renewed every renewal cycle to remain current.
Licensees may verify continuing education credits by logging into AREC Online Services and reviewing the Education History section.
Note: This license renewal information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change at any time. It’s ultimately the responsibility of the licensee to be sure they are meeting all requirements for each license and corresponding renewal period.