How to renew your real estate license in North Carolina
North Carolina real estate licenses must be renewed annually through the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). To renew an active license, brokers must complete continuing education requirements by June 10 and renew online before the June 30 expiration deadline.
North Carolina real estate license renewal steps
North Carolina real estate licenses expire annually on June 30. Renew your license before the expiration deadline to avoid interruptions to your ability to practice real estate in North Carolina.
Step 1
Complete your continuing education requirements
Before renewing your license, complete all required continuing education.
North Carolina continuing education requirements: 8 hours
North Carolina Provisional Brokers and non-BIC Brokers must complete the following for the 2026 renewal:
- 4-hour General Update course (GENUP)
- 4-hour Commission-approved elective course
North Carolina Brokers-in-Charge and BIC-Eligible Brokers must complete the following for the 2026 renewal:
- 4-hour Broker-in-Charge Update course (BICUP)
- 4-hour Commission-approved elective course
A BIC or BIC-Eligible Broker who takes the General Update course instead of BICUP will maintain active license status but lose BIC status or eligibility.
Newly licensed brokers are exempt from continuing education requirements during the license period in which the license was issued. However, continuing education must be completed before the second renewal.
Important continuing education reminders:
- Continuing education must be completed between July 1 and June 10
- Continuing education courses are not offered for CE credit between June 11 and June 30
- Allow up to 15 days for completed courses to appear in your online license record
Be sure to save your course completion certificates and maintain copies for your records.
Pro Tip: Complete your continuing education early in the license period to avoid limited course availability and last-minute scheduling issues.
Step 2
Access the NCREC online renewal portal
North Carolina real estate license renewals are completed online through the NCREC Licensee Login portal.
The annual renewal period begins May 15 and continues through June 30.
To renew online:
- Visit the NCREC website
- Click “Licensee Login“
- Log in using your license number and PIN
- Review your license information and renewal eligibility
Licensees should verify that their contact information is current before renewing.
Step 3
Submit your renewal application and pay your renewal fee
Before submitting your renewal:
- Confirm all continuing education requirements have been completed
- Verify your renewal information is accurate
Current renewal fee:
- Real estate license renewal fee: $50
After submitting payment:
- Save your renewal confirmation
- Download and print your digital pocket card if needed
- Verify your updated license status through the NCREC license lookup system
Failure to renew by June 30 causes the license to expire, and the licensee must stop providing services.
If a BIC-Eligible Broker’s license expires or becomes inactive, BIC eligibility and designation are automatically lost.
Quick renewal facts
Here are a few additional renewal details to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- Renewal cycle: Annual
- License expiration date: June 30
- Renewal period opens: May 15
- Continuing education completion deadline: June 10
- Continuing education requirement: 8 hours
- Renewal fee: $50
- Newly licensed broker CE exemption: Yes, for first renewal period only
Continue growing beyond renewal requirements
Superior School of Real Estate’s CE Membership gives North Carolina real estate professionals unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses, along with career-building certifications and professional development tools designed to help you stay competitive and compliant throughout your career. Superior and Colibri Real Estate are members of the Colibri Group family.
With flexible learning options, you can complete your CE requirements in the format that works best for your schedule:
- Live classroom courses with in-person instruction
- Livestream courses that allow you to attend scheduled classes remotely in real time from anywhere with a stable internet connection
- Self-paced online courses you can complete anytime, anywhere
Membership benefits may include (depending on the package):
- Unlimited access to North Carolina continuing education courses
- Learning Snacks with practical tools, templates, checklists, and business resources
- Professional certifications and specialized training programs
- AI MasterTrack training focused on applying AI to lead generation, marketing, client communication, and repeat business
- Exclusive member discounts on certifications and advanced training
Whether you’re focused on renewing your license efficiently, building new skills, or growing your business, Superior School of Real Estate’s CE Membership helps support your long-term success in real estate.
Are you also licensed in South Carolina? We offer an NC & SC Superior CE Pro Dual-State Membership option.
Superior School of Real Estate also offers individual CE courses for North Carolina real estate professionals.
FAQs
North Carolina real estate licenses must be renewed annually.
No. Newly licensed brokers are exempt from continuing education requirements during the first license period.
Continuing education must be completed before the second renewal.
If a North Carolina real estate license is not renewed by June 30, the license expires and the licensee must stop providing brokerage services.
Reinstatement requirements depend on how long the license has been expired.
GENUP is the required update course for Provisional Brokers and non-BIC Brokers.
BICUP is the required update course for Brokers-in-Charge and BIC-Eligible Brokers.
North Carolina continuing education must be completed by June 10 each year.
Continuing education courses are not offered for CE credit between June 11 and June 30.
No. North Carolina licensees may not legally provide brokerage services with an expired license.
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.