How to renew your real estate license in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania real estate salespersons, associate brokers, and brokers can renew their licenses online by completing continuing education and submitting renewal through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) before the May 31 renewal deadline in even-numbered years.
Pennsylvania real estate license renewal steps
Pennsylvania real estate licenses renew every two years and expire on May 31 of even-numbered years. Renew your license before the deadline to avoid interruptions to your ability to practice real estate in Pennsylvania.
Step 1
Complete your continuing education requirements
Before renewing your license, complete all required continuing education.
New salesperson licensees renewing for the first time must complete a Commission-developed continuing education course consisting of a general module and either a residential or commercial module.
Pennsylvania does not offer a grace period for expired real estate licenses, so it’s important to complete your continuing education before the renewal deadline.
Be sure to save your course completion certificates and confirm your continuing education has been completed before submitting your renewal application.
Pro Tip: Complete your continuing education at least 60–90 days before the May 31 renewal deadline to avoid last-minute reporting or renewal delays.
Step 2
Renew your license through PALS
Log into your PALS account through the Pennsylvania Department of State website.
From your dashboard, navigate to the renewal section and complete your online renewal application.
Pennsylvania no longer accepts paper renewal applications. All renewals must be completed online through PALS.
Renewal notices are typically sent approximately 60 days before expiration to the email address associated with your PALS account.
Salespersons should confirm their brokerage information is current before submitting renewal.
Step 3
Review your information, pay your renewal fee, and confirm approval
Before submitting your renewal:
- Verify your contact information
- Confirm your email address is current in PALS
- Confirm your continuing education has been completed
After submitting payment:
- Save your confirmation receipt
- Monitor your renewal status through PALS
- Verify your license status remains active after approval
Renewals must be submitted before midnight on May 31 to avoid license expiration and interruptions to your ability to practice real estate.
Quick renewal facts
Here are a few additional renewal details to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
- Renewal deadline: May 31 of even-numbered years
- Renewal method: Online through PALS
- Continuing education required for first-time salesperson renewal: 14 hours
- Continuing education required for standard renewal: 14 hours
- Salesperson renewal fee: $96
- Associate broker renewal fee: $96
- Broker renewal fee: $126
- Grace period: None
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 Pennsylvania
- 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 PA real estate professionals.
FAQs
If you do not renew your Pennsylvania real estate license by the May 31 deadline, you cannot legally conduct activities requiring a real estate license until your license status is restored.
Pennsylvania does not allow you to continue practicing real estate with an expired license.
If your license has expired:
– Less than five years: you may still be eligible to reactivate your license without retaking the licensing exam
– More than five years: you may need to retake and pass the appropriate Pennsylvania real estate licensing examination before your license can be reissued
Pennsylvania also requires 14 hours of continuing education for license reactivation. Continuing education used for reactivation cannot also be used to satisfy renewal requirements during the same renewal cycle. An additional 14 hours of continuing education must be completed before renewal.
Pennsylvania allows licensees to reactivate a license within five years of the date the license became expired without retaking the licensing examination.
To reactivate a license, you must submit a completed reactivation application, applicable fees, and proof of required continuing education.
If your license remains inactive or expired for more than five years, Pennsylvania law requires you to pass the appropriate licensing examination before your license may be reissued.
Yes. Pennsylvania real estate license renewals must be completed online through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
Pennsylvania no longer offers paper renewal applications.
Yes. First-time salesperson renewals require completion of a Commission-developed 14-hour continuing education course that includes a General Module and either a Residential or Commercial practice-specific module.
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.