How to renew your real estate license in Texas
Texas real estate licenses must be renewed every two years through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). To renew an active license, real estate sales agents and brokers must complete required education, submit a renewal application, and pay the required renewal fee before the expiration date.
Texas real estate license renewal steps
Texas real estate licenses renew every two years from the original license date. Renew your license before the expiration date to avoid interruptions to your ability to practice real estate in Texas.
Step 1
Complete your continuing education requirements
Before renewing your license, complete all required education for your license type.
First-time sales agent renewal requirements
Sales agents renewing for the first time must complete a total of 270 qualifying education hours by the end of their first two-year licensing period. (180 hours of pre-licensing education + 90 hours of first-time renewal education)
Active sales agent renewal requirements: 18
After the first renewal period, active Texas sales agents must complete TREC-approved continuing education every two years. The current CE requirements include courses in the following subjects:
- TREC Legal Update I
- TREC Legal Update II
- Contract-related coursework
- Elective continuing education
Sales agents who have been designated as supervisors by their broker must complete the 6-hour Broker Responsibility Course.
If you renew active status without completing continuing education before your expiration date, TREC charges a $200 CE Deferral Fee. Payment of the fee allows licensees to remain active for an additional 60 days while completing CE requirements.
Active broker renewal requirements: 18 hours
Texas brokers must complete TREC-approved continuing education every two years. Current required coursework includes:
- TREC Legal Update I
- TREC Legal Update II
- Broker Responsibility Course
- Contract-related coursework
- Elective continuing education
Inactive license renewal requirements
Texas licensees may renew an inactive license without completing continuing education.
However, inactive license holders may not engage in real estate brokerage activities while their license remains inactive.
Continuing education must be completed before returning to active status.
Complete your continuing education at least 10 days before your expiration date to allow time for processing.
Be sure to save your course completion certificates and maintain copies for your records.
Pro Tip: Do not wait until your renewal month to complete continuing education. Early completion helps avoid reporting delays and inactive status issues.
Step 2
Submit your renewal application through the TREC REALM Portal
Texas real estate license renewals are completed online through the TREC REALM Portal.
To renew online:
- Log into your REALM account
- Locate your renewal application
- Confirm your education requirements have been completed
- Review your license information carefully before submission
TREC sends renewal notices approximately 90 days before license expiration.
If you have not previously submitted fingerprints to TREC through an earlier application or renewal, fingerprinting for a criminal background check may be required.
Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve licensees of the obligation to renew on time.
Step 3
Pay your renewal fee and confirm approval
Before submitting your renewal:
- Confirm all required education has been completed
- Verify your renewal information is accurate
Current renewal fees include:
- Sales agent renewal fee: $110
- Broker renewal fee: $218
After submitting payment:
- Save your payment confirmation
- Monitor your license status through the REALM Portal
- Verify your license remains active after processing
If your renewal is submitted after the expiration date, your license will be renewed on inactive status.
Quick renewal facts
Here are a few additional renewal details to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
- License expiration: 2 years from original license date
- First-time sales agent renewal education requirement: 270 total qualifying education hours
- Active sales agent continuing education requirement: 18 hours
- Active broker continuing education requirement: 18 hours
- Sales agent renewal fee: $110
- Broker renewal fee: $218
- CE Deferral Fee amount: $200
- Renewal method: Online through the TREC REALM Portal
- Renewal notices sent: Approximately 90 days before expiration
- Late renewal period allowed: Up to 6 months after expiration
- Reinstatement period allowed: Up to 2 years after expiration
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 Texas
- 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 Texas real estate professionals.
FAQs
Texas real estate licenses must be renewed every two years from the month you originally became licensed.
If your Texas real estate license expires, your license becomes inactive and you may no longer legally practice real estate.
Texas allows licensees to renew up to six months after expiration, although late renewals are placed on inactive status.
After six months and up to two years after expiration, licensees must apply for reinstatement.
After two years, licensees must reapply and pass the licensing examination again.
Yes. Texas allows late renewal for up to six months after expiration and reinstatement for up to two years after expiration.
Additional fees and reinstatement requirements may apply.
No. Texas allows inactive licenses to be renewed without completing continuing education.
However, continuing education must be completed before returning to active status.
The Texas CE Deferral Fee allows active licensees an additional 60 days after expiration to complete continuing education requirements while remaining on active status.
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.