How to renew your real estate license in Washington
Washington real estate licenses must be renewed every two years through the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). To renew an active license, real estate brokers and managing brokers must complete continuing education requirements, submit a renewal application through SecureAccess Washington (SAW), and pay the required renewal fee before the license expiration date.
Washington real estate license renewal steps
Washington real estate licenses must be renewed every two years based on the original license issue date. Licensees may renew up to 120 days before the expiration date.
Step 1
Complete your continuing education requirements
Before renewing your license, complete all required continuing education.
First active license renewal requirements: 90 hours
The first time you renew an active Washington real estate license, you must complete at least the required continuing education. Currently, those courses include the following:
- 30-hour Advanced Practices Course
- 30-hour Real Estate Law Course
- 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate Course
- At least 27 hours of additional approved continuing education
All continuing education hours must be completed after the date you were first licensed.
If you have not previously completed the initial 6-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course, you must complete it before renewal.
Future active license renewal requirements: 30 hours
After the first renewal cycle, Washington real estate licensees must complete required continuing education every two years. The requirements currently include:
- 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate Course
- At least 27 hours of approved continuing education
At least 15 continuing education hours must be completed within 24 months of the renewal date.
Licensees may also use up to 15 hours of continuing education completed within 48 months of the renewal date if those hours were not previously used for renewal.
Once the initial 6-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course has been completed, licensees must complete the 3-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course during future renewals.
Inactive license renewal requirements
Washington inactive license holders are not required to complete continuing education to maintain inactive status.
However, inactive licenses must still be renewed every two years and fingerprint-based background checks must remain current.
Be sure to save your course completion certificates and maintain copies for your records.
Pro Tip: Complete your continuing education well before your renewal date to allow time for course reporting and renewal processing.
Fingerprint background check requirements
Washington requires fingerprint-based background checks to be renewed every six years.
Licensees will receive separate renewal notifications for license renewal and fingerprint renewal.
Step 2
Access SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Washington real estate license renewals are completed online through SecureAccess Washington (SAW).
To renew online:
- Log into your SAW account
- Verify your email address and license information
- Review any renewal reminders in the “Your To-Do’s” section
- Select the renewal option for your license
If you do not see the renewal button, your fingerprint background check may have expired.
Licensees who do not already have a SAW account must create one before renewing online.
Washington also allows renewal by mail using the Real Estate License Renewal form.
Step 3
Submit your renewal application and pay your renewal fee
Before submitting your renewal:
- Confirm all continuing education requirements are complete
- Verify your fingerprint background check is current
After submitting payment:
- Save your renewal confirmation
- Verify your updated license status online
- Download or print your updated license for your records
Washington licensees may not conduct real estate activities after the license expiration date unless the license has been successfully renewed.
Quick renewal facts
Here are a few additional renewal details to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
- Renewal eligibility window: Up to 120 days before expiration
- First active renewal CE requirement: 90 hours
- Standard renewal CE requirement: 30 hours
- Fingerprint background check renewal requirement: Every 6 years
- Renewal method: Online through SAW or by mail
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 Washington
- 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 Washington real estate professionals.
FAQs
Washington real estate licenses must be renewed every two years.
Yes. Washington real estate licenses may be renewed online through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). Licensees can complete their continuing education courses online as well.
If a Washington real estate license expires, the licensee may not legally conduct real estate activities until the license is renewed or reinstated.
Licenses may be reinstated if they have been canceled for less than two years.
Yes, depending on how long the license has been expired.
– Licenses expired less than one year may still be renewed
– Licenses canceled for less than two years may qualify for reinstatement
– Licenses expired more than three years require a completely new license application
Additional education, fees, and reinstatement requirements may apply.
Washington fingerprint-based background checks must be renewed every six years.
Yes. Washington allows license renewals by mail using the Real Estate License Renewal form and payment by check or money order.
The Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate course is a required continuing education course that must be completed during each Washington real estate license renewal cycle.
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.