If you’re a broker or managing broker in Washington State, renewing your license every two years can be daunting if you don’t know what needs to be done and how much it will cost. But this process doesn’t need to be an intimidating hurdle; with some guidance and preparation ahead of time, the process should go smoothly for you.
How to Renew Your Real Estate License in Washington
First Renewal in Washington
If you are a Washington real estate agent or broker, you must renew your license every two years. This usually involves completing certain continuing education credits and submitting an application to the state’s real estate commission.
The first time you renew your real estate license in Washington, you will need to complete the 90-hour post-license education course from an approved course provider. This will include the following:
- 30 hours – Advanced Practices Course
- 30 hours – Real Estate Law Course
- 3 hours – Current Issues in Washington Real Estate Course
- 27 hours – Other approved elective courses
You will need to start these hours after the date you receive your license.
Second and Subsequent Renewals
Your continuing education requirements to renew your Washington real estate license change after your first renewal. You will only need to complete a total of 30 hours of CE courses, which will include a three-hour course on current issues in Washington Residential Real Estate. Another 27 hours need to be approved electives. There will also be a Fair Housing Course that will be six hours long, which becomes required starting on June 1, 2023.
Inactive Washington Real Estate Agents
If you are an inactive Washington real estate agent, it is wise to renew your license before your status changes to inactive. Doing so will enable you to continue working as a broker and earn commissions from sales.
Renewal of your Washington license can be done online through eLicensing. Simply complete an application and pay any necessary fees, then submit it 90 days prior to the expiration of your current license.
Once you have completed your continuing education requirements, you can submit an online license renewal application. Alternatively, you may choose to mail in your renewal documents.
To apply, you will need to provide proof of your current license status and complete the RELMS process.
You must fill out sections 8 & 9 with your sponsoring broker’s information, and section 14 with continuing education credentials. Furthermore, you must answer criminal history questions and resubmit your fingerprints.
Inactive agents will receive renewal reminders via email, which is an excellent way to maintain your license status. Be sure to respond promptly to these messages so that you don’t lose it!
If you need to reactivate your inactive license, filling out a reactivation of the salesperson application and paying $50 is all that is necessary. Furthermore, complete 45 hours of continuing education and submit proof of error-and-omissions insurance as well as any continuing education certificates earned.
Renew Washington Real Estate License Online
You will use the SecureAccess Washington online licensing portal for renewing your real estate license in Washington. If it’s your first renewal, expect to spend some time registering online.
It’s best to complete your CE courses at least 10 days before your license expires so you have time to complete the process.
Renew Washington Real Estate License by Mail
You can also fill out the renewal fee and mail it to the Washington Department of Licensing, along with the application fee.
Cost of Renewing Your Real Estate License in Washington
The renewal cost for your real estate license in Washington will be $223. If you are late with your renewal, the fee will include an additional $40. There is also a reinstatement penalty fee of $100 if you wait too long and your license is no longer active.
Your other cost will be the continuing education courses. These courses can range quite a bit in price, depending on the provider you choose and if you take the course online or in person.