Key Takeaways
- Alabama real estate licenses are valid for 2 years and expire on September 30 of even-numbered years
- Salespersons must complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) for renewal, including 3 hours of Risk Management
- Brokers must complete 15 hours of CE including additional supervision-related content
- Post-license education of 30 hours is required within first year of licensure for new salespersons
- Late renewal incurs additional fees; licenses expired over 1 year require re-examination
License Maintenance and Renewal
Alabama real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years |
| Expiration date | September 30, even-numbered years |
| Renewal fee | $145 (salesperson), $200 (broker) |
| Late renewal penalty | Additional fees apply |
Continuing Education Requirements
Salesperson CE (15 hours per renewal cycle)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Risk Management | 3 hours (mandatory) |
| AREC-approved electives | 12 hours |
| Total | 15 hours |
Broker CE (15 hours per renewal cycle)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Risk Management | 3 hours (mandatory) |
| Broker Management topics | 3 hours |
| AREC-approved electives | 9 hours |
| Total | 15 hours |
Post-License Education
New salespersons must complete 30 hours of post-license education within their first year of licensure:
| Requirement | Hours | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Post-license education | 30 hours | Within 1 year of initial license |
Important: Failure to complete post-license education will result in license becoming inactive.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before September 30 (even years)
- Log into AREC online portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Tip: AREC sends renewal notices approximately 90 days before expiration.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 1 year of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 1 year:
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
| 6-12 months | Pay renewal + increased late fee, complete CE |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
Expired More Than 1 Year
If your license has been expired for more than 1 year:
- Must retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete additional education
- Apply as a new applicant
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | AREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A salesperson's license becomes inactive when:
- Not affiliated with a broker
- Voluntarily placed on inactive status
- Failing to complete post-license education
To reactivate, the salesperson must affiliate with a broker and complete any outstanding education requirements.
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify AREC within 30 days of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
Changes are made through the AREC online portal.
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew an Alabama real estate salesperson license?
How long is an Alabama real estate license valid?
What is the post-license education requirement for new Alabama salespersons?