Key Takeaways
- Colorado real estate licenses must be renewed every 3 years
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education, including mandatory Annual Commission Update course
- E&O insurance must be maintained continuously for active licenses
- Late renewal within 1 year is possible with late fees; after 1 year, may need to retake exam
- Licensees must notify the Division of address and employment changes within 10 days
License Maintenance and Renewal
Colorado real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Renewal
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 3 years |
| Renewal Window | Up to 60 days before expiration |
| Renewal Fee | $200 |
| E&O Insurance | Must be current for renewal |
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (24 hours every 3 years)
| Category | Hours | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Commission Update | 4 per year (12 total) | Yes - Mandatory |
| Electives | 12 | Choose from approved courses |
| Total | 24 |
Annual Commission Update Course
The Annual Commission Update is Colorado's mandatory CE course:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hours | 4 hours per year |
| Content | Recent law changes, Division updates, case studies |
| Timing | New course released each year |
| Total Required | 12 hours (3 years x 4 hours) |
| Deadline | Must complete before license expiration |
Exam Tip: The Annual Commission Update is MANDATORY. You cannot renew without completing all three years' updates (or catching up if recently licensed).
Elective Courses
The remaining 12 hours can be from:
- Contracts and forms
- Agency relationships
- Fair housing
- Property management
- Appraisal basics
- Other Division-approved topics
E&O Insurance Requirement
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes - for all active brokers |
| Continuous Coverage | Cannot have gaps |
| Group Policy | Available through approved provider |
| Renewal Verification | Must confirm current coverage |
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 1 year of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 1 year:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Late Fees | Additional fees apply |
| CE Required | Must complete all required CE |
| Cannot Practice | License is inactive until renewed |
| E&O Insurance | Must obtain coverage |
Expired More Than 1 Year
If your license has been expired for more than 1 year:
- May need to retake the licensing exam
- Additional education may be required
- Apply as a new or reinstating applicant
- Contact Division for specific requirements
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with employing broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with employing broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | Disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A license becomes inactive when:
- Not affiliated with an employing broker
- Voluntarily placed on inactive status
- CE completed but not practicing
To reactivate:
- Affiliate with an employing broker
- Obtain E&O insurance
- Notify Division
- Resume practice
Address and Employment Changes
Licensees must notify the Division within 10 days of:
| Change Type | Notification Required |
|---|---|
| Home address | Yes |
| Business address | Yes |
| Employing broker change | Yes |
| Name change | Yes |
| Criminal conviction | Yes |
Important: Failure to notify the Division of changes is a violation that can result in disciplinary action.
Reciprocity
Colorado has limited reciprocity with other states:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | May receive credit for equivalent education |
| Exam | Must pass Colorado state portion |
| Application | Submit proof of current license in good standing |
| Background Check | CBI fingerprint check still required |
How often must Colorado real estate licenses be renewed?
What is the mandatory continuing education course required for Colorado license renewal?
Within how many days must a Colorado licensee notify the Division of an address change?