Key Takeaways
- New two-year license renewal cycle effective July 1, 2025
- Continuing education requirement of 24 hours per 2-year cycle
- CE must include mandatory Idaho Core course
- Post-license education of 12 hours required within first year for new salespersons
- E&O insurance must be maintained continuously while license is active
License Maintenance and Renewal
Idaho real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education, E&O insurance, and timely renewal.
New Two-Year License Renewal Cycle
Effective July 1, 2025, Idaho transitioned to a new two-year license renewal cycle:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years (previously annual) |
| Effective date | July 1, 2025 |
| Renewal fee (salesperson) | $160 |
| Renewal fee (broker) | $200 |
| Late renewal penalty | Additional fees apply |
Major Change: This replaces the previous annual renewal system, reducing administrative burden and aligning CE requirements with a two-year cycle.
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements (24 hours per 2-year cycle)
| Course Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Idaho Core Course | Required (typically 8 hours) |
| IREC-approved electives | Remaining hours |
| Total per 2-year cycle | 24 hours |
Idaho Core Course
The Idaho Core course is a mandatory current issues course:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Required | Yes - every renewal |
| Content | Current legal issues, law changes, hot topics |
| Updated | Periodically by IREC |
| Delivery | Online or classroom |
Key Point: You CANNOT renew without completing the Idaho Core course.
Post-License Education
New salespersons must complete 12 hours of post-license education within their first year of licensure:
| Requirement | Hours | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Post-license education | 12 hours | Within 1 year of initial license |
Post-license topics include:
- Agency relationships and disclosure
- Contract writing and review
- Trust account management
- Ethics and professional standards
Important: Failure to complete post-license education will result in license suspension until the requirement is met.
E&O Insurance Maintenance
E&O insurance must be maintained continuously while your license is active:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial proof | Required to activate license |
| Renewal proof | Required at each license renewal |
| Lapse | License becomes inactive if E&O lapses |
| Group vs. Individual | Many licensees covered under broker's policy |
If E&O Insurance Lapses
If your E&O insurance lapses:
- License automatically becomes inactive
- You cannot practice until coverage is restored
- Must provide proof of new coverage to IREC
- May face disciplinary review
Warning: Operating without E&O insurance is a violation of Idaho law.
Renewal Process
- Complete 24 hours CE (including Idaho Core)
- Verify E&O insurance is current
- Log into DOPL online portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal
If your license expires but you renew within grace period:
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Within grace period | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
| Extended lapse | May require additional steps |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
Expired Licenses
If your license has been expired for extended period:
- May need to retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete additional education
- Must reapply through standard process
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker, E&O current | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated or E&O lapsed | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | IREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify IREC within 10 business days of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
Changes are made through the DOPL online portal.
As of July 1, 2025, how long is an Idaho real estate license valid?
How many hours of continuing education are required for Idaho license renewal under the new 2-year cycle?
What is the post-license education requirement for new Idaho salespersons?
What happens if an Idaho licensee's E&O insurance lapses?