Key Takeaways
- Maine real estate licenses are valid for 2 years and expire on the licensee's birthday
- Salespersons must complete 21 hours of continuing education (CE) per 2-year cycle
- Required CE topics include core curriculum topics approved by MREC
- License renewal must be completed before birthday expiration date
- Late renewal incurs additional fees; extended lapses may require re-examination
License Maintenance and Renewal
Maine 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 | Licensee's birthday (biennial) |
| Renewal fee | $121 (salesperson), $181 (broker) |
| Late renewal penalty | Additional fees apply |
Continuing Education Requirements
Salesperson CE (21 hours per 2-year cycle)
| Course Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core curriculum topics | 21 hours total |
| Topics must be MREC-approved |
Core Curriculum Topics Include:
- Maine Real Estate License Law updates
- Agency relationships
- Fair housing
- Ethics
- Contract law
- Trust accounts
- Property disclosures
Broker CE (21 hours per 2-year cycle)
| Course Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core curriculum topics | 21 hours total |
| Broker management topics | Recommended |
Important: CE hours must be completed from MREC-approved providers. Online and classroom courses are both accepted.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before your birthday
- Log into Maine Professional Licensing Portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Tip: MREC sends renewal notices approximately 60-90 days before expiration. Don't wait for the notice to complete your CE.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 90 days of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 90 days:
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 0-90 days | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
Expired More Than 90 Days
If your license has been expired for more than 90 days:
- May need to retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete additional education
- Apply as a new applicant in some cases
- MREC reviews on case-by-case basis
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | MREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A salesperson's license becomes inactive when:
- Not affiliated with a designated broker
- Voluntarily placed on inactive status
- Broker terminates affiliation
To reactivate, the salesperson must affiliate with a designated broker and ensure CE is current.
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify MREC within 10 days of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of designated broker (salespersons)
Changes are made through the Maine Professional Licensing Portal.
Designated Broker Requirements
Salespersons in Maine must work under a designated broker:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervision | Broker supervises all activities |
| Trust accounts | Broker maintains trust accounts |
| License display | Both licenses displayed at office |
| Notification | Broker notifies MREC of affiliation |
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Maine real estate salesperson license?
When does a Maine real estate license expire?
Within how many days must a Maine licensee notify MREC of an address change?