Key Takeaways
- Montana real estate licenses are valid for 1 year, with the licensing year running November 1 through October 31
- All active licensees must complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) each licensing year
- E&O insurance must be maintained continuously for active licensees
- Montana has no post-license education requirement for new salespersons
- Late renewal incurs additional fees; licenses expired over 2 years require re-examination
License Maintenance and Renewal
Montana real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education, insurance, and timely renewal.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 1 year |
| Licensing year | November 1 - October 31 |
| Expiration date | October 31 each year |
| Renewal fee | $80 |
| Late renewal penalty | Additional fees apply |
Continuing Education Requirements
Annual CE (12 hours per licensing year)
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Continuing education | 12 hours minimum |
| Topics | BRR-approved courses |
| Deadline | Before October 31 each year |
Approved CE Topics
- Legal updates and legislative changes
- Ethics and professional standards
- Agency relationships
- Fair housing
- Contracts and forms
- Property management
- Risk management
Note: Montana does not have specific mandatory course requirements, but all CE must be from BRR-approved providers.
Insurance Maintenance
E&O Insurance must be maintained continuously:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage type | Professional Liability / E&O |
| Renewal | November 1 each year |
| Proof required | For license renewal |
| Lapse consequence | License becomes inactive |
Post-License Education
Montana does NOT have a post-license education requirement for new salespersons. Once you pass the exam and receive your license, you simply need to complete the standard 12 hours of CE before your first renewal.
Renewal Process
- Complete 12 hours CE before October 31
- Renew E&O insurance (if using state program)
- Log into BRR online portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee ($80)
- Receive renewed license
Tip: BRR sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 2 years of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 2 years:
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 0-12 months | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
| 12-24 months | Pay renewal + higher late fee, complete CE |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
Expired More Than 2 Years
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years:
- 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, has insurance | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated or no insurance | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | BRR disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A salesperson's license becomes inactive when:
- Not affiliated with a supervising broker
- E&O insurance lapses
- Voluntarily placed on inactive status
- Failing to complete continuing education
To reactivate, the salesperson must affiliate with a broker, obtain E&O insurance, and complete any outstanding CE requirements.
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify BRR within 10 days of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
Changes are made through the BRR online portal.
Supervising Broker Endorsement
Brokers who supervise salespersons must have a supervising broker endorsement:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Brokers who supervise salespersons |
| How to obtain | Apply through BRR |
| Responsibilities | Supervise licensees, maintain trust accounts |
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Montana real estate license?
When does the Montana real estate licensing year run?
What happens if a Montana real estate license has been expired for more than 2 years?