Key Takeaways
- Nebraska real estate licenses are valid for 2 years with a November 30 deadline in odd-numbered years
- All licensees must complete 18 hours of continuing education (CE) for renewal
- CE must include at least 6 hours in designated subject matter ("R" courses) and 12 hours in approved courses
- Post-license education of 12 hours (Course 7000) is required within 180 days of initial licensure
- Late renewal incurs \$25 per month penalty; renewal deadline is December 1
License Maintenance and Renewal
Nebraska real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years |
| Renewal deadline | November 30 (odd-numbered years) |
| Renewal fee | $220 |
| Late renewal penalty | $25 per month |
Important: Applications for renewal must be received on or before December 1 to avoid late fees.
Continuing Education Requirements
All Licensees (18 hours per renewal cycle)
| Course Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Designated subject matter ("R" courses) | 6 hours minimum |
| NREC-approved electives | 12 hours |
| Total | 18 hours |
"R" Course Requirements
Designated subject matter courses cover specific topics required by NREC:
- Agency relationships
- Fair housing
- License law updates
- Trust account management
- Other designated topics
Post-License Education
New salespersons must complete 12 hours of post-license education within 180 days of initial licensure:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Course #7000 only |
| Hours | 12 hours |
| Deadline | Within 180 days of license issuance |
2026 Change: Effective January 1, 2026, if Course 7000 completion date is over four years old, the new licensee must retake Course 7000 within 180 days.
Designated Broker Post-License
Brokers who will supervise other licensees must complete Course #6000:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Course #6000 |
| Hours | 12 hours |
| Topics | Trust accounting, brokerage finance, ethics, risk management |
| Timing | Before supervising any affiliated licensees |
Important: Failure to complete post-license education will result in license becoming inactive.
Renewal Process
- Complete 18 hours CE before November 30
- Log into NREC online system
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee ($220)
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal Penalties
| Time After Deadline | Penalty |
|---|---|
| December 2 onwards | $25 per month or portion of month |
| Each additional month | Additional $25 |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
Reactivating an Expired License
If your license has expired:
- Must complete all outstanding CE
- Pay renewal fee plus late penalties
- May need to complete additional education
- Extended lapses may require re-examination
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with designated broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | NREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A license becomes inactive when:
- Not affiliated with a designated broker
- Voluntarily placed on inactive status
- Failing to complete required education
To reactivate, the licensee must affiliate with a designated broker and complete any outstanding education requirements.
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify NREC of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of designated broker (for salespersons)
Changes are made through the NREC online system.
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Nebraska real estate license?
What is the post-license education requirement for new Nebraska salespersons?
What is the late renewal penalty in Nebraska?