Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire real estate licenses are valid for 2 years from the date of issuance
- Licensees must complete 15 hours of continuing education for renewal, including 3 hours of Core Course
- First-time renewals require post-licensing education covering 4 required topics
- Renewal fees are $90 for salespersons and $110 for brokers
- Licenses that lapse cannot be renewed; reinstatement is required with additional requirements
License Maintenance and Renewal
New Hampshire real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years |
| Expiration date | Last day of the month, 2 years from issuance |
| Renewal fee (salesperson) | $90 |
| Renewal fee (broker) | $110 |
Important Change: Beginning February 22, 2023, licenses expire two years from the date of issuance, on the last day of the month in which the license was issued.
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (15 hours per renewal cycle)
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Course | 3 hours (mandatory) |
| Elective courses | 12 hours |
| Total | 15 hours |
Approved Elective Topics
| Topic Area |
|---|
| Property valuation |
| Construction |
| Contract and agency law |
| Ethics |
| Financing and investment |
| Land use and zoning |
| Property management |
| Taxation |
| Environmental issues |
| Supervision and office management |
Post-License Education (First Renewal)
New licensees (licensed after February 2020) must complete post-licensing education for their first renewal:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Course | 3 hours (mandatory) |
| Post-licensing topics | 12 hours (4 required topics) |
| Total | 15 hours |
Key Point: First-time renewal applicants must complete all 4 required post-licensing topics, not just any elective courses.
Renewal Process
- Complete 15 hours CE before license expiration
- Include 3-hour Core Course
- Submit renewal application through OPLC
- Pay renewal fee ($90 salesperson, $110 broker)
- Receive renewed license
Warning: Licenses are deemed to lapse when the completed renewal application, renewal fee, and all supporting documents have not been filed by the expiration date. You are NOT authorized to practice with a lapsed license.
Lapsed Licenses and Reinstatement
Unlike some states that allow late renewal, New Hampshire licenses lapse after the expiration date. Reinstatement is required.
Reinstatement Requirements
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Standard reinstatement requirements |
| 6-12 months | 40-hour pre-licensing course + written explanation of good cause |
| Over 12 months | Complete ALL initial licensing requirements (education, exam, etc.) |
Critical: You cannot practice while your license is lapsed. Any real estate activity without a valid license is a violation.
Reinstatement from Inactive Status
Any licensee on inactive status may have their license reinstated to active status by:
- Demonstrating compliance with CE requirements from the previous biennium
- Requesting to change status from inactive to active
- For principal/managing brokers: Providing evidence of surety bond (per RSA 331-A:14)
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with principal broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Voluntarily inactive, CE requirements met | No |
| Lapsed | Not renewed by expiration date | No |
| Suspended | Commission disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify the Commission of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
Changes are made through the OPLC online portal.
Principal Broker Responsibilities
Principal brokers are responsible for:
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Supervision | Supervise all assigned licensees |
| Escrow accounts | Maintain and manage escrow accounts |
| Surety bond | Maintain $25,000 surety bond |
| Compliance | Ensure all licensees comply with laws and rules |
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a New Hampshire real estate license?
How long is a New Hampshire real estate license valid?
What happens if a New Hampshire license expires without renewal?
What is the renewal fee for a New Hampshire real estate salesperson license?