Key Takeaways
- New Jersey real estate licenses must be renewed every 2 years
- Renewal requires 12 hours of continuing education, including a mandatory core course
- Late renewal results in license lapse; extended lapse may require retaking the exam
- Licensees must notify NJREC of address and employment changes within specified timeframes
- Inactive status is available for licensees not currently working under a broker
License Maintenance and Renewal
New Jersey real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Renewal
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Period | June 30 of even-numbered years |
| Renewal Fee | Varies by license type |
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (12 hours every 2 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Course (Ethics, Agency, Fair Housing) | Required component |
| Electives | Remaining hours |
| Total | 12 |
Core Course Topics
The mandatory core course includes:
- Professional ethics
- Agency relationships
- Fair housing laws
- License law updates
- Current industry issues
First Renewal Requirement
For the first renewal after initial licensure:
- Must complete 12 hours of CE
- May have specific course requirements
- Education must be from approved providers
Renewal Process
- Complete CE requirements before renewal deadline
- Submit renewal application to NJREC
- Pay renewal fee
- Verify sponsoring broker (if salesperson)
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
Failure to Renew
If your license expires and you do not renew:
| Status | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Cannot practice |
| Short-term lapse | Late fees apply, CE still required |
| Extended lapse | May need to retake exam |
| Practicing while lapsed | Violation - penalties apply |
Reinstatement
To reinstate a lapsed license:
- Pay all back fees and penalties
- Complete continuing education
- May require additional steps for extended lapses
Important: If you practice real estate with a lapsed license, you are engaging in unlicensed activity, which is a serious violation.
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, working under broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Valid but no broker | No |
| Lapsed | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | NJREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A licensee may maintain inactive status if:
- Not currently affiliated with a broker
- CE must still be completed for renewal
- Cannot perform any licensed activities
To activate from inactive, affiliate with a broker and notify NJREC.
Change Notifications
Licensees must notify NJREC of:
- Change of home address
- Change of business address
- Change of sponsoring broker
- Change of legal name
- Criminal convictions
Broker Change Procedure
When a salesperson changes sponsoring brokers:
- Terminating broker notifies NJREC
- New broker submits sponsorship paperwork
- Licensee cannot practice during the gap
- License remains valid but inactive until new sponsor registered
Exam Retake Requirement
| Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Failed exam | Must retake within 1 year |
| Passed but didn't apply | Must retake if more than 1 year |
| Extended license lapse | May need to retake exam |
| CE non-compliance | May need additional education |
How often must New Jersey real estate licenses be renewed?
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a New Jersey real estate license?
If you pass the New Jersey real estate exam but wait more than 1 year to apply for your license, what happens?