Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania real estate licenses must be renewed every 2 years (biennial renewal)
- Renewal requires 14 hours of continuing education, including specific required topics
- First renewal after initial license requires additional post-license education
- Late renewal within 5 years is possible with reinstatement requirements; after 5 years, must requalify
- Licensees must notify SREC of address and broker changes within 10 days
License Maintenance and Renewal
Pennsylvania real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Expiration
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Expiration Date | May 31 of even-numbered years |
| Renewal Window | Online through PALS |
All Pennsylvania real estate licenses expire on May 31 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, etc.).
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (14 hours every 2 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Commission-Mandated Topics | 7 hours minimum |
| Electives | 7 hours |
| Total | 14 |
Required Topics
The 7 hours of mandated topics must include:
| Topic | Hours |
|---|---|
| Fair Housing Laws | Required |
| Agency Relationships | Required |
| Consumer Protection | Required |
| Ethics | Required |
| Updates to Laws/Regulations | Required |
Topics rotate based on SREC requirements for each renewal cycle.
First Renewal (Post-License Education)
New salespersons face additional requirements for their first renewal:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Standard CE | 14 hours |
| OR Post-License Education | 14 hours |
The post-license education may be waived if the licensee has been actively practicing and completed standard CE.
Renewal Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Biennial Renewal | ~$100 |
| Late Fee | Additional penalty |
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
Renewal After Expiration
If your license expires but you renew within 5 years:
| Timeframe | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 0-60 days late | Late fee applies |
| 60 days - 5 years late | Must complete all CE, pay fees, may need additional requirements |
| Cannot practice | License is inactive until renewed |
| CE still required | Must complete all CE requirements |
Expired More Than 5 Years
If your license has been expired for more than 5 years:
- Must requalify as a new applicant
- May need to retake pre-license education
- Must pass the licensing exam again
- Apply as a new applicant
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Valid but not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | SREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A licensee may maintain inactive status if:
- Not currently affiliated with a broker
- Must still complete CE for renewal
- Cannot perform any licensed activities
To reactivate, affiliate with a broker and notify SREC.
Change Notifications
Licensees must notify SREC within 10 days of:
- Change of home address
- Change of business address
- Change of employing broker
- Change of legal name
Notifications are made through PALS (Pennsylvania Licensing System).
Failure to maintain current contact information is a violation.
Reciprocity with Other States
Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with certain states:
Requirements for Out-of-State Licensees
- Must hold an active license in good standing
- May waive some or all pre-license education
- Must pass the Pennsylvania state portion of the exam
- Must meet Pennsylvania background check requirements
- Must affiliate with a Pennsylvania broker
Note: Specific reciprocity terms vary by state. Check with SREC for current reciprocity agreements.
How often must Pennsylvania real estate licenses be renewed?
How many hours of continuing education are required for Pennsylvania license renewal?
What happens if a Pennsylvania real estate license has been expired for more than 5 years?