Key Takeaways
- Virginia real estate licenses must be renewed every 2 years by the last day of the licensee's birth month
- Renewal requires 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including required topics
- Required CE topics include fair housing, ethics, and legal updates
- Late renewal within 6 months requires late fees; after 6 months, additional requirements apply
- Licensees must notify REB of address changes within 30 days
License Maintenance and Renewal
Virginia real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Expiration
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Expiration Date | Last day of birth month |
| Renewal Window | Up to 90 days before expiration |
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (16 hours every 2 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Required Topics | Varies by cycle |
| Electives | Remaining hours |
| Total | 16 |
Required Topics
Virginia mandates specific CE topics that change each renewal cycle. Common required topics include:
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Fair Housing | Federal and Virginia fair housing laws |
| Ethics | Professional standards and conduct |
| Legal Updates | Recent changes to Virginia real estate law |
| Agency | Virginia agency relationships and disclosures |
First-Year Post-License Requirement
New salespersons must also complete:
| Requirement | Hours | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Post-License Course | 30 | Within first year of initial license |
Failure to complete post-license education results in license becoming inactive.
Renewal Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Renewal (on time) | $65 |
| Late Fee | Additional fees apply |
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Renewal Within 6 Months of Expiration
If your license expires but you renew within 6 months:
- Pay all back fees and late penalties
- Complete all required continuing education
- Cannot practice until license is reinstated
- No exam required
Expired More Than 6 Months
If your license has been expired for more than 6 months:
| Timeframe | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 6-12 months expired | Additional CE may be required |
| 12-24 months expired | May need to complete additional education |
| More than 2 years | May need to retake exam and/or complete pre-license education |
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current and valid, under broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Valid but not under a broker, or post-license not complete | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | REB disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A licensee may maintain inactive status if:
- Not currently affiliated with a principal broker
- CE must still be completed for renewal
- Cannot perform any licensed activities
To reactivate, affiliate with a broker and notify REB.
Address and Contact Changes
Licensees must notify REB within 30 days of:
- Change of home address
- Change of business address
- Change of email address
- Change of legal name
Failure to maintain current contact information is a violation.
Reciprocity with Other States
Virginia has mutual recognition agreements with some states:
- Must apply through REB
- May need to pass Virginia state portion of exam
- Must meet Virginia fingerprinting requirements
- Education requirements may vary based on home state
How often must Virginia real estate licenses be renewed?
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Virginia real estate license?
Within how many days must a Virginia licensee notify the REB of an address change?