Key Takeaways
- Washington real estate licenses must be renewed every 2 years on the licensee's birthday
- Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education, including specific required topics
- First renewal (first 2 years) requires 90 hours of "clock hour" education instead of 30
- Late renewal within 1 year requires late fees and CE; after 1 year, license expires
- Licensees must notify DOL of address and employment changes within 20 days
License Maintenance and Renewal
Washington real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Renewal
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Expiration Date | Licensee's birthday |
| Renewal Window | Up to 90 days before expiration |
| Renewal Fee | $146.25 |
Continuing Education Requirements
First Renewal (First 2 Years)
New licensees have enhanced requirements for their first renewal:
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Advanced Real Estate Law | 30 |
| Advanced Real Estate Practices | 30 |
| Real Estate Brokerage Management | 30 |
| Total First Renewal | 90 |
These are called "clock hour" courses and must be completed within the first licensing period.
Subsequent Renewals (30 hours every 2 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Curriculum (required topics) | 3 |
| Current Issues | As specified by DOL |
| Electives | Remaining hours |
| Total | 30 |
Required Core Topics
The 3-hour core curriculum typically includes:
- Current real estate law updates
- Agency law review
- Fair housing
- Trust account requirements
- Other topics specified by DOL
Important: DOL may specify additional required topics for each renewal cycle. Check current requirements before renewing.
Managing Broker CE
Managing brokers must complete the same 30 hours, with topics appropriate to their supervisory role.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 1 year of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 1 year:
| Timeframe | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Expired | Cannot practice |
| Late fee | Required (additional cost) |
| CE | Must be completed |
| Reinstatement | Available after fees and CE |
Expired More Than 1 Year
If your license has been expired for more than 1 year:
- License is cancelled
- Must apply as a new applicant
- Must complete pre-license education again
- Must pass the exam again
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current and affiliated with firm | Yes |
| Inactive | Valid but not affiliated with firm | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | DOL disciplinary action | No |
| Cancelled | Expired more than 1 year | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A licensee may maintain inactive status if:
- Not currently affiliated with a firm
- CE must still be completed for renewal
- Cannot perform any licensed activities
To reactivate, affiliate with a licensed firm.
Change Notifications
Licensees must notify DOL within 20 days of:
- Change of home address
- Change of business address
- Change of firm affiliation
- Change of legal name
Failure to notify DOL is a violation.
Reciprocity with Other States
Washington has limited reciprocity:
- Must apply through DOL
- May need to pass Washington state portion of exam
- Education requirements may be waived based on experience
- Must meet background check requirements
- Some states have specific agreements (check current DOL guidance)
How many hours of continuing education are required for a Washington real estate license renewal after the first renewal period?
How many hours of clock hour education must a new Washington broker complete for their first renewal?
Within how many days must a Washington licensee notify DOL of an address change?