Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin real estate licenses are valid for 2 years (biennium) and expire on even-numbered years
- Salespersons must complete 18 hours of continuing education (CE) per biennium for renewal
- Brokers must also complete 18 hours of CE with no exemptions
- Salespersons licensed after October 1 of an even year are exempt from CE for that biennium
- Late renewal incurs additional fees; practicing on an expired license is prohibited
License Maintenance and Renewal
Wisconsin real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years (biennium) |
| Expiration | Even-numbered years |
| Renewal system | DSPS Online Licensure Application System (OLAS) |
Continuing Education Requirements
Salesperson CE (18 hours per biennium)
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| DSPS-approved courses | 18 hours total |
| CE period | Each 2-year licensing period |
Broker CE (18 hours per biennium)
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| DSPS-approved courses | 18 hours total |
| CE period | Each 2-year licensing period |
Important: There are no CE exemptions for brokers. All brokers must complete 18 hours regardless of experience.
First-Year Salesperson Exemption
| Situation | CE Requirement |
|---|---|
| Licensed before October 1 of even year | Must complete 18 hours for that biennium |
| Licensed after October 1 of even year | Exempt from CE for that biennium |
Example: If you receive your license on November 15, 2024, you would not need to complete CE until the next biennium ending in 2026.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before license expiration
- Log into DSPS OLAS portal
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Tip: DSPS sends renewal notices prior to expiration. Set your own reminders to ensure timely renewal.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal
If your license expires but you renew within the grace period:
| Status | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Expired but renewable | Pay renewal fee plus late fee, complete CE |
| Cannot practice | Until license is renewed |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired. Doing so is a violation of Wisconsin law.
Extended Expiration
If your license has been expired for an extended period:
- May need to retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete additional education
- Contact DSPS for specific reinstatement requirements
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | DSPS disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A salesperson's license becomes inactive when:
- Not affiliated with a broker
- Voluntarily placed on inactive status
- Failing to complete continuing education
To reactivate, the salesperson must:
- Complete any outstanding CE requirements
- Affiliate with a licensed broker
- Submit reactivation application to DSPS
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify DSPS of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
Changes are made through the DSPS OLAS portal.
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Wisconsin real estate salesperson license?
How long is a Wisconsin real estate license valid?
When is a new Wisconsin salesperson exempt from continuing education requirements?