My license expired! How do I reinstate it?

To maintain a current license, brokers must renew their license annually between May 15 and June 30. If a broker fails to renew their license during this period, their real estate license will expire on June 30. Once the license expires, the broker must cease all brokerage activities immediately.   

What steps must a broker take to reinstate an expired license? That answer depends on how long the license has been expired.

To reinstate a license expired for less than 6 months:

1. Go to the Commission’s homepage (www.ncrec.gov);
2. Click on Reinstate your License;
3. Enter your license number and PIN (last 4 of your SSN unless you have changed it);
4. Answer required questions; and
5. Pay the $100 reinstatement fee.

NOTE: Following expiration, a broker’s license is reinstated on inactive status. To regain active status, brokers must submit a License Activation / Affiliation form (REC 2.08).

To reinstate a license expired for 6 months but no more than 2 years:

1. Successfully complete one 30-hour Postlicensing course (course must be completed within 6 months prior to submitting reinstatement application); and
2. Submit a reinstatement application with the $100 application fee and all required documentation, including criminal background report;

-OR-

1. Submit a reinstatement application with the $100 application fee and all required documentation, including criminal background report; and
2. Pass the National and State sections of the license exam.

NOTE: Following expiration, a broker’s license is reinstated on inactive status. To regain active status, brokers must submit a License Activation / Affiliation form (REC 2.08).

To reinstate a license expired for more than 2 years:

1. Successfully complete the 75-hour NC Broker Prelicensing course;
2. Submit a license application with the $105 original application fee and all required documentation, including criminal background report; and
3. Pass the National and State sections of the license exam.

NOTE: You will be licensed as a provisional broker and be subject to the 90-hour Postlicensing education program. To gain active status, you must submit a License Activation / Affiliation form (REC 2.08).

For more information, review Commission Rule 58A .0505 or visit the “Reinstate your License” page on the Commission’s website. You may also contact the Commission’s Education & Licensing Division at ls@ncrec.gov or 919-875-3700.