Rule Changes

The Rules Review Commission approved the following rule changes at its March 26, 2026, meeting.  Text of the approved rules may be found on the Commission’s website under ‘License Law and Rules Changes.’  Changes to the rules are reflected by underlining text that will be added and striking through text that will be deleted. 

A brief summary of each rule change is provided below. 

21 NCAC 58A .0302 LICENSE APPLICATION AND FEE

Effective April 1, 2026, the fee for an original application for a broker license is $105.00. 

21 NCAC 58A .0503  LICENSE RENEWAL

Effective April 1, 2026, the fee for renewal of a broker license is $50.00.

21 NCAC 58A .0513  LICENSE CANCELLATION

Effective April 1, 2026, this new rule permits brokers to voluntarily cancel their real estate license so long as there are no complaints or disciplinary actions pending with the Commission.  The voluntary license cancellation under this rule is permanent.  A license cancelled pursuant to this Rule shall not be eligible for reinstatement.    

21 NCAC 58A .1803  REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE; APPLICATION AND FEE

Effective April 1, 2026, the fee for licensure as a limited commercial broker is $105.00.  This rule change also specifies application and supplemental documentation requirements for licensure as a limited commercial broker.

21 NCAC 58G .0103  DEFINITIONS

Effective July 1, 2026, the definition of “principal office” is amended to mean the physical address designated in the Commission records by the qualifying broker of a licensed firm or the broker-in-charge of a sole proprietorship.

21 NCAC 58H .0101  DEFINITIONS

Effective July 1, 2026, the definition of “synchronous distance learning” is amended to require a student to remain visible on camera to meet the attendance requirement as set forth in 21 NCAC 58H .0207 or 21 NCAC 58A .1705.

21 NCAC 58H .0210 LIMITATION, DENIAL, WITHDRAWAL, OR TERMINATION OF EDUCATION PROVIDER CERTIFICATION

Effective July 1, 2026, this rule change provides that an education provider’s certification may be limited, denied, or withdrawn or renewal of the education provider’s certification may be suspended, revoked, or denied upon a finding that the education provider failed to ensure that a synchronous distance learning student remained visible on camera pursuant to 21 NCAC 58H .0101.  The rule change also clarifies when such action may be taken against an education provider’s certification when the education provider has been suspended by the NC Secretary of State for failure to report, return, or to pay any tax or fee pursuant to G.S. 105-230.

For an overview of the rulemaking process, please see the bulletin article, “Understanding the Rulemaking Process: A Simple Guide for Real Estate Brokers.”

If you would like to receive notification of future rulemaking proceedings, please subscribe here:  https://www.ncrec.gov/home/subscribe.