Real Estate License Renewal — State-by-State CE Requirements (2026)

Last updated: June 2026

Real estate license renewal comes around every two years in most states, and almost all require continuing education (CE) before you can renew. What you need to do depends on your state — and on whether it is your first renewal or a later one. Miss your hours or your deadline and your license can go inactive, so it pays to know exactly what is expected. The good news: you can complete every required hour online, on your own schedule.

This guide reflects current 2026 renewal rules and shows you exactly how to renew in your state — the CE hours, the cycle, and the deadline — with a direct link to the approved course that keeps you licensed. Find your state below.

Jump to your state: Florida · Texas · Virginia · New York · Kansas · Missouri

Your Real Estate License Renewal at a Glance

Almost every state follows the same rhythm — renew every two years, complete your CE first, file online, and keep your records. Here is how the CE requirement compares across the states we serve, with the course that keeps you active.

State	Cycle	CE hours	Mandatory topics	Start your CE
Florida	2 years	14 hours	core law, ethics	Florida CE →
Texas	2 years	18 hours	4+4 legal update	Texas CE →
Virginia	2 years	16 / 24 hours	ethics, fair housing	Virginia CE →
New York	2 years	22.5 hours	agency, implicit bias, fair housing	New York CE →
Kansas	2 years	12 hours	3-hr core	Kansas CE →
Missouri	2 years	12 hours	3-hr core	Missouri CE →

How to Renew Your Real Estate License

Follow these four steps to complete your renewal and keep your license active.

1. Confirm your renewal date and status. Check your cycle in your state portal — most states renew every two years.
2. Complete your required education. The CE hours and mandatory topics vary by state (see the table) — and your first renewal may differ.
3. Renew online and pay the fee. File through DBPR, TREC, DPOR, eAccessNY, KREC, or the Missouri Real Estate Commission and pay your renewal fee.
4. Confirm “active” status and keep your records. Save your completion certificate in case of an audit.

How to Renew in Your State

Florida

Florida renews every two years and requires 14 hours of CE (your very first renewal is post-license education instead — 45 hours for sales associates, 60 for brokers), filed online through the DBPR. See our Florida real estate license renewal guide, then complete your hours with Florida continuing education. License already lapsed? You can reactivate an inactive Florida license.

Texas

Texas requires 18 hours of CE every two years, including the 4+4 hour legal update, renewed through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Read our Texas real estate license renewal guide, then start your Texas continuing education.

Virginia

Virginia requires 16 hours for salespersons (24 for brokers) every two years through the DPOR Real Estate Board. Our Virginia real estate license renewal guide covers it all — then complete your Virginia continuing education.

New York

New York requires 22.5 hours of CE every two years, including agency, implicit bias, cultural competency, and fair housing, filed through eAccessNY at the NY Department of State. Read our New York real estate license renewal guide, then start your New York continuing education.

Kansas

Kansas requires 12 hours of CE every two years, including the 3-hour required core, through the Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC). See our Kansas real estate license renewal guide, then complete your Kansas continuing education.

Missouri

Missouri requires 12 hours of CE every two years, including the 3-hour core, through the Missouri Real Estate Commission. Read our Missouri real estate license renewal guide, then start your Missouri continuing education.

Why Renew Your License On Time?

Letting your license lapse means lost income — you cannot legally practice or earn commissions while it is inactive. Renewing on time keeps your business running without interruption, avoids late fees, and protects the experience you have built toward your next step. It is the simplest way to safeguard your career.

Missed Your Deadline? Inactive, Reactivation & Reinstatement

If your renewal date passes, your license usually moves to inactive status, and most states give you a window to reactivate by completing your outstanding CE and paying a reinstatement fee. Miss that window and you may have to re-qualify from scratch — so do not wait. Check your state’s renewal guide above for the exact grace period, then complete your hours right away.

Tips for a Stress-Free Renewal

• Start early. Do not wait for the deadline — complete your CE weeks ahead so a busy season never costs you your license.
• Do it online. Every CE course we link here is state-approved and self-paced, so you study around your schedule.
• Know your first renewal. Florida, Texas, and Virginia require post-license education the first time — check your state’s guide.
• Keep your certificate. Save proof of completion in case of an audit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I renew my real estate license?

In most states, every two years.

How many CE hours do I need?

It varies — from 12 hours (Kansas, Missouri) to 22.5 hours (New York). See the table above for your state.

What if I miss my renewal deadline?

Your license can go inactive or void. Some states offer a grace period or reactivation — do not wait; renew early.

Can I do continuing education online?

Yes — every CE course we link here is state-approved and fully online.

I just got licensed — do I renew the same way?

Your first renewal often requires post-license education instead of standard CE (Florida, Texas, and Virginia all have a first-renewal requirement). Check your state’s guide above.

Key Takeaways

• Most licenses renew every two years, and CE is required first.
• CE hours range from 12 (Kansas, Missouri) to 22.5 (New York).
• Your first renewal may require post-license education instead of standard CE.
• Find your state above, read its guide, and complete your CE online before your deadline.

Newly licensed and planning ahead? See how to get a real estate license or how to become a broker. Curious what the work pays? See real estate agent salaries by state.