A clear, step-by-step guide to your Texas real estate license renewal through TREC — the 2-year cycle, the 98-hour SAE education for your first renewal, the 18-hour continuing education requirement after that, fees, deadlines, and how to renew online.
90-hr SAE (incl. 30-hr Brokerage) + 8 hrs Legal Update
4 Legal Update I · 4 Legal Update II · 3 contracts · 7 elective
Your Texas Real Estate License Renewal at a Glance
Texas real estate licenses are renewed every two years through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). What you complete depends on whether it is your first renewal or a later one — here is exactly how it works.
This guide reflects current TREC renewal rules, including the 2026 broker updates.
How to Renew Your Texas Real Estate License
Follow these four steps to complete your TREC license renewal and keep your license active.
Confirm Your Renewal Date & Status
Log in to TREC Online Services to confirm your expiration date (the last day of your license month, every two years) and whether it is your first or a subsequent renewal. TREC also mails a renewal notice about 90 days before expiration.
Complete Your Required Education
For your first renewal, sales agents complete 98 hours of SAE education. For every renewal after that, complete 18 hours of TREC-approved continuing education. Finish before your expiration date — your provider reports the hours to TREC.
Renew Online & Pay the TREC Fee
Submit your renewal through TREC Online Services and pay the renewal fee by credit card. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date once your education is complete.
Confirm “Active” Status & Keep Records
After renewing, verify your license shows as active in TREC Online Services and keep your course certificates in case of a TREC audit.
Texas Real Estate Renewal Education Requirements
What you must complete depends on your license type and whether it is your first renewal or a later one.
First Renewal (Sales Agents): 98-Hour SAE Education
Newly licensed sales agents must complete 98 hours of first-time renewal education by the end of their first two-year period — bringing your total to 278 hours with your initial 180 pre-license hours. It includes 90 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE), which must contain a 30-hour Real Estate Brokerage course, plus 4 hours of TREC Legal Update I and 4 hours of Legal Update II. CE deferral is not allowed for your first renewal.
Every Renewal After: 18-Hour Continuing Education
For second and later renewals, active license holders complete 18 hours of TREC continuing education each cycle, broken down as follows:
Brokers: The 6-Hour Broker Responsibility Course
Effective January 1, 2026, every Texas broker must include the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course within their 18 hours of CE at each renewal — whether or not they sponsor or supervise agents.
Texas Real Estate License Renewal Fees
| Cost Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TREC Renewal Fee | $110 | Sales agent or broker, via TREC Online Services |
| 18-Hour CE Course | Online | TREC-approved, completed at your own pace |
| 98-Hour SAE (First Renewal) | Online | Required for first-time sales agent renewal |
| CE Deferral Fee | $200 | Only if you renew active before finishing CE (60 extra days) |
Fees approximate as of 2026 — verify your current renewal fee with TREC before renewing.
Renew Your Texas License On Time
Whether it is your first renewal or a later one, MLS Campus has the TREC-approved course you need — 100% online, self-paced, with your hours reported to TREC. Choose the course that fits your renewal:
When Is Your Texas License Renewal Due?
Your renewal date is tied to the month you were first licensed. Here is the timeline:
CE Deferral, Late Renewal & Inactive Status
If you reach your deadline without finishing your CE, TREC gives you options — but they cost extra and have limits.
The simplest path is to finish your CE early. If you are behind, our 18-hour Texas CE course is fully online so you can complete it fast.
Why Renew Your Texas License On Time?
Renewing on time keeps your license active and your income flowing, and avoids deferral fees or inactive status. With Texas’s booming population and strong housing demand, a few hours of online CE every two years keeps your real estate career moving. See the long-term career outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tips for a Stress-Free Texas License Renewal
A little planning keeps your renewal simple and your license active. These tips help you stay ahead of the deadline.
Get Your Texas SAE Course Online
Renewing for the first time as a sales agent? The 98-hour SAE education — 90 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (including the 30-hour Real Estate Brokerage course) plus Legal Update I and II — is available 100% online with MLS Campus. Finish before your first expiration date to keep your license active.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you renew a Texas real estate license?
Every two years. Your license expires on the last day of the month you were first licensed, two years out.
How many CE hours do I need to renew my Texas real estate license?
18 hours of TREC continuing education each cycle: 4 hours Legal Update I, 4 hours Legal Update II, 3 hours contract-related, and 7 elective hours. Your first renewal as a sales agent instead requires 98 hours of SAE education.
How much does it cost to renew a Texas real estate license?
The TREC renewal fee is about $110, plus the cost of your CE course. If you renew active before finishing CE, a $200 CE deferral fee applies. Always verify current fees with TREC.
How do I renew my Texas real estate license?
Complete your required education, then log in to TREC Online Services, submit your renewal, and pay the fee. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date.
What happens if I do not renew on time?
You can late renew up to six months after expiration, but your license is placed on inactive status and you cannot defer CE. After six months the license expires and you must reinstate or re-qualify.
Do Texas brokers need the Broker Responsibility course to renew?
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, every Texas broker must include the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course within their 18 hours of CE at each renewal, whether or not they sponsor agents.
Can I renew my Texas real estate license online?
Yes. Renewals are completed online through TREC Online Services, where you also pay the renewal fee and confirm your active status.
Key Takeaways
Renew Your Texas Real Estate License Today
MLS Campus is a TREC-approved school with over 20 years of experience. Complete the renewal course you need — 98-hour SAE, 18-hour CE, or your broker renewal — 100% online, at your own pace.