Learn how to renew or reinstate your real estate managing broker license.
Renew your license
- You must renew your license every 2 years
- You can renew up to 120 days before your license expires
- You must renew your fingerprint-based background check results every 6 years
You'll get separate emails for license and fingerprint renewal notices. Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) or create an account to make sure we have your current email address on file. You can also see reminders under the "Your To-Do's" section in SAW.
Renewal requirements
Meet the requirements below and update your contact information online, if necessary, before you renew your license.
Continuing education requirements: Active licenses
To renew an active license, you must take continuing education courses required by law:
- You must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including:
- 3 hours: Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate Course
- At least 27 hours: Other approved continuing education
- You must complete at least 15 hours within 24 months of your renewal date.
- You may also use up to 15 hours of continuing education that you've completed within 48 months of your renewal date, as long as you haven't used those hours to qualify for a previous renewal.
- You must start any continuing education courses after you get your managing broker license.
- If you haven't taken the initial 6-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course, you must take it first.
- Once you've taken the initial 6-hour course, you must take the 3-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course each time you renew.
You won’t need to provide proof of your education unless your renewal notice states you've been chosen for an audit.
Continuing education requirements: Inactive licenses
You don't need to complete continuing education requirements to renew an inactive license.
If you want to reactivate your license, you may be required to take continuing education courses. Email ReEducation@dol.wa.gov for more information.
Fingerprint results
If your fingerprint results have expired, you must submit a new background check.
- If you live in Washington, schedule a fingerprint appointment through IdentoGO/Idemia.
- If you live out of state, see how to submit your fingerprints from outside Washington.
Results take 14 business days to appear in our system. Read about fees and more information on fingerprinting.
How to renew your license
Follow these steps to renew your license.
Gather the required documents
- Payment for the license renewal fee
- Documents for legal background questions (if needed)
Renew your license online
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
If you don't see the renewal button in SAW
If your fingerprint results have expired, a reminder will appear under the Your To-Do's section in SAW. When your results are current, the renewal button and reminder will appear.
Renew your license by mail
To renew your license by mail, follow the instructions on your renewal notice. If you did not receive a renewal notice, complete a Real Estate License Renewal form.
Mail your form and a check or money order for the renewal fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
It will take at least 21 days from the date you mail to process your renewal.
Reinstate your license
- You can reinstate your license if it has been canceled for less than 2 years
- If your license expired more than 3 years ago, you must apply for a new license
Reinstatement requirements
See the requirements you must meet before you can reinstate your license.
Confirm you can reinstate
Email us at realestate@dol.wa.gov with your full name and previous license number to find out if you can reinstate it. We will email you instructions and the amount of your reinstatement fee.
Continuing education requirements: Reinstatement
You must complete coursework within 1 year before applying for reinstatement and pay the license fees and penalties. This includes:
- Completing 60 clock hours of approved real estate coursework
- 30 of the 60 clock hours must include the Real Estate Law course
- Paying all back renewal fees with penalties
- Paying a $100 reinstatement penalty fine
Visit our Course Search page for a list of approved continuing education courses.
Fingerprint results
If your fingerprint results have expired, you must submit a new background check.
- If you live in Washington, schedule a fingerprint appointment through IdentoGO/Idemia.
- If you live out of state, see how to submit your fingerprints from outside Washington.
Results take 14 business days to appear in our system. Read about fees and more information on fingerprinting.
How to reinstate your license
Follow these steps to reinstate your expired license.
Gather the required documents
- Documents for legal background questions (if needed)
- Copies of your course completion certifications ready to upload
Reinstate your license online
We'll reinstate your license faster when you apply and pay online.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to reinstate your license. Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Reinstate your license by mail
Mail a completed Real Estate License Renewal form, a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the quoted reinstatement fee, and a copy of the email you received from us to:
Real Estate Licensing
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856