Real estate license renewal does not happen on the same clock for every agent. Some states reset the clock every year. Some give you 4 years. Most sit in the middle at 2 years.
Knowing your cycle is the first step. Miss the date and you can lose your license. Below is every state grouped by cycle length, pulled straight from each state real estate commission.
Last updated:
How we built this: We read every state real estate commission rule so you do not have to. Hours, cycles, and fees come from each state board site. Always confirm with your state before you renew.
Cycle counts at a glance
| Cycle | Number of States |
|---|---|
| 1 year (annual) | 8 |
| 2 years | 34 |
| 3 years | 7 |
| 4 years | 2 |
1-year cycle states (8)
Annual renewal. You log hours and pay a fee every year. Hours per year tend to be lower, but the renewal lands twice as often as a 2-year cycle.
| State | CE Hours |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | 7 |
| Indiana | 12 |
| Kentucky | 6 |
| Louisiana | 12 |
| Montana | 12 |
| North Carolina | 8 |
| North Dakota | 9 |
| West Virginia | 7 |
2-year cycle states (34)
The most common cycle. Two years between renewals. Plan to chip away at hours each year so the last month is not a sprint.
| State | CE Hours |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 15 |
| Alaska | 20 |
| Arizona | 24 |
| Connecticut | 12 |
| Delaware | 21 |
| District of Columbia | 15 |
| Florida | 14 |
| Hawaii | 20 |
| Idaho | 18 |
| Illinois | 12 |
| Kansas | 12 |
| Maine | 21 |
| Maryland | 15 |
| Massachusetts | 12 |
| Minnesota | 30 |
| Mississippi | 16 |
| Missouri | 12 |
| Nebraska | 18 |
| Nevada | 36 |
| New Hampshire | 15 |
| New Jersey | 12 |
| New York | 22.5 |
| Oregon | 30 |
| Pennsylvania | 14 |
| Rhode Island | 24 |
| South Carolina | 10 |
| South Dakota | 24 |
| Tennessee | 16 |
| Texas | 18 |
| Utah | 18 |
| Vermont | 16 |
| Virginia | 16 |
| Washington | 30 |
| Wisconsin | 18 |
3-year cycle states (7)
Three-year cycles often pair with higher total hours. Colorado is a good example, with the Annual Commission Update course needed each year of the cycle.
4-year cycle states (2)
The longest cycle. Total hours tend to be the highest. California asks for 45 hours over 4 years. Georgia asks for 36 hours over 4 years with set core topics.
| State | CE Hours |
|---|---|
| California | 45 |
| Georgia | 36 |
How to plan around your cycle
- Write your renewal date on a single page.
- Count back from that date. Block one course per quarter.
- Match required topics first. Save elective hours for last.
- Set a reminder 90 days out, 30 days out, and 7 days out.
- Submit your renewal at least 2 weeks before the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What is a real estate license renewal cycle?
It is the time between one renewal and the next. Most states use a 2-year cycle. Some use 1, 3, or 4 years. Your CE hours need to be done by the end of each cycle.
Which states use a 4-year renewal cycle?
California and Georgia both use a 4-year cycle for real estate license renewal. You log hours over 4 years and renew once at the end.
Are 1-year cycles harder than 4-year cycles?
Not really. The yearly hour load can be lower in a 1-year cycle, but you renew more often. A 4-year cycle has more time but bigger total hours.
Do all CE hours have to be done by the last day of the cycle?
Most states say yes. Some states require an annual course inside the cycle, like Colorado. Always check the rule on your state real estate commission page.
AgentCE counts down to your cycle end and pings you at 90, 30, and 7 days out. Free for one license.
Related: 50-state master table | Broker vs salesperson CE | All state pages