So, your New York real estate license has expired. Don’t panic—it happens. The good news is you still have a chance to renew it and get back to business. But here’s the thing: New York doesn't allow any wiggle room when it comes to license expiration. According to Article 12-A of the Real Property Law, you can’t legally work in real estate with an expired license. No grace periods, no exceptions. So let’s walk through exactly what you need to do to renew your license and avoid missing out on any more opportunities.
Renewing an Expired License Within Two Years
If your license expired less than two years ago, you're in luck. You can still renew it without having to retake the pre-licensing course. New York gives you a two-year window from your license expiration date to submit your renewal application. During this time, you’ll need to provide proof of completed continuing education and pay the renewal fee. And remember: do not conduct any real estate activities until your license is officially active again.
Once you have completed the continuing education, login on the NY DOS eAccessNY website to reinstate your license.
What If Your License Has Been Expired for Over Two Years?
If it’s been more than two years since your license expired, the renewal door has officially closed. But that doesn’t mean your real estate career is over. You’ll just need to start fresh. That means completing the required salesperson course again and passing the state’s written exam.
Need Help? Here’s Who to Call
If you hit a roadblock or just need some clarification, reach out to the New York Division of Licensing Services at (518) 474-4429. The customer service team is there to help walk you through the process and answer any questions you might have.
Stay Proactive
Let’s face it—life gets busy, and license renewal can easily slip through the cracks. But setting reminders a few months ahead of time can save you from future headaches.
Complete your continuing education courses early, submit your renewal application well before the deadline, and avoid the stress of scrambling at the last minute.