Need quick answers about renewing your New York real estate license? Whether you’re a salesperson or broker, this FAQ covers everything from CE requirements to renewal deadlines, online course options, and more. Get clear, concise answers to the most common New York real estate continuing education (CE) and license renewal questions—all in one place.
Looking for more thorough answers? Check out our comprehensive 2025 Guide to New York Real Estate Continuing Education & License Renewal Requirements
1️⃣Core Real Estate CE Questions
What is real estate continuing education in New York?
Real estate continuing education in New York is the mandatory training required to renew a real estate license. It consists of 22.5 hours of state-approved courses every two years (covering topics like fair housing, ethics, legal updates, etc.) to keep agents and brokers up-to-date with New York laws and practices.
How often do New York real estate agents need continuing education?
New York real estate agents must complete continuing education every two years. The 22.5 hours of CE must be finished during each two-year license term before renewal. In other words, you need to take approved courses biennially (every two years) to renew your NY real estate license.
Can I take my New York real estate continuing education online?
Yes. New York allows all required real estate CE to be completed online through state-approved providers. Many agents prefer online courses for convenience and flexibility. Just make sure the provider is approved by the NY Department of State – for example, Empire Learning’s New York CE courses are fully NY-approved for online CE.
How do I know if a real estate CE course is state-approved in NY?
Check that the course provider is approved by the New York Department of State (NY DOS). Approved schools will list their NY approval (with a DOS approval number). You can also verify a provider in the NY eAccessNY system by searching the organization’s name. Always ensure any CE course is NYS-approved before enrolling.
What happens if I don’t complete my CE before my license expires in NY?
If you don’t finish your CE by your NY license expiration date, you cannot renew your license. New York has no grace period – your license becomes inactive immediately, and you must stop practicing real estate. You have up to two years after expiration to complete the required CE and renew via eAccessNY. If you fail to renew within two years, the license lapses and you’d need to reapply and pass the exam again to get licensed.
How many CE hours do I need to renew my real estate license in NY?
You need to complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education to renew a New York real estate license. This 22.5-hour requirement applies to both salespersons and brokers and must be done every two years. These hours must include specific mandatory topics (like fair housing, ethics, etc.) as required by New York State.
How do I check if I completed my real estate CE in NY?
There’s no centralized online database for NY CE completion. To verify, keep your course completion certificates from each CE class. If you’re unsure, contact the school or provider where you took the courses – NY CE providers must keep records for at least 3 years and can provide duplicate certificates upon request. Always save your certificates in case of a state audit.
Are online CE courses better than in-person real estate classes in NY?
It depends on your learning style. Online NY CE courses offer flexibility and self-paced study, which is great for busy schedules. In-person classes provide live instruction and interaction in a classroom setting. Both formats are accepted for New York CE credit (as long as they’re state-approved), so choose the option that fits you best.
What are the best real estate CE courses in New York?
The best courses are state-approved, cover all required topics, and fit your schedule. Many NY agents choose comprehensive 22.5-hour CE packages that include all mandatory subjects in one bundle. For example, Empire Learning’s New York CE package offers all required courses (fair housing, ethics, legal updates, etc.) in a convenient online package – making it easy to fulfill the full requirement.
How much does real estate CE cost in NY?
Costs vary by provider. A full 22.5-hour NY CE package typically ranges from about $59 to $200. For instance, some online schools offer the complete NY renewal package for around $99 (covering all required topics). Prices can differ based on the provider and course format, but always ensure the course is state-approved and keep an eye out for promotional offers.
Our goal is to make your CE easy - here's how!
2️⃣New York Real Estate CE Requirements
How many hours of real estate CE do I need in New York?
New York requires 22.5 hours of continuing education every two years for real estate license renewal. This applies to both salespersons and brokers. The full 22.5 hours must be completed within each two-year license period before you can renew your NY real estate license.
What are the mandatory CE courses for real estate agents in NY?
New York’s 22.5-hour CE requirement includes specific mandatory topics. You must complete at least: 3 hours of fair housing and anti-discrimination, 2.5 hours of ethical business practices, 1 hour of recent legal matters, 2 hours of cultural competency, 2 hours of implicit bias training, and 1 hour of agency (or 2 hours of agency for first-time salespersons). These topics are required in every renewal cycle.
Do real estate brokers have different CE requirements in New York?
No – New York brokers have the same 22.5-hour CE requirements as salespersons. As of July 2021, even long-time brokers are no longer exempt and must complete continuing education. The only slight difference is for new salespersons: in their first renewal cycle, they need 2 hours of agency (instead of 1 hour). Otherwise, brokers and sales agents follow identical CE rules.
What topics are covered in NY real estate CE courses?
NY CE courses cover all required subjects and electives to total 22.5 hours. Mandatory topics include fair housing laws, ethical business practices, legal updates, agency law, cultural competency, and implicit bias training. Beyond those, you can take elective courses (like real estate investing, property management, commercial, etc.) to complete the remaining hours. A good NY CE package will include all required topics plus interesting electives relevant to your practice.
Can I take my NY real estate CE from any provider?
No – you must take NY continuing education from a provider approved by the New York Department of State. Not all online schools or classes are accepted. Always verify that the course is NYS-approved before you enroll. For example, Empire Learning is an approved NY CE provider (you can confirm approvals via the state’s eAccessNY system).
Does NY require ethics or fair housing CE for real estate renewal?
Yes. New York requires both ethics and fair housing training as part of the 22.5-hour CE. Specifically, you need at least 2.5 hours of ethical business practices and 3 hours of fair housing and discrimination training in each renewal cycle. These are mandatory courses that must be included when you complete your CE hours for license renewal.
What are the continuing education deadlines in New York?
Your CE must be completed before your license expiration date (which comes every two years on the anniversary of your license issue date). New York real estate licenses expire every two years on that date, and there is no grace period for continuing education. This means you should finish all 22.5 hours and submit your renewal application via eAccessNY by or before the expiration date. The Department of State usually sends a reminder email/postcard, and you can renew as early as 90 days before your expiration.
3️⃣ New York Real Estate License Renewal Questions
How do I renew my real estate license in New York?
To renew your NY real estate license, you need to complete 22.5 hours of CE and then renew online through the NY Department of State’s eAccessNY portal. Log into your eAccessNY account, fill out the renewal application, attest to completing your CE, and pay the renewal fee. New York requires all license renewals to be done online (paper renewals aren’t used). Once submitted and processed, your license will be renewed and you can continue practicing.
When is my NY real estate license renewal due?
Your NY real estate license renewal is due by your license’s expiration date, which is two years from the date of your last renewal (or initial license date). This date is printed on your license and available in your eAccessNY account. Essentially, New York licenses operate on a two-year cycle – you must renew every two years on the anniversary of your license issuance. You can start the renewal process up to 90 days before the expiration date.
What happens if my real estate license expires in New York?
If your NY real estate license expires, you must stop all real estate activities immediately. You are not legally allowed to practice with an expired license. However, you have a window of up to two years after expiration to renew it without having to retake the state exam. To renew during this period, complete the required CE and submit a late renewal via eAccessNY (there’s no extra late fee, but you couldn’t work while it was expired). If you do not renew within two years, the license cannot be reinstated – you would have to start over by meeting current education requirements and passing the licensing exam again.
How do I check my real estate license renewal deadline in NY?
Your license expiration date (renewal deadline) is printed on your NY real estate license and listed in your eAccessNY account. You can log in to eAccessNY to see your license status and expiration date at any time. The NY Department of State also typically sends a reminder notice (by email and mail) about 90 days before your license is due for renewal. Mark your calendar and renew on time, since there’s no grace period after that date.
Can I renew my NY real estate license after it expires?
Yes, but only within a limited time. If your NY license has expired, you can still renew it within two years of the expiration date by completing your CE and paying the renewal fee. During this time your license remains inactive (you cannot practice) until you renew. If more than two years have passed since expiration, you cannot renew – you would need to reapply for a new license and pass the exam again to be licensed in New York.
Do I need to retake the licensing exam if my real estate license expires in NY?
If you renew within the two-year post-expiration window, no exam is needed – just complete your CE and renew. If your license has been expired for more than two years, then yes, you’ll need to retake the state exam (and meet all current licensing requirements) to get a new license. Essentially, New York gives you a two-year grace period to renew without reexamination; after that, you have to start from scratch as a new applicant.
How do I submit my CE completion for license renewal in NY?
New York’s renewal is done online and works on an honor system. When you renew through eAccessNY, you will attest that you have completed your 22.5 hours of CE. You usually do not need to upload certificates during the renewal process. Just be sure to have finished all required courses before renewing, and keep your CE completion certificates in your records. The Department of State may audit and ask for proof, so retain your documentation, but for the renewal application itself, checking the box that you completed CE is typically sufficient.
What is the renewal fee for a real estate license in NY?
The renewal fee for a NY real estate license is $65 for a salesperson and $185 for a broker, paid every two years. (New York increased these fees in 2022.) You’ll pay the fee online via credit card when submitting your renewal through eAccessNY. There’s no additional charge for renewing online – just pay the standard license fee.
Can I renew my NY real estate license online?
Yes – in fact, New York requires all real estate license renewals to be done online. You will use the state’s eAccessNY online portal to submit your renewal. Simply log in, verify or update your information, confirm you completed the CE, and pay the fee. New York no longer sends paper renewal forms, so online renewal is the way to renew your license.
What are the penalties for late real estate license renewal in NY?
New York does not charge a monetary late fee for renewing your real estate license after the expiration date. The “penalty” is that once your license expires, you cannot practice real estate until you renew. There is no grace period allowing you to work without an active license. You can still renew within two years after expiration by completing your CE and paying the normal fee. If you miss that two-year window, your license terminates and you must requalify from scratch. In short, no extra fines, but you must stop working until you renew, and beyond two years you’d have to start over.
4️⃣ Special Cases: License Reinstatement & Reciprocity
What do I do if my real estate license is inactive in NY?
If your NY real estate license is “inactive,” it typically means you are not currently sponsored by a broker or your license has expired. In either case, you cannot practice real estate until it’s active again. If it’s inactive because you don’t have a broker, you need to find a sponsoring broker who will add you under their brokerage (they can do this through the DOS system). If your license is inactive due to expiration, you’ll need to complete any required CE and renew via eAccessNY to restore it to active status. Once your license status shows as current under an active broker, you can resume practicing.
How do I reinstate a lapsed real estate license in NY?
To reinstate a lapsed (expired) NY real estate license, you must be within the allowed timeframe. If it’s been less than two years since expiration, complete your 22.5 hours of CE and submit a renewal through eAccessNY – this will reactivate your license once processed. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you unfortunately cannot reinstate it – you would need to go through the New York licensing process anew (including taking the 77-hour course and state exam) to get licensed again.
Can I transfer my real estate license from NY to another state?
You cannot directly transfer a New York real estate license to a different state. Real estate licenses are state-specific, so moving to a new state means you’ll have to meet that state’s licensing requirements. Typically, you would need to apply for a license in the new state and pass their real estate exam (and possibly take some state-specific courses). Some states offer reciprocity or accelerated licensing for agents from other states, but you will still need to obtain the new state’s license – it’s not an automatic transfer. Always check the target state’s real estate commission for their rules on out-of-state licensees.
Does NY have reciprocity with other states for real estate licenses?
No. New York currently has no reciprocity agreements with any other state for real estate licenses. (Effective February 1, 2023, NY ended all former reciprocity deals.) This means holding a license in another state does not exempt you from New York’s licensing requirements, and vice versa. If you’re coming from out-of-state, you’ll have to complete NY’s licensing process to get a New York license. And if you have a NY license and move elsewhere, you’ll need to check that state’s rules (NY’s license won’t directly carry over without that state’s approval).
Do I need to retake the real estate exam if I move to another state from NY?
In most cases, yes. When you move to a new state, you generally must take that state’s real estate exam to get licensed there, because real estate licenses do not automatically transfer. Only if the new state has a reciprocity arrangement recognizing your NY license (which is uncommon, especially since NY itself has no reciprocity now) might you skip their exam. Otherwise, expect to apply as a new agent in the next state, complete any required pre-licensing education, and pass that state’s exam to obtain a license.
How do I get a reciprocal real estate license in NY?
You can’t get a reciprocal license in New York at this time. New York does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state real estate licenses. In the past, NY had reciprocity with a few states, but those agreements have ended. So if you’re licensed elsewhere and want a NY real estate license, you must go through New York’s standard licensing process – which means taking the required 77-hour pre-license course, passing the NY state exam, and applying for the license just like any new applicant.
5️⃣ Online vs. In-Person CE in NY
Can I complete my real estate CE online in New York?
Yes. New York permits real estate continuing education to be completed online. You can take all 22.5 hours through an approved online provider at your own pace. This is a popular option – many agents choose online CE for the convenience of completing courses from home on their own schedule. Just ensure the online school is NYS-approved (for example, Empire Learning’s New York CE courses are approved for NY online CE).
How long do online real estate CE courses take in NY?
Online NY CE courses total 22.5 hours of content (as required by the state). How long it actually takes you to finish depends on your pace, but you will need to spend at least 18 hours and 45 minutes in the courses. Some licensees complete the coursework in just a few days by dedicating several hours per day, while others spread it out over weeks approaching their renewal. The key is that you must complete all 22.5 hours before you renew your license – whether you do it in a marathon session or in shorter study blocks is up to you.
Is an online CE course better than an in-person CE course in NY?
“Better” is subjective – it depends on your learning style and schedule. Online CE courses offer flexibility: you can study anytime, anywhere, and progress at your own pace. This is ideal for busy agents. In-person courses offer live instruction, interaction, and a set class schedule, which some learners prefer. Both online and classroom courses satisfy New York’s CE requirements (as long as the provider is approved). So choose the format that works best for you; the content and credit will be equivalent in the eyes of the state.
Do I have to take a proctored real estate CE exam in New York?
No. New York does not require proctored exams for continuing education courses. Most NY CE courses have simple online quizzes or a final exam that you can take on your own (not in a monitored setting). As long as you complete all course sections and pass the provider’s exam or quizzes, you’ll get credit for your CE hours. There’s no requirement to have an in-person proctor for real estate CE in NY (unlike some states that do).
Are exams required for New York real estate CE?
No. New York does not require any exams for continuing education courses. Some providers may require them, but the state does not. Empire Learning's courses do not have any final exams.
What happens if I fail my real estate CE course in NY?
Continuing education courses are designed to help you learn, and most will allow multiple attempts at the quizzes or final exam. If you fail a NY CE course quiz or test, you can usually review the material and retake the quiz or exam until you pass. There’s no permanent penalty or record if you don’t pass on the first try – you just need to eventually pass to get credit for the course. Some providers, like Empire Learning, don't have exams.
6️⃣ Course Topics & Compliance
What is covered in the Fair Housing CE course in NY?
A New York fair housing CE course covers the laws and best practices for equal housing opportunity. It includes the federal Fair Housing Act and New York’s anti-discrimination laws, definitions of protected classes, and real-world examples of prohibited practices. You’ll learn how to recognize and prevent housing discrimination in sales and rentals. Courses often use case studies or scenarios to illustrate proper conduct. By the end, you should be well-versed in fair housing rules and how to comply in your day-to-day real estate activities.
Do I need an ethics course for real estate CE in NY?
Yes. New York requires 2.5 hours of ethics (“ethical business practices”) as part of the 22.5-hour CE each cycle. This means you must take an approved real estate ethics course covering professional conduct and ethical decision-making. Each time you renew, include an ethics course in your CE lineup to meet the state’s requirement. (If you’re a REALTOR®, this will usually also satisfy your NAR Code of Ethics training requirement for that period.)
What are the new CE requirements for real estate in 2025 in NY?
New York somewhat recently updated its continuing education to include two new mandatory topics. As of 2022-2023 (and required going forward into 2025), you must complete 2 hours of cultural competency and 2 hours of implicit bias training as part of your 22.5 hours. These are in addition to the existing requirements (fair housing, ethics, legal updates, agency). So for 2025 renewals and beyond, make sure your CE courses include these new cultural competency and implicit bias topics – Empire Learning, for example, offers courses that cover both in one package.
What is the best CE course for real estate agents in NY?
The best CE course is one that is NYS-approved, covers all required topics, and is convenient for you. Many agents find a full 22.5-hour CE package to be the easiest solution, since it bundles all mandatory courses together. For instance, Empire Learning’s NY CE package includes all the required subjects (fair housing, ethics, legal updates, agency, cultural competency, etc.) plus elective topics in one online program. This kind of comprehensive course ensures you meet every requirement in one go. Ultimately, “best” comes down to quality and completeness – choose a reputable NY-approved course that fits your learning style.
Can I take electives instead of mandatory CE topics in NY?
No. You cannot substitute electives for New York’s required CE topics. The state mandates that certain subjects (fair housing, ethics, legal updates, agency, cultural competency, implicit bias) must be included in your 22.5 hours. After you’ve covered those required courses, you’re free to choose elective topics for any remaining hours to reach 22.5. But the mandatory topics are not optional – they have to be completed each renewal cycle.
Do I have to take a legal updates course for my CE in NY?
Yes. New York’s CE requirements include at least 1 hour of “recent legal matters”. This is essentially a legal updates course covering the latest real estate laws and regulations. So, each renewal period, you must take a course that discusses current legal issues or changes in real estate law. Most NY CE packages will include a 1-hour legal update course to fulfill this requirement. Make sure your CE schedule includes it, as it’s required for all licensees.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you have questions about your license or renewal process that we couldn't answer, the best resource is the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services. You can also reach them at (518) 474-4429.