New York Real Estate License Renewal Requirements (2026 Guide)

If you’re a New York real estate salesperson or broker, keeping your license active is simple — but missing a renewal deadline or failing to complete the correct continuing education can stop you from legally practicing real estate in NY.

Every year thousands of agents scramble at the last minute trying to figure out:

• How many hours they need

• Which courses are mandatory

• Whether their license has expired

• Where they can complete the courses quickly

This article explains exactly what New York real estate licensees must do to renew their license — and how to complete the required courses online and at your own pace.

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New York Real Estate License Renewal Requirements

In New York, both real estate salespersons and real estate brokers must renew their licenses every two years through the New York Department of State (DOS), Division of Licensing Services.

To renew your license, you must complete:

22.5 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal cycle. These credits must be completed prior to renewing directly with the state.

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Mandatory Topics Required for NY Real Estate License Renewal

Within the 22.5 hours, New York requires specific mandatory subjects.

Required Courses

New York licensees must complete:

• 3 Hours — Fair Housing

• 1 Hour — Agency (2 if first renewal cycle)

• 2.5 Hours — Ethical Business Practices

• 1 Hour — Legal Updates

• 2 Hours — Cultural Competency

• 2 Hours — Implicit Bias

The remaining hours can be completed as elective continuing education courses approved by the New York Department of State.

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Total Continuing Education Breakdown

Here is the standard 22.5 hour NY renewal structure:

These courses must be completed through a DOS-approved real estate school.

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When Is Your NY Real Estate License Renewal Due?

Your license expires every two years. 

You can check your expiration date by searching your license in the New York Department of State licensing database here.

Most agents complete their CE within the last 30 days before expiration, but waiting until the last minute can create problems if something else comes up at the last minute.

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What Happens If Your License Expires?

If your license expires before you renew:

• You cannot legally practice real estate

• You may have to reinstate your license

• You will have to pay a late fee

• Your brokerage may suspend your affiliation

Avoiding these issues is simple: complete your CE early and renew on time.

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The Fastest Way to Complete Your 22.5 Hours

The easiest way to renew your license is to complete a full 22.5 hour continuing education package online.

Keep Me Certified offers a 22.5 credit package that includes all of the approved mandatory and elective credits needed to renew.

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Complete Your NY Real Estate CE Online with Keep Me Certified

At KeepMeCertified.com, we designed our courses specifically for busy real estate professionals who want to learn something new every renewal cycle.

Our New York 22.5 Hour CE Package includes:

✔ All required NY mandatory topics
✔ All elective hours needed to reach 22.5 credits
✔ Fully online, self-paced courses
✔ Instant certificate of completion
✔ State-approved curriculums

This allows you to complete your entire renewal requirement in one place.

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Why Thousands of Real Estate Agents Choose Keep Me Certified

Real estate professionals choose KeepMeCertified because our courses are:

• Simple and easy to complete

• Mobile-friendly

• Designed for real estate professionals

• Available anytime — 24/7 access

Keep in mind, it takes about 22.5 hours to complete 22.5 credits, so don’t wait until the last few days before your license expires.

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Start Your NY Real Estate License Renewal Today

If your license renewal date is approaching, the best move is to complete your continuing education now and avoid last-minute stress.

You can complete your entire 22.5 hour requirement online today at keepmecertified.com.

👉 Visit KeepMeCertified.com to get started.