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District of Columbia · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your District of Columbia Real Estate Agent License

District of Columbia real estate agents must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection) rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
15 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
August 31, 2027
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers District of Columbia real estate agents holding a license in one of these classes: Salesperson, Broker. Requirements are set by DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection).

When to renew

District of Columbia real estate agents licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is August 31, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (DC Real Estate: salesperson Aug 31 of odd years (broker Feb 28 odd) (dlcp bulletin))

The continuing education District of Columbia requires

DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection) requires 15 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • DC Fair Housing — at least 3 hours
  • DC Ethics — at least 3 hours
  • DC Legislative Update — at least 3 hours
  • Property Management — at least 3 hours
  • Broker Supervision — at least 3 hours
  • Fair Housing (3 hours)
  • Commission-mandated courses (9 hours total)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    District of Columbia sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Salesperson, Broker). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is August 31, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education

    DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection) requires 15 hours every 2 years, including DC Fair Housing, DC Ethics, DC Legislative Update, Property Management and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the District of Columbia real estate agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In District of Columbia, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection)

    Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection)

District of Columbia real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do District of Columbia real estate agents need?
District of Columbia real estate agents must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection).
Which license classes does the District of Columbia real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
The 15 hours requirement applies to: Salesperson, Broker.
What topics are required for District of Columbia real estate agents continuing education?
DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection) requires coverage of: DC Fair Housing (3 hours); DC Ethics (3 hours); DC Legislative Update (3 hours); Property Management (3 hours); Broker Supervision (3 hours); Fair Housing (3 hours); Commission-mandated courses (9 hours total).
Can District of Columbia real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the District of Columbia requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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