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Maryland · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Maryland Real Estate Agent License

Maryland real estate agents must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
15 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Maryland real estate agents holding a Maryland Real Estate Commission license. Requirements are set by Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor.

When to renew

Maryland real estate agents licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (Md. Code, Business Occupations and Professions § 17-314(a), (c)(1): licenses expire on a staggered basis and renew for 2-year terms. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Statute_Web/gbo/17-314.pdf)

The continuing education Maryland requires

Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor requires 15 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Legal and Legislative Update (3 hrs)
  • Ethics incl. MD Code of Ethics, flipping/predatory lending, professionalism (3 hrs)
  • Fair Housing (2 hrs, residential) or Federal ADA (2 hrs, commercial)
  • Principles of Brokerage Relationships & Disclosure (3 hrs)
  • Supervision (1.5 hrs, brokers/branch managers/team leaders)
  • Electives (4 hrs; 2.5 hrs for brokers/managers/team leaders)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Maryland sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Maryland Real Estate Commission). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor requires 15 hours every 2 years, including Legal and Legislative Update (3 hrs), Ethics incl. MD Code of Ethics, flipping/predatory lending, professionalism (3 hrs), Fair Housing (2 hrs, residential) or Federal ADA (2 hrs, commercial), Principles of Brokerage Relationships & Disclosure (3 hrs) and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Maryland 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; Maryland audits can reach back several years.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Maryland, completions are submitted through the board’s online licensing portal, within 14 days of completion.

  5. 5

    Renew with Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. This renewal also requires passing an exam. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor

Maryland real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Maryland real estate agents need?
Maryland real estate agents must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor.
Which license classes does the Maryland real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
The 15 hours requirement applies to: Maryland Real Estate Commission.
What topics are required for Maryland real estate agents continuing education?
Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor requires coverage of: Legal and Legislative Update (3 hrs); Ethics incl. MD Code of Ethics, flipping/predatory lending, professionalism (3 hrs); Fair Housing (2 hrs, residential) or Federal ADA (2 hrs, commercial); Principles of Brokerage Relationships & Disclosure (3 hrs); Supervision (1.5 hrs, brokers/branch managers/team leaders); Electives (4 hrs; 2.5 hrs for brokers/managers/team leaders).
Is an exam required to renew a Maryland real estate agents license?
Yes — Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
How are completed CE hours reported to Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Department of Labor?
Completed hours are reported through the board's online portal within 14 days of completion. You also receive a certificate of completion for your records.
Can Maryland real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Maryland requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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