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New York · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your New York Real Estate Agent License

New York real estate agents must complete 22.5 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services rule on September 10, 2026.

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

Who has to renew

This guide covers New York real estate agents holding a license in one of these classes: Real Estate Salesperson and Real Estate Broker, Standard CE — Subsequent Renewal (22.5 hrs, 11.5 mandatory + 11 elective). Requirements are set by New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.

When to renew

New York 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. (NY Real Property Law Article 12-A §441(3)(a) — renewal issued per license period; expiration date printed on each license (staggered by individual issuance date))

The continuing education New York requires

New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services requires 22.5 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Cultural competency — at least 2 hours
  • Implicit bias training — at least 2 hours
  • Ethical business practices — at least 150 minutes
  • Recent legal matters — at least 1 hour
  • Fair housing and/or discrimination in the sale or rental of real property or an interest in real property — at least 3 hours
  • Law of agency — at least 2 hours
  • Fair Housing / Anti-Discrimination — at least 3 hours
  • Implicit Bias Awareness — at least 2 hours
  • Electives — at least 11 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    New York sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Real Estate Salesperson and Real Estate Broker, Standard CE — Subsequent Renewal (22.5 hrs, 11.5 mandatory + 11 elective)). 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 22.5 hours of board-approved continuing education

    New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services requires 22.5 hours every 2 years, including Cultural competency, Implicit bias training, Ethical business practices, Recent legal matters and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the New York 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 New York, you keep your certificate and attest to completion when you renew; the board may audit.

  5. 5

    Renew with New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services

    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 New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services

New York real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do New York real estate agents need?
New York real estate agents must complete 22.5 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
Which license classes does the New York real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
The 22.5 hours requirement applies to: Real Estate Salesperson and Real Estate Broker, Standard CE — Subsequent Renewal (22.5 hrs, 11.5 mandatory + 11 elective).
What topics are required for New York real estate agents continuing education?
New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services requires coverage of: Cultural competency (2 hours); Implicit bias training (2 hours); Ethical business practices (2.5 hours); Recent legal matters (1 hour); Fair housing and/or discrimination in the sale or rental of real property or an interest in real property (3 hours); Law of agency (2 hours); Fair Housing / Anti-Discrimination (3 hours); Implicit Bias Awareness (2 hours); Electives (11 hours).
Is an exam required to renew a New York real estate agents license?
Yes — New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
Can New York real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the New York requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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