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Virginia · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Virginia Real Estate Agent License

Virginia real estate agents must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board rule on September 4, 2026.

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

Who has to renew

This guide covers Virginia real estate agents holding a license in one of these classes: Broker, Salesperson. Requirements are set by Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board. Hours differ by class — 24 hours for Broker; 16 hours for Salesperson.

When to renew

Virginia 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. (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/REB%20Continuing%20Education%20Flyer.pdf)

The continuing education Virginia requires

Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board requires 16 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Ethics & Standards of Conduct (3 hrs)
  • Fair Housing (2 hrs)
  • Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (2 hrs)
  • Real Estate Agency (2 hrs)
  • Flood insurance instruction
  • Electives/Real Estate Related Subjects (5 hrs)
  • Brokers additionally: Broker Management (6 hrs) and Broker Supervision (2 hrs) for 24 total

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Virginia sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Broker, Salesperson). 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 16 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board requires 16 hours every 2 years, including Ethics & Standards of Conduct (3 hrs), Fair Housing (2 hrs), Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (2 hrs), Real Estate Agency (2 hrs) and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Virginia 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 Virginia, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board

    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 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board

Virginia real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Virginia real estate agents need?
Virginia real estate agents must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board.
Which license types have different CE requirements in Virginia?
Requirements differ by license class in Virginia: 24 hours for Broker; 16 hours for Salesperson.
What topics are required for Virginia real estate agents continuing education?
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board requires coverage of: Ethics & Standards of Conduct (3 hrs); Fair Housing (2 hrs); Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (2 hrs); Real Estate Agency (2 hrs); Flood insurance instruction; Electives/Real Estate Related Subjects (5 hrs); Brokers additionally: Broker Management (6 hrs) and Broker Supervision (2 hrs) for 24 total.
Is an exam required to renew a Virginia real estate agents license?
Yes — Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Real Estate Board requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
Can Virginia real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Virginia requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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