Are you a North Dakota real estate professional preparing to renew your license? The process may feel daunting, but with clear guidelines and a little preparation, license renewal can be a smooth and straightforward task. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of requirements, deadlines, and steps to renew your North Dakota real estate license.
By reading on, you’ll discover everything you need to know about your North Dakota real estate license renewal, from Continuing Education (CE) requirements for salespersons and brokers to renewal tips and what to do if you miss the deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Renewal Deadlines Are Strict: All licensees must renew by November 15, 2025, to avoid late fees. Licenses become inactive on January 1, 2026, and are cancelled after January 15, 2026. There is no grace period for missed deadlines.
- Continuing Education (CE) Is Mandatory: Active licensees must complete 12 hours of CE annually, including 6 hours of mandatory topics. New licensees in the 2025 cycle are exempt from CE for this renewal only.
- Online Renewal Process Required: License renewal is conducted through the NDREC online portal, where licensees must verify CE completion and pay a fee of $125 for salespersons and $150 for brokers.
- Avoid Penalties by Planning Ahead: Complete CE early, confirm that your CE provider has reported your hours, monitor emails from the NDREC, and retain records. Late renewal fees range from $100 to $300, depending on when the license is renewed after the deadline has passed.
Who Needs to Renew and When
All active and inactive North Dakota real estate licensees, including both salespersons and brokers, are required to complete the renewal process.
- November 15, 2025: Deadline to renew your license and complete CE requirements (if applicable).
- November 16, 2025: Late renewal fees of $100 per month per license begin to accumulate.
- December 31, 2025: Active licenses not renewed by this date will automatically become inactive as of January 1, 2025.
- January 15, 2026: Final deadline to renew. Licenses not renewed by this date will be cancelled.
There is no grace period for missed deadlines!
- New Licensees: If you were issued a new license for the 2025 cycle, you still need to renew, but you’re exempt from CE requirements for this renewal cycle.
- Reactivation for Inactive Licenses: Inactive licensees in North Dakota are not required to complete CE during the time their license remains inactive. However, when reactivating an inactive license, they must fulfill the CE requirements for each cycle the license was inactive, up to a maximum of three cycles. This coursework must be completed within the three years immediately prior to reactivating the license.
North Dakota Real Estate Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
One of the most vital aspects of license renewal is fulfilling the CE requirements. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.
Total hours required
All licensees are required to complete 12 hours of CE annually, including 6 hours on mandatory topics and 6 hours of electives.
Mandatory topics
Each year, the North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC) designates specific topics as mandatory. Make sure you’re aware of the current cycle’s requirements.
Approved providers
CE must be completed through NDREC-approved education providers. Verify your provider in advance to ensure your hours count.
Submission process
Your CE provider will typically report your course completions directly to the NDREC. However, it’s critical to verify this before the deadline.
Remember, CE completion is the foundation of your renewal process, so make it a priority. If the required CE is not completed by November 15, you must renew as inactive to avoid potential disciplinary action. If you renew your license as inactive due to the late completion of CE, you can transfer it to active status effective January 1 or later, provided the CE is completed.
How to Renew Your Real Estate License in North Dakota
The North Dakota Real Estate Commission has streamlined the renewal process through its online portal. Ensure your email is current in the NDREC Licensee Directory. NDREC emails critical instructions and alerts; you are responsible for keeping your contact information current. Follow these steps for a hassle-free renewal.
Step 1: Visit the NDREC portal
Head over to the NDREC Online Services Portal to begin your renewal process.
Step 2: Log in or create an account
Access your existing account or create one if you’re logging in for the first time.
Step 3: Verify CE completion
Confirm that your required CE hours have been reported and are reflected in your account.
Step 4: Pay the renewal fee
Use the secure portal to pay your renewal fee. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
- North Dakota salesperson renewal fee: $125
- North Dakota broker renewal fee: $150
Step 5: Receive confirmation
After completing these steps, you’ll receive a notification of your renewal status.
Costs for North Dakota Real Estate License Renewal
Here’s a breakdown of costs that may apply to the renewal process.
- Salesperson renewal fee: $125
- Broker renewal fee: $150
- CE course costs: Typically $30 – $50 per hour, depending on the provider. Look for bundled packages to save money and hassle!
Planning ahead ensures you avoid unnecessary late fees or expenses.
What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline
Did you miss the deadlines? Here’s what to expect.
Expired license
If you don’t renew by December 31, your license is considered expired, and you may not legally practice real estate.
Late fees
| Renewal Date Range | Late Fee |
| November 16–30, 2025 | $100 |
| December 1-31, 2025 | $200 |
| January 1-15, 2026 | $300 |
Avoid disruptions to your career by ensuring you renew on time.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process
Here are a few tips to make the renewal process as seamless as possible.
- Complete CE Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Completing CE ahead of time ensures you avoid any unexpected issues.
- Verify CE Reporting: Confirm that your provider has submitted your course completions to the NDREC.
- Monitor NDREC Emails: Keep an eye out for reminders and updates from the NDREC in your inbox.
- Keep CE Records: Save copies of your receipts and certificates for future reference.
Contact Information and Helpful Links
Have more questions? Use these helpful links and contact details.
- North Dakota Real Estate Commission website: www.realestatend.org
- NDREC Online Services Portal: Renew your license here
- License status lookup tool: Check license status
- NDREC contact details
- Phone: 701-328-9749
- Address: 1120 College Drive, Suite 204, Bismarck, ND 58501
Don’t Miss Out on Renewing Your License
Renewing your North Dakota real estate license doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following the guidelines outlined here and leveraging the NDREC’s online tools, you’ll ensure your license remains active, and your career stays on track.
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