How to Renew a Real Estate License in Louisiana

Staying active and compliant in Louisiana’s real estate market starts with renewing your license on time. This article will help you through the full license renewal process, regardless of whether you work as a real estate broker or salesperson.

You'll find all the information you need to stay up to date and develop your career, including your continuing education (CE) requirements, important dates, and frequently asked questions. Let's begin!

How Long is a Real Estate License Good for in Louisiana?

Your real estate license is issued on an annual basis and must be renewed each year to remain active. The standard license term runs through December 31, meaning all real estate professionals—both salespersons and brokers—must complete the required continuing education (CE), before the end of the calendar year to avoid expiration.

Steps to Renew Your Real Estate License

Renewing your Louisiana real estate license is a simple process when you understand the steps. Below is an overview of the required steps, which we’ll break down in more detail throughout this guide:

1. Verify Your License Status
2. Complete the Required Continuing Education (CE)
3. Submit Your Renewal Application
4. Pay the License Renewal Fee

Following these steps on time each year helps you avoid late penalties and keeps your real estate career running smoothly in Louisiana.

1. Verify Your License Status

It's crucial to verify whether your Louisiana real estate license is active or inactive before beginning the renewal process:

• Active License: If you're actively practicing real estate, you'll need to complete the standard annual renewal requirements—including continuing education and fee payment—to maintain your license in good standing.
• Inactive License: If you're not currently working in real estate, your license may be inactive. While you’re still required to renew annually, different fees or additional steps may apply if you plan to reactivate your license.

To ensure you're following the most up-to-date guidelines, always refer to the official Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) website for current license renewal requirements and deadlines.

2. Complete the Required Continuing Education (CE)

All licensees—both salespersons and brokers—must complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) each calendar year. This includes a 4-hour mandatory course set by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC), along with 8 hours of approved electives.

For Salespersons:

You are required to complete the 4-hour mandatory topic designated by the LREC, plus 8 hours of elective courses from a state-approved CE provider, for a total of 12 hours.

For Brokers:

Brokers must also complete 12 total hours of continuing education, which includes the same 4-hour mandatory course and 8 hours of approved elective topics.

When you're ready to complete your CE, consider enrolling in US Realty Training’s partnered continuing education programs—designed in partnership with approved providers to help Louisiana real estate professionals meet renewal requirements efficiently and at their own pace

3. Submit Your Renewal Application

After completing your required continuing education hours, the next step is to submit your real estate license renewal application through the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC). Most licensees can handle this process online via the MyLREC Portal.

Here’s how to submit your renewal application through the LREC portal:

1. Log in to the MyLREC Portal at https://portal.lrec.gov using your user credentials.
2. Navigate to the “Renew License” section and select the license you wish to renew if you hold multiple licenses.
3. Carefully review all your personal and license information, including your completed continuing education (CE) credits. Confirm that the mandatory 12 hours of CE — including the 4-hour state-mandated course — are accurately recorded.
4. Update any outdated contact or professional details as needed to ensure your records are current.
5. Submit your renewal application directly through the portal once everything is confirmed.

Completing this step online saves time and helps avoid errors, ensuring your renewal is processed smoothly.

4. Pay the License Renewal Fee

To finalize your renewal, you must pay the required renewal fee via the MyLREC Portal. Timely payment is essential to keep your license active and avoid any late fees or penalties.

Payment tips:

• Once your renewal application is submitted, the portal will prompt you to pay your renewal fee securely using a credit card or ACH payment.
• Make sure to complete your payment by September 30, 2025. to avoid additional late fees or potential license suspension.
• If you miss the deadline, the LREC typically offers a grace period to renew with late fees applied, but this may also require extra reinstatement steps.

Keeping your license active by submitting both your renewal application and payment on time through the official LREC portal protects your ability to legally practice real estate in Louisiana.

FAQs about Renewing Your Real Estate License in Louisiana

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions related to renewing your Louisiana real estate license.

Can You Renew a Real Estate License After it Expires?

If you miss the renewal deadline, it’s important to act fast. In Louisiana, real estate licenses expire on December 31 if not renewed. Unlike some states, there is no post-expiration grace period—once your license expires, it becomes invalid.

To regain your license, you must reapply as a new applicant through the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC). This includes:

• Submitting a new license application
• Retaking the state and national real estate exams
• Completing a new fingerprint-based background check

The good news: you do not have to retake the 90-hour pre-licensing course, but the reapplication process can be time-consuming and costly.

How Much Does a Real Estate License Renewal Cost in Louisiana?

When renewing your Louisiana real estate license, you’ll typically encounter a few key costs: the renewal fee itself, any late fees if you miss the deadline, and the cost of your continuing education courses, which can vary depending on the provider and course bundle you choose.

Here’s how late fees break down:

• If you renew between October 1 and November 15, expect a $50 late fee regardless of your license status.
• Renewing between November 16 and December 31 means a $200 fee if your license is active, or $50 if it’s inactive.

Continuing education costs usually range from $50 to $250. Prices depend on the course provider and the package you select, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best fit.

To keep your license active and avoid extra fees, plan ahead and stay on top of these deadlines. 

What Can I Expect From an Online Continuing Education Course?

Online real estate continuing education courses provide a flexible, accessible way to complete your required hours from anywhere, on your own schedule.

Here’s what you can expect from most online CE platforms:

• Self-Paced Learning: Complete the courses at your convenience, allowing you to learn when it best fits your schedule.
• Engaging Course Materials: Interactive modules featuring videos, quizzes, and reading assignments,keep you focused and on track.

While specific course offerings may differ by provider, you’ll generally explore timely real estate topics, legal updates, and industry best practices. Mandatory subjects often include agency law, ethics, and fair housing. 

• For Salespersons:
  
  • Louisiana license law updates
  • Fair housing and anti-discrimination
  • Disclosures and inspections
  • Contracts and closings
  • Real estate finance basics
  • Ethics and professionalism
• For Brokers:
  
  • Advanced finance and investments
  • Risk and office management
  • Broker supervision and compliance
  • Trust accounting
  • Leadership and ethics

When you enroll in US Realty Training’s partnered CE programs, you’ll get comprehensive course bundles that cover the mandatory 4-hour topic and these key areas—ensuring your education meets all Louisiana Real Estate Commission requirements.

How Long is a Continuing Education Course?

Continuing education courses in Louisiana vary in length depending on the person —most range from 1 to 4 hours per module. To meet the state’s 12-hour annual CE requirement, you’ll typically combine several modules to reach the full total.

With the flexibility of online learning, you can complete your hours at your own pace—whether you prefer spreading them out over time or finishing everything in one go. You can choose the schedule that works best for you.

Final Thoughts on Renewing a Real Estate License in Louisiana

Renewing your real estate license in Louisiana is simple when you know what you’re doing and stay organized. Just remember to complete your 12 hours of continuing education, submit your renewal application, and pay the required fee before the deadline. Taking care of these steps on time helps you stay active, avoid penalties, and keep your business running smoothly.

Ready to knock out your CE requirements? Enroll in our partnered continuing education program today and keep your Louisiana real estate career on track!