How to Renew a Real Estate License in North Dakota

Keeping your real estate license active in North Dakota is essential if you want to continue practicing legally and stay in good standing with the state. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how long your license is valid, what’s required to renew it, and how continuing education (CE) differs for salespeople and brokers. In order to facilitate the renewal process, we will also address some frequently asked questions.

How Long is a Real Estate License Good for in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, real estate licenses expire every year on November 15th. To maintain an active license, you must complete your renewal before that date. If you miss the deadline, you risk paying late fees or—even worse—losing your license status altogether. Renewing on time helps you avoid unnecessary headaches and stay compliant with state regulations.

Steps to Renew Your Real Estate License

Below is a straightforward overview of how to renew your North Dakota real estate license. Following these steps diligently will help ensure a smooth renewal process.

• Complete the Required Continuing Education
• Submit Your Renewal Application
• Pay the Renewal Fees
• Confirm Your Renewal

By staying organized and proactive, you can renew on time and keep your license in good standing without any last-minute stress.

1. Complete the Required Continuing Education

Before you can renew your North Dakota real estate license, you’ll need to finish 12 hours of continuing education (CE) each year. This applies to both salespeople and brokers, and here’s how it typically breaks down:

• 6 hours of Mandatory Coursework
  Every year, the North Dakota Real Estate Commission selects a required topic that all licensees must complete, no exceptions.
• 6 hours of Electives
  You’ll also need to take 6 additional hours of elective courses, which must be approved by the Commission. This gives you a chance to focus on areas that align with your interests or business goals.

If you’re newly licensed, don’t forget—you might have extra post-licensing education requirements. Be sure to double-check what applies to you by visiting the Commission’s website or reaching out to them directly.

To make things easier, consider enrolling in US Realty Training’s state-approved continuing education courses. These online options are flexible and designed to meet North Dakota’s CE guidelines, letting you work through the material on your schedule.

2. Submit Your Renewal Application

Once your CE is complete, the next step is to apply for renewal. The North Dakota Real Estate Commission typically opens the online renewal portal in November, giving you time to get everything in before the year ends.

Here’s what to do:

• Go to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission website
• Locate the license renewal section
• Fill out the application carefully, making sure your contact info and professional details are up to date

There may also be a paper option, but most licensees find the online process faster and more convenient.

3. Pay the Renewal Fees

After you submit your application, you’ll be prompted to pay your renewal fees. The cost depends on your license type—brokers and salespeople have different fee structures—and late submissions can lead to additional charges. 

According to North Dakota law, renewal fees are set by the Real Estate Commission and will not exceed $200. To avoid processing delays or penalties, be sure to submit your payment before the deadline.

4. Confirm Your Renewal

After everything’s submitted, keep an eye on your inbox. You’ll receive a confirmation from the NDREC once your renewal is processed and approved.

Make sure to save a copy of this confirmation for your records. Your renewed license will be active through November of the next year, when it’ll be time to go through this process again.

FAQs about Renewing Your Real Estate License in North Dakota

We’ve rounded up quick, clear answers to some of the most common questions about the renewal process for real estate professionals in North Dakota.

Can You Renew a Real Estate License After it Expires?

Yes. Typically, there’s a brief grace period after December 31 during which you can renew your expired license, though additional fees may apply. 

Miss that window, and your license may be marked as inactive, which could mean going through additional steps—or even reapplying. To save time, money, and hassle, it’s best to renew before the deadline.

How Much Does a Real Estate License Renewal Cost in North Dakota?

Renewal fees can vary depending on your license type and whether you’re renewing on time. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Salesperson Renewal: Not to exceed $200
• Broker Renewal: Not to exceed $200
• Additional Fees: May include late fees, tech charges, or processing fees

For the most accurate and current pricing, visit the North Dakota Real Estate Commission website.

What Can I Expect From an Online Continuing Education Course?

Professionals with hectic schedules are the target audience for online continuing education (CE) courses. To assist you remember the information as you go, the majority of courses incorporate readings, video tutorials, and quick tests.

Topics often include:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Spotting Vacant Property Scams in North Dakota
• Business Planning for Real Estate Professionals
• Residential Property Management Fundamentals

If you're looking for something flexible, US Realty Training’s CE programs are fully online and user-friendly—making it easy to fit CE into your schedule while still meeting the state’s 12-hour requirement.

How Long is a Continuing Education Course?

North Dakota requires 12 hours of CE each year—divided between:

• 6 hours on a mandatory topic (set by the Commission)
• 6 hours of approved elective courses

How long it takes depends on the course provider. Some let you go through it in shorter chunks, while others offer more in-depth sessions. Just make sure your courses are approved and add up to the full 12 hours.

Final Thoughts on Renewing a Real Estate License in North Dakota

Keeping your real estate license active in North Dakota is straightforward when you stay on top of the annual CE requirement and submit your renewal on time. With a mix of mandatory and elective CE hours, plus a simple online renewal process, you’ll be set for another year of professional success.

Ready to get started? Click below to explore state-approved continuing education options through US Realty Training and take the stress out of your next license renewal.