How to Renew a Real Estate License in West Virginia

Renewing your real estate license in West Virginia doesn’t have to be overwhelming—once you know what to expect, the process is pretty straightforward. 

Whether you're a salesperson, associate broker, or broker, this guide covers everything you need to stay compliant and keep your license active, including how often you need to renew, the continuing education requirements, and what to do if you’ve missed a deadline.

How Long is a Real Estate License Good for in West Virginia?

Real estate licenses in West Virginia are valid for one year and expire annually on June 30. That means every licensee—no matter their role—must complete the renewal process before the end of June each year to maintain an active license. 

Missing the deadline or falling short on continuing education can lead to your license becoming inactive or even expired, which could impact your ability to work legally in the state.

Steps to Renew Your Real Estate License

To keep your real estate license, there are a few key steps you’ll need to follow each year. Staying on top of these tasks not only helps you avoid lapses in licensure—it also keeps your business running smoothly.

Here’s a quick overview of the renewal process:

• Check Your Current License Status
• Complete Your Continuing Education
• Submit the Renewal Application
• Pay the Required Fees
• Confirm Your Renewal and Save Your Records

Each step is essential to maintaining your active status with the West Virginia Real Estate Commission. Stay organized, plan ahead, and you’ll have no trouble keeping your license current year after year.

1. Check Your Current License Status

Before you jump into the renewal process, take a moment to verify the status of your real estate license. Is it active, inactive, or already expired? You can quickly check your standing using the West Virginia Real Estate Commission’s (WVREC) online portal.

• Why it matters: Knowing your license status upfront helps you avoid surprises. If your license is inactive or expired, you may need to take extra steps—or pay additional fees—before you’re eligible to renew.

2. Complete the Required Continuing Education

Each year, real estate professionals in West Virginia must complete 7 hours of WVREC-approved continuing education. This usually includes a 3-hour mandatory core course (for brokers only) and elective hours covering current industry topics. While the total hours are the same for salespersons and brokers, the course content may vary.

Salesperson Requirements:

• 7 elective hours
• Topics often include Marketing, Advertising, Social Media Compliance, and Environmental Awareness in Real Estate.

Broker Requirements:

• 3-hour core course + 4 elective hours
• Topics typically include West Virginia Brokerage Management, Marketing, and Compliance issues.

Make sure you’re completing your CE through a WVREC-approved education provider. Need help finding one? US Realty Training partners with trusted schools offering approved courses that meet all renewal requirements.

3. Gather and Submit the Renewal Application

Once your CE hours are complete, it’s time to submit your renewal application. You can access the online form or download the necessary documents directly from the WVREC website.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Certificates or transcripts showing completion of your CE hours
• Your current license details
• Any updates to your contact info, brokerage affiliation, or personal details (if applicable)

Double-check everything before submitting to avoid processing delays.

4. Pay the Renewal Fees

After submitting your application, the final step is paying your renewal fee. Fee amounts may change slightly year to year, so be sure to confirm the current rate on the WVREC site.

Important: Late renewals come with penalties, so submitting your application and payment before the June 30 deadline is essential to avoid extra costs.

5. Confirm Your Renewal and Recordkeeping

Once you’ve submitted your application, don’t forget to save everything—continuing education certificates, payment receipts, and confirmation emails. Keeping records will come in handy if there’s ever a question about your license status or if you’re selected for an audit.

• Pro Tip: Set a reminder for next year’s renewal cycle, and consider completing your CE courses early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

FAQs about Renewing Your Real Estate License in West Virginia

Below are some common questions and answers to help clarify the renewal process and keep you fully informed.

Can You Renew a Real Estate License After it Expires?

Yes—but don’t wait too long. If you miss the June 30 deadline, you can typically still renew during a short grace period by paying late fees and completing any overdue CE hours.

If your license stays expired for too long, you may need to reapply from scratch, which could mean retaking exams or meeting additional requirements. Renewing on time is the easiest and most cost-effective route.

How Much Does a Real Estate License Renewal Cost in West Virginia?

The cost for renewing a West Virginia real estate license varies based on your license type. Generally, you can expect to pay:

• Salesperson Renewal: $75
• Broker/ Associate Broker Renewal: $150

Late renewals come with additional fees, so be sure to file before the deadline.

Also, factor in the cost of your continuing education courses, which typically range from $100 to $500+, depending on the provider and format. Choosing an approved school with a solid reputation ensures you meet the requirements without surprises.

US Realty Training’s partnered CE programs offer competitive pricing to help you meet your renewal requirements without overspending.

What Can I Expect From an Online Continuing Education Course?

Online continuing education makes it easier than ever to stay compliant with West Virginia’s real estate license renewal requirements. These courses are designed with flexibility in mind, so you can learn on your own schedule. Depending on the provider, course formats may include video lessons, text-based modules, or even live webinars—so be sure to check with your chosen provider before enrolling.

Here’s what most online CE programs typically include:

• Accessible, User-Friendly Platform
  Log in from anywhere with an internet connection and work through the course at your pace.
• Interactive Tools & Resources
  Engage with practice quizzes, downloadable study guides, and helpful checklists to reinforce key concepts.
• Certificate of Completion
  Once finished, you’ll receive a digital certificate to save for your records or submit if requested.
• Course Expiration & Repeats
  Some online CE courses expire after a set time, and West Virginia generally does not allow repeating the same course in back-to-back years.

Looking for a stress-free way to complete your hours? US Realty Training’s partnered continuing education programs are WVREC-approved and built to help you meet your renewal requirements with confidence.

How Long is a Continuing Education Course?

Each CE course is designed to match one hour of credit with approximately one hour of study time. Since West Virginia requires 7 total hours of CE annually, you can expect to invest about 7 hours per year depending on your schedule and individual effort.

Courses are often broken into manageable segments—for example, a 3-hour mandatory core course paired with 4 hours of electives—so you can spread out your learning or complete it all in one sitting.

Final Thoughts on Renewing a Real Estate License in West Virginia

Renewing your license doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan—and the right course provider—you can knock out your CE hours, avoid last-minute stress, and keep your career moving forward.

Need a reliable option to complete your continuing education? Explore US Realty Training’s partnered CE programs for a simple, approved, and engaging way to meet your annual requirements.

Ready to renew with confidence? Click the Enroll button below to get started today.