What reinstatement means and when you need it
A reinstatement in Massachusetts real estate means restoring an inactive or lapsed license to active status so you can legally conduct real estate transactions again. Your license becomes inactive when you stop renewing it, fail to meet continuing education requirements, or let it expire without renewal. Reinstatement is not the same as getting a new license — it restores your existing license number and history rather than creating a fresh credential.
You need reinstatement if you held a Massachusetts real estate license, let it lapse, and now want to work in real estate again. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you've maintained your continuing education hours during that time.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts real estate licenses expire every two years and require 12 hours of continuing education to renew; if you miss the important date, your license becomes inactive.
- Reinstatement requires you to contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons directly — there is no online form to submit.
- If your license has been inactive for less than two years, you may only need to pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof of continuing education hours.
- If your license has been inactive for more than two years, you will likely need to retake the state licensing exam and complete current continuing education requirements.
- The Board's office is located in Boston, and processing times vary depending on your specific situation and the completeness of your submission.
How long your license has been inactive matters
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons treats reinstatement differently depending on whether your license lapsed recently or years ago. If your license has been inactive for fewer than two years, you may be able to reinstate by paying a fee and submitting proof that you completed the required 12 continuing education hours during your last active period or since becoming inactive.
If your license has been inactive for more than two years, the Board typically requires you to retake the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam and complete a full set of current continuing education hours before reinstatement. This is because real estate law, regulations, and market practices change, and the Board wants to may support that agents returning to the field have current knowledge.
You should contact the Board directly to confirm which path applies to your situation, since individual circumstances vary. The Board's phone number and mailing address are available on the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth website under the Division of Professional Licensure.
Contacting the Board and starting the reinstatement process
There is no online reinstatement form or portal. You must contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons by phone or mail to begin the process. When you call, have your former license number ready if you have it, along with information about when your license became inactive and what you have been doing since then.
The Board will tell you which documents you need to submit and whether you must retake the exam. Common documents include a completed reinstatement request form (which the Board will provide), proof of continuing education hours, and payment for the reinstatement fee. The fee amount varies and should be confirmed with the Board when you contact them.
If you need to retake the exam, the Board will direct you to the testing vendor and explain the current exam schedule and cost. You cannot reinstate until you have passed the exam if that is required for your situation.
Continuing education requirements during reinstatement
Continuing education is a major part of reinstatement because Massachusetts requires all active real estate licensees to complete 12 hours of approved courses every two years. If your license has been inactive, you need to show that you have met this requirement either before your license lapsed or after it became inactive.
The 12 hours typically must include courses in specific topics set by the Board, such as real estate law updates, ethics, and fair housing. Courses must be taken through Board-approved providers. If you completed continuing education while your license was inactive, you will need a certificate or transcript from the course provider to submit with your reinstatement request.
If you have not completed the required hours, you will need to take them before the Board will reinstate your license. The Board can direct you to approved providers in Massachusetts.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit all required documents and fees, the Board reviews your file to verify that you meet reinstatement standards. This review can take several weeks. The Board will contact you if they need additional information or clarification on any part of your submission.
Once the Board approves your reinstatement, you will receive written confirmation and your license will return to active status. You can then work in real estate again, either as a salesperson or broker depending on your original license type. If you were a salesperson, you must still work under a broker's supervision.
If the Board denies your reinstatement request, they will explain the reason in writing and may outline steps you can take to address the issue and reapply.
Broker sponsorship and employment after reinstatement
If you were a salesperson before your license became inactive, you cannot work as a salesperson again until you are sponsored by a Massachusetts real estate broker. A broker must agree to supervise you and submit a sponsorship form to the Board. This is a separate step from reinstatement itself — your license can be reinstated, but you cannot legally conduct transactions until a broker has sponsored you.
If you were a broker before your license lapsed, reinstatement restores your broker license, but you still need to maintain an office and comply with all current broker regulations. If you want to work as a salesperson under another broker instead, you would need to request a change of status and obtain broker sponsorship.
Contact potential brokers before or during the reinstatement process to discuss sponsorship. Many brokers are willing to sponsor returning agents, but some may require you to complete additional training or orientation before they will sponsor you.
Common reasons reinstatement is delayed or denied
The Board may delay your reinstatement if your submission is incomplete — for example, if you submit a reinstatement request but do not include proof of continuing education or payment of the fee. Responding quickly to any Board requests for additional information will speed up the process.
Reinstatement can be denied if you have outstanding disciplinary issues with the Board, if you owe money to the state, or if you do not meet the education or exam requirements for your situation. If you have a history of complaints or violations on your license record, the Board may require you to address those issues before reinstatement is granted.
If you are unsure whether there are any barriers to your reinstatement, ask the Board directly when you first contact them. They can tell you whether your license record has any flags that might affect the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to retake the real estate exam to reinstate my license?
It depends on how long your license has been inactive. If it has been inactive for fewer than two years, you may only need to pay a fee and submit proof of continuing education. If it has been inactive for more than two years, you will likely need to retake the exam. Contact the Board to confirm which applies to you.
Can I work in real estate while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally conduct real estate transactions until your license is reinstated and, if you are a salesperson, until a broker has sponsored you. Working without an active license is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties.
What if I cannot find my old license number?
You do not need your old license number to start the reinstatement process, though it helps. The Board can look up your record using your name and date of birth. Provide as much information as you can when you contact them.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee varies and should be confirmed directly with the Board when you contact them. You will also need to pay for any continuing education courses you must take and, if required, the cost of retaking the licensing exam.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement?
The Board will explain the reason for denial in writing. Depending on the reason, you may be able to address the issue and reapply, or you may need to pursue other options. Ask the Board what steps you can take next.