How to reinstate your expired Texas real estate license

To reinstate an expired Texas real estate license, you must contact the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), complete a reinstatement form, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that came due while your license was inactive. The process takes about two to four weeks from submission to approval, depending on whether your license expired recently or several years ago. TREC handles all reinstatements — there is no separate office or third-party service.

The exact steps depend on how long your license has been expired. If your license lapsed within the last two years, reinstatement is straightforward. If it expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the state exam or complete additional education, depending on how long you have been inactive.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact TREC directly by phone at 512-936-3000 or through their website to request a reinstatement form and learn your specific requirements.
  • You must pay the reinstatement fee (currently $330 for a sales agent license, though this amount can change) along with any back renewal fees owed.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you may be required to retake the state licensing exam or complete a remedial education course.
  • TREC will not reinstate a license if you have an open complaint or disciplinary case against you — you must resolve that first.
  • Once reinstated, your license becomes active when ready, but you cannot work until your sponsoring broker has updated their records with TREC.

Check how long your license has been expired

The length of time your license has been inactive determines what you need to do next. Call TREC at 512-936-3000 and provide your license number. They will tell you the expiration date and whether you fall into the standard reinstatement category or the extended-lapse category.

If your license expired within the last two years, you follow the standard reinstatement path. If it expired more than two years ago, TREC will explain whether you need to retake the exam, complete a specific education course, or both. Do not assume — the rules changed in recent years, and TREC staff can tell you exactly what applies to your situation.

Gather the documents and information TREC will request

Before you contact TREC formally, have the following ready: your license number, your Social Security number, the name and license number of the broker who will sponsor you (if you already have one lined up), and proof of any continuing education you completed while inactive. If you completed courses through an approved provider, have the course completion certificates or the provider's name and course dates.

You will also need to know whether you have any open complaints or disciplinary actions against your license. TREC can tell you this when you call, but if you know of any complaints you filed or that were filed against you, mention them upfront. A license cannot be reinstated while a complaint is under investigation or pending resolution.

Request the reinstatement form from TREC

Call TREC at 512-936-3000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) and ask for the reinstatement form. You can also visit the TREC website at trec.texas.gov and look for the reinstatement process under the "License Holders" section. Some brokers have reinstatement forms on file and can send you one directly, but going through TREC ensures you get the current version.

The form itself is short — usually one or two pages — and asks for your personal information, license number, the reason for the lapse, and confirmation that you meet the current requirements. You will also declare whether you have any open complaints or disciplinary cases. Lying on this form is grounds for denial and potential investigation, so answer honestly.

Complete continuing education if required

If your license expired within the last two years and you were not actively working, you may still owe continuing education hours from the renewal cycle you missed. TREC will tell you the specific number of hours and the important date for completion. You must finish these courses before TREC will process your reinstatement.

If your license expired more than two years ago, the rules are different. TREC may require you to complete a remedial education course (usually 30 hours) or retake the state exam entirely. This depends on how long you have been inactive and whether TREC has updated its requirements since your license expired. Ask TREC which path applies to you — do not guess, because submitting the wrong course completion certificate will delay your reinstatement.

Submit the form and pay the reinstatement fee

Mail the completed reinstatement form to TREC at the address they provide (usually the main office in Austin), or ask whether you can submit it by email or through their online portal. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. The current fee for a sales agent is $330, but TREC's fee schedule changes periodically, so confirm the exact amount when you request the form.

If you owe back renewal fees from years you did not renew your license, you must pay those as well. TREC will calculate the total amount owed and tell you before you submit. Do not send cash — use a check, money order, or credit card if TREC accepts it online. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you mailed it.

Wait for TREC to process and approve your reinstatement

After TREC receives your form and payment, processing typically takes two to four weeks. You can call to check the status after one week. TREC will contact you by phone or email if they need additional information or if there is a problem with your process.

Once approved, TREC will send you a letter confirming your reinstatement and a new license certificate. Your license becomes active on the date TREC approves it, not the date you receive the certificate in the mail. However, you cannot legally work until your sponsoring broker has notified TREC that you are working under their license. Coordinate with your broker to make sure they update their records when ready after you receive approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license is inactive until TREC approves the reinstatement. Working without an active license is a violation and can result in fines or legal action. Wait for written approval from TREC before you list or show any properties.

What if I do not have a broker lined up yet?

You can still request reinstatement, but you will need to find a sponsoring broker before your license becomes fully active. Some brokers will sponsor you before your license is reinstated, but others require the license to be active first. Contact brokers in your area and ask about their reinstatement sponsorship process.

Do I have to retake the state exam if my license expired more than two years ago?

Not always. TREC's current rules require remedial education or exam retake only if you have been inactive for more than four years, but this can change. Call TREC and ask specifically — they will tell you whether you need to retake the exam or complete a course instead.

What happens if TREC denies my reinstatement?

TREC will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons include an open complaint, unpaid fees, or failure to complete required education. You can address the issue and resubmit, or you can request a hearing to dispute the denial. TREC's letter will explain your options.

How much does reinstatement cost in total?

The reinstatement fee is currently $330 for a sales agent license. If you owe back renewal fees from previous years, add those to the total. TREC will give you the exact amount when you call. Broker sponsorship fees are separate and vary by company.