Getting your Georgia real estate license back after it lapses
If your Georgia real estate license has expired or been inactive, you can reinstate it through the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). The path depends on how long it has been inactive and whether you let it lapse voluntarily or it was suspended. Most reinstatements take between two to four weeks once GREC receives your complete request, though the exact timeline varies based on your situation and current processing volume.
The core requirement is that you must complete continuing education hours before reinstatement, even if you let your license lapse years ago. You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee and submit your request directly to GREC — there is no online portal for this, so you will work with GREC staff by phone, email, or mail.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia requires 12 hours of continuing education before you can reinstate a lapsed license, regardless of how long it has been inactive.
- You must complete your continuing education through a GREC-approved provider before submitting your reinstatement request.
- The reinstatement fee is separate from continuing education costs and must be paid when you submit your request to GREC.
- Contact GREC directly by phone at 404-656-3916 or through their website to confirm your specific requirements and current processing times.
Completing your continuing education requirement
Before GREC will process your reinstatement, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education from an approved provider. This is a hard requirement — there are no exceptions or waivers. The 12 hours must be taken after your license became inactive, so any education you completed while your license was active does not count toward reinstatement.
Find approved continuing education providers on the GREC website under their list of approved real estate schools and courses. Most providers offer online classes that you can complete on your own schedule, though some offer in-person options. When you enroll, tell the provider you are reinstating a lapsed license so they understand the context. After you finish all 12 hours, the provider will send your completion certificate directly to GREC or give you a copy to submit with your reinstatement request — confirm this with the provider before you enroll.
The cost of continuing education varies by provider, typically ranging from $50 to $150 for the 12-hour package. This fee is separate from the reinstatement fee you will pay to GREC itself.
Submitting your reinstatement request to GREC
Once you have your continuing education certificate in hand, contact GREC to request reinstatement. You can reach them at 404-656-3916 during business hours, or visit their office at 229 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303. Have your license number and the date your license became inactive ready when you call.
GREC will tell you the exact reinstatement fee for your situation — this fee varies depending on whether your license was inactive for one year, two years, or longer. You will need to pay this fee by check or money order made out to the Georgia Real Estate Commission. Some staff members can tell you the fee amount over the phone; others may ask you to submit a written request first.
You can submit your reinstatement request by mail with your continuing education certificate, the reinstatement fee, and a letter stating your license number and request for reinstatement. Include a phone number and email address so GREC can contact you if they need additional information. Mail everything to the address above and allow extra time for postal delivery.
What happens if your license was suspended rather than lapsed
If your license was suspended by GREC — rather than straightforward expiring because you did not renew — the reinstatement process is more complex. A suspension usually results from a complaint, violation, or disciplinary action. In this case, you cannot straightforward submit a reinstatement request; you must first resolve the underlying issue that led to the suspension.
Contact GREC and ask for the specific reason your license was suspended. You may need to respond to a complaint, complete additional training, pay a fine, or demonstrate that you have corrected the problem. GREC staff can explain what steps you need to take before reinstatement is possible. This process can take significantly longer than a standard reinstatement and may require legal representation depending on the nature of the suspension.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After GREC receives your complete reinstatement request — continuing education certificate, reinstatement fee, and any required forms — processing typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, GREC staff will verify your continuing education completion, confirm the fee was received, and update their records. You will receive written confirmation of your reinstatement by mail or email, depending on how you submitted your request.
Once your license is reinstated, you can when ready begin working as a real estate agent in Georgia. Your new license will have a new expiration date, typically three years from the reinstatement date. You will need to renew it before that date expires to keep it active.
Renewing your license after reinstatement
After your license is reinstated, you will need to renew it before the expiration date on your new license. Georgia real estate licenses expire every three years. Renewal requires 12 hours of continuing education again, plus a renewal fee. GREC will send you a renewal notice before your license expires, but it is your responsibility to complete the renewal on time — if you miss the important date, you will have to go through reinstatement again.
You can renew your license online through the GREC portal, which is faster than reinstatement. The online renewal process takes about one week once you submit your continuing education certificate and renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my license stay inactive before I cannot reinstate it?
Georgia does not have a time limit on how long a license can be inactive and still be reinstated. Even if your license has been lapsed for five years or longer, you can still reinstate it by completing the 12-hour continuing education requirement and paying the reinstatement fee. However, the longer your license has been inactive, the more important it is to contact GREC directly to confirm your specific requirements.
Can I work under another agent's license while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work in real estate in Georgia without an active license. You must wait for GREC to complete your reinstatement before you can list properties, show homes, or conduct any real estate business. Working without a license can result in fines and legal consequences.
Do I need to take the real estate exam again to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the licensing exam. You only need to complete the 12 hours of continuing education and pay the reinstatement fee. The exam is only required when you are obtaining a license for the first time.
What if I cannot find my license number?
Call GREC at 404-656-3916 and provide your full name and date of birth. Staff can look up your license number in their system and confirm whether your license is inactive and may be able to access for reinstatement. Having this information before you submit your request will speed up the process.
Can I reinstate my license if I owe money to GREC or have an outstanding complaint?
If you have an outstanding complaint or disciplinary action against your license, you will need to resolve that before reinstatement is possible. If you owe money to GREC, contact them to arrange payment before submitting your reinstatement request. GREC staff can tell you what needs to be resolved in your specific case.