Reinstatement requires filing with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, paying a reinstatement fee, and meeting any continuing education requirements that accrued while your license was inactive
If your Massachusetts real estate broker license has expired or been placed on inactive status, you cannot legally conduct real estate business until it is reinstated. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you meet the Board's current education and fee requirements. Most brokers can complete reinstatement within two to four weeks if they have all required documents ready.
The Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons is the state agency that handles all license matters. You will work directly with them — there is no separate process process or alternative route. The specific steps and costs vary based on your situation, so understanding your license status first will save time.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons directly to confirm your current license status and what reinstatement requires in your case.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (the amount depends on how long your license has been inactive) and complete any continuing education hours you missed.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the broker exam rather than straightforward reinstate, depending on Board rules at the time of expiration.
- The Board processes reinstatement requests by mail or in person at their office in Boston; there is no online reinstatement portal.
Confirm your license status with the Board before taking any steps
Your first move is to contact the Board directly to learn exactly what your license status is and what reinstatement will require. Call the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons at 617-727-2373 or visit their office at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02202. Have your license number ready if you have it, or be prepared to provide your full name and date of birth.
The Board staff will tell you whether your license is expired, inactive, or suspended, and what the reinstatement path is for your specific situation. This conversation will clarify whether you need only to pay a fee and submit paperwork, or whether you also need to complete continuing education or retake an exam. Do not assume your situation matches another broker's — the rules can differ based on when your license lapsed and what the Board's policies were at that time.
Gather the documents and fees the Board requires
Reinstatement typically requires a completed reinstatement process form, proof of payment of the reinstatement fee, and documentation of any continuing education you have completed since your license became inactive. The Board will provide you with the process form when you contact them, or you can request it by mail.
The reinstatement fee varies. As of recent years, the fee for reinstatement within one year of expiration is lower than the fee for reinstatement after one year. The Board will quote you the exact amount when you call. You will pay by check or money order made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Some brokers mail their process and payment together; others prefer to deliver them in person to avoid postal delays.
If you have completed continuing education courses since your license became inactive, gather your certificates of completion or course documentation. The Board requires proof that you completed the hours — a course completion certificate from the provider is usually sufficient. If you have not yet completed the required hours, you will need to do that before submitting your reinstatement request.
Complete any continuing education hours you owe
Massachusetts requires real estate brokers to complete continuing education every two years to keep their license active. If your license has been inactive, you likely owe education hours for the years you were not licensed. The Board will tell you how many hours you need when you contact them.
Continuing education courses must be taken through providers approved by the Board. You can find a list of approved providers on the Board's website or by calling them directly. Courses are offered both in person and online, and most can be completed within a few weeks. Typical courses cover topics like Massachusetts real estate law, ethics, and fair housing practices.
Complete your courses before you submit your reinstatement process. The Board will not process your reinstatement until they have received proof that you have satisfied all education requirements. Once you have your course completion certificates, keep them with your reinstatement process materials.
Submit your reinstatement process to the Board
Mail your completed process form, reinstatement fee, and proof of continuing education to the Board at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02202. Include a cover letter that briefly states you are requesting reinstatement of your broker license and lists what documents you are enclosing. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Alternatively, you can deliver your process in person during the Board's business hours. This eliminates mail delays and allows you to confirm that the Board has received all your documents. Call ahead to confirm office hours and whether you need an appointment.
The Board typically processes reinstatement requests within two to four weeks of receiving a complete process. You will receive written confirmation once your license has been reinstated. At that point, you are legally permitted to conduct real estate business again as a broker in Massachusetts.
What to do if your license has been inactive for more than two years
If your broker license has been inactive for more than two years, reinstatement may not be an option. Depending on the Board's rules and when your license expired, you may be required to retake the broker exam and reapply for a new license rather than reinstate the old one. This is a different process that takes longer and costs more than reinstatement.
Contact the Board to confirm whether your situation allows for reinstatement or whether you must reapply. If you must reapply, the Board will provide you with information about exam registration, study materials, and the process process for a new license. Do not assume you cannot reinstate — the Board's information is based on specific rules tied to your expiration date, and only they can tell you which path applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee depends on how long your license has been inactive. Reinstatement within one year of expiration costs less than reinstatement after one year. The Board will quote you the exact fee when you contact them. You will also need to pay for any continuing education courses you must complete, which typically cost between $50 and $150 per course depending on the provider.
Can I work as a broker while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally conduct real estate business until the Board has reinstated your license and you have received written confirmation. Working without an active license is a violation of Massachusetts real estate law and can result in fines or criminal charges. Wait for the Board's written confirmation before you resume broker activities.
What if I cannot find my license number?
You do not need your license number to contact the Board. Provide your full name and date of birth, and the Board staff will look up your record. They can tell you your license number and your current status. If you need documentation of your license history for any reason, the Board can provide that as well.
Do I need to notify my brokerage firm about reinstatement?
Yes. If you plan to work for a brokerage firm again, notify the broker-in-charge that you are reinstating your license. Some firms may have their own requirements or paperwork related to bringing a broker back on staff. Confirm with the firm what they need from you before you submit your reinstatement process to the Board.