Massachusetts Real Estate License · Renewal

Massachusetts Real Estate License Renewal & CE

Renewal is tied to your birthday, not a fixed statewide date. 12 hours of CE keeps you Active; a licensee who has not completed the hours may instead renew as Inactive.

Birthday-Linked Renewal12-Hour CEeLIPSE RenewalActive vs. Inactive

RealReady is an independent guide. Confirm current renewal deadlines, fees, and CE topic requirements directly with the Board and DOL.

RealReady Massachusetts · Independent Guide
Renewal Snapshot
Initial term2–3 years, birthday-linked
Later termsGenerally 2 years
CE requirement12 hrs, six 2-hr modules
Salesperson renewal fee$103
Broker renewal fee$142
Missed CERenews as Inactive
Independent planning snapshot — verify current status with the official source.

License term

The issue date is the date you pass the examination. The initial license term is at least two and no more than three years, expiring on your birthday. Later renewal terms generally run for two years, also tied to your birthday.

The 12-hour CE requirement

To renew to Active status, complete 12 hours of Board-approved continuing education across six different two-hour modules under the current curriculum before your expiration date. Confirm the current required topic list with the Board before enrolling in CE courses. See the cost guide for renewal fees.

Renewing through eLIPSE

Renewal becomes available 90 days before expiration. Renew through eLIPSE, upload the current notarized DOL CORI authorization form, and pay through the current transaction workflow.

Active vs. Inactive status

A licensee who has not completed the 12 hours of CE may renew as Inactive rather than losing the license outright. Inactive status does not authorize licensed practice. Current Board guidance permits a qualifying referral fee from an Active broker. Massachusetts does not impose a separate structured post-license course; the standard 12-hour CE framework applies instead.

Reactivation and reinstatement

Inactive licenses can be reactivated after satisfying current requirements. Licenses expired for more than two years require reinstatement rather than a simple renewal, and broker bond requirements may apply to broker reinstatement. See the current reactivation and reinstatement guidance.

Renewal fees

The current Salesperson renewal fee is $103 and the current Broker renewal fee is $142.

Renewal traps to avoid

Missing CE doesn't erase your license
Skipping the 12-hour CE requirement renews you as Inactive rather than revoking your license outright — but Inactive means you cannot practice.
Massachusetts has no separate post-license course
Don't confuse the standard 12-hour CE framework with the structured post-license coursework required in some other states.

Considering the broker upgrade?

See the experience, education, and bond requirements for moving from Salesperson to Broker.

Frequently asked questions

Official Sources