Beyond Bending Tell You How
If you’re a real estate agent in Missouri, you know that your license is only valid for a certain period of time. Once that time expires, it’s crucial to renew your license to keep practicing as a real estate agent. But what exactly does the Missouri real estate license renewal process entail? In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about renewing your Missouri real estate license.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the renewal process, let’s first understand why it’s so important to renew your license. In Missouri, real estate licenses are valid for a period of two years. Once that time is up, you’ll need to renew your license to continue practicing as a real estate agent. Failure to renew your license can result in fines, penalties, and even the revocation of your license. So, it’s essential to stay on top of your renewal deadlines to avoid any unwanted consequences.
Renewal Requirements
Now that we understand the importance of renewing our license let’s take a look at the requirements for renewing a Missouri real estate license. According to the Missouri Real Estate Commission, there are several requirements that must be met in order to renew your license.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Complete Continuing Education | Real estate agents in Missouri are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education during each renewal period. This education must include 3 hours of core topics and 9 hours of elective topics. |
| Submit Renewal Application | Agents must submit a renewal application and fee prior to their license expiration date. This can be done online through the Missouri Real Estate Commission’s website. |
| Pass Background Check | Agents must pass a criminal background check conducted by the Missouri Highway Patrol. |
It’s important to note that these requirements must be met in full in order to renew your license. Failure to complete any of these requirements can result in a delay or denial of your renewal application.
Continuing Education
One of the most important renewal requirements is completing continuing education. As mentioned earlier, agents in Missouri are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education during each renewal period. This education must include 3 hours of core topics and 9 hours of elective topics.
Core topics include subjects such as agency relationships, contracts, and fair housing. Elective topics can cover a wide range of subjects, including property management, real estate investing, and environmental issues.
There are a variety of ways to complete your continuing education requirements, including in-person classes, online courses, and self-study options. It’s important to choose a provider that is approved by the Missouri Real Estate Commission to ensure that your education meets the requirements for renewal.
Renewal Application
The renewal application is a crucial step in the renewal process. This application must be submitted prior to your license expiration date to avoid any delays or penalties. The application can be submitted online through the Missouri Real Estate Commission’s website.
Along with the application, agents must also pay a renewal fee. The fee for renewing a Missouri real estate license is $50. It’s important to note that this fee is non-refundable, so it’s essential to make sure that all renewal requirements are met before submitting your application.
Background Check
The final renewal requirement is passing a criminal background check. This check is conducted by the Missouri Highway Patrol and is designed to ensure that agents are of good character and fit to practice as real estate agents.
Agents will be required to provide fingerprints and submit to a background check prior to their renewal application being approved. It’s important to note that any criminal history can result in a delay or denial of your renewal application.
Penalties for Late Renewal
As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to renew your Missouri real estate license before it expires. Failure to do so can result in penalties and fines. The penalty for renewing your license late is $50 for the first 30 days after your license expiration date. After 30 days, the penalty increases to $100.
If you fail to renew your license within 6 months of the expiration date, your license will be considered expired, and you will need to complete the entire licensing process again to regain your license.
FAQs
How do I know when my license is set to expire?
You can check the status of your license and find your expiration date by visiting the Missouri Real Estate Commission’s website and searching for your name.
Do I need to complete continuing education if I’m a new licensee?
No, new licensees are not required to complete continuing education during their first renewal period. However, they will need to complete 24 hours of continuing education during subsequent renewal periods.
Can I renew my license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the offense. The Missouri Real Estate Commission will review each case on an individual basis to determine if an applicant is fit to practice as a real estate agent.
What happens if I fail to renew my license?
If you fail to renew your license before the expiration date, you will need to pay a penalty fee to renew your license. If you fail to renew your license within 6 months of the expiration date, your license will be considered expired, and you will need to complete the entire licensing process again to regain your license.
Can I renew my license if I haven’t completed my continuing education requirements?
No, you must complete your continuing education requirements before you can renew your license. Failure to complete these requirements can result in a delay or denial of your renewal application.
Conclusion
Renewing your Missouri real estate license is an essential part of maintaining your career as a real estate agent. By completing your continuing education, submitting your renewal application on time, and passing a background check, you can ensure that your license remains valid and in good standing. Remember, failure to renew your license can result in penalties, fines, and even the revocation of your license, so it’s crucial to stay on top of your renewal deadlines.
