What You Need to Do to Get Your Georgia Real Estate License Back
To reinstate a Georgia real estate license, you must contact the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC), pay a reinstatement fee, and meet specific requirements that depend on how long your license has been inactive. If your license lapsed within the last three years, the process is straightforward: submit a reinstatement request form, pay the fee, and provide proof that you have completed any required continuing education. If your license has been inactive for more than three years, you will need to retake the state exam and meet current education requirements, which makes reinstatement closer to getting a new license.
The Georgia Real Estate Commission does not automatically reinstate licenses. You must initiate the process yourself by contacting GREC directly or working through a sponsoring broker, since Georgia requires all active licensees to be sponsored by a brokerage firm.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses inactive for three years or less can be reinstated by submitting a reinstatement request, paying the fee, and providing proof of continuing education completed during the inactive period.
- Licenses inactive for more than three years require you to retake the state licensing exam and meet current education standards, essentially restarting the licensing process.
- You must have a sponsoring broker before or when ready after reinstatement; Georgia does not allow licenses to exist without broker affiliation.
- The reinstatement fee and continuing education requirements change periodically, so contact GREC directly to confirm current costs and hours before you begin.
- Processing time for reinstatement requests typically ranges from five to ten business days after GREC receives your complete process.
Reinstatement Within Three Years of Expiration
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can reinstate it without retaking the exam. You will need to submit a reinstatement request to GREC, include the reinstatement fee (the amount varies and should be confirmed directly with GREC), and provide documentation that you completed the required continuing education hours during the period your license was inactive.
Georgia requires real estate licensees to complete continuing education each license term. When your license is inactive, you are still responsible for those hours if you want to reinstate within the three-year window. Contact GREC or visit their website to find the current number of hours required and the types of courses that satisfy the requirement. Most courses are offered online and can be completed in a few weeks.
You will also need to find a sponsoring broker before submitting your reinstatement request. The broker must agree to sponsor you and will submit part of the reinstatement paperwork on their end. Some brokers will not sponsor someone with a lapsed license, so contact brokers in your area first to confirm they will work with you.
Reinstatement After Three Years of Inactivity
If your license has been inactive for more than three years, GREC treats reinstatement as a new license process. You must retake the Georgia real estate salesperson or broker exam, depending on the license type you held. You will also need to complete the current pre-licensing education requirements, which may differ from what was required when you originally licensed.
Before you register for the exam, confirm the current education hours and course content with GREC. Pre-licensing courses typically take four to six weeks to complete if you study full-time, though many providers allow you to work at your own pace. After you finish the course, you can schedule your exam through the testing vendor GREC uses.
Once you pass the exam, you submit your reinstatement request along with proof of exam passage and proof of completed education. At this stage, the process mirrors getting a new license, and you will need a sponsoring broker to finalize your reinstatement.
Finding and Working With a Sponsoring Broker
Georgia law requires every active real estate licensee to be sponsored by a broker. You cannot hold a license independently. Before you submit your reinstatement request, contact brokers in your area and ask whether they will sponsor a reinstatement candidate. Some brokers focus only on new hires; others are open to reinstating experienced agents.
When you speak with a broker, ask what documentation they need from you and what their timeline is for processing sponsorship. Some brokers can sponsor you within a few days; others may take longer. The broker will need to submit their portion of the sponsorship paperwork to GREC, and GREC will cross-reference it with your reinstatement request.
If you already have a broker in mind—perhaps someone you worked with before your license lapsed—contact them first. They may be willing to fast-track your sponsorship if you have a prior relationship and a good history with the firm.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The exact documents required depend on whether your reinstatement falls within or beyond the three-year window. For reinstatement within three years, you will need:
- Completed reinstatement request form (available from GREC)
- Proof of continuing education completion (course certificates or transcript from your education provider)
- Reinstatement fee (contact GREC for the current amount)
- Broker sponsorship paperwork (your broker will provide this)
For reinstatement after three years, add:
- Proof of passing the state licensing exam
- Proof of completed pre-licensing education
- Current identification and any other documents GREC requests in their reinstatement checklist
Fees vary by license type and change periodically. Contact GREC directly at their office or website to confirm the reinstatement fee, exam fee (if required), and any other costs before you begin the process. Having the correct fee amount prevents delays when you submit your request.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You can submit your reinstatement request to GREC by mail, in person, or through their online portal if one is available. Check the GREC website for the current submission method and the mailing address if you choose to send documents by mail. In-person submission at the GREC office in Atlanta is often the fastest route if you are in the area.
Include a cover letter with your request that lists all enclosed documents and clearly states your license number (if you remember it) and the date your license expired. This helps GREC staff locate your file quickly. Make copies of everything you send, and keep them for your records.
After GREC receives your request, they will review it for completeness. If anything is missing, they will contact you and ask you to provide it. Once everything is in order, processing typically takes five to ten business days. GREC will send you written confirmation when your license is reinstated.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common error is submitting a reinstatement request without a sponsoring broker in place. GREC will not finalize reinstatement without broker sponsorship, so find that first. Another frequent mistake is incomplete continuing education documentation. If you took courses but cannot locate the certificates, contact your education provider and request transcripts or replacement certificates before you submit to GREC.
Applicants also sometimes submit the wrong form or send documents to the wrong office. GREC has specific reinstatement forms that differ from new license process forms. Using the wrong form delays processing. Double-check the GREC website to confirm you are using the current reinstatement form and sending it to the correct address or portal.
Finally, do not assume your continuing education from years ago still counts. GREC periodically updates course requirements and approved providers. Courses that were valid when you licensed may no longer satisfy current standards. Contact GREC to confirm which of your old courses count toward reinstatement and which new hours you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my license if I let it expire on purpose?
Yes. Georgia does not penalize intentional license lapses. As long as you meet the reinstatement requirements for your time period of inactivity, GREC will process your request. You do not need to explain why your license lapsed.
What if I cannot find a broker to sponsor me?
Contact multiple brokers in your area, including smaller independent firms and teams within larger brokerages. If you have prior experience or relationships in real estate, reach out to former colleagues or managers. If you are still unable to find sponsorship, you may need to wait or consider whether returning to real estate is feasible at this time, since sponsorship is a legal requirement.
Do I have to retake the exam if my license expired two years ago?
No. If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you do not need to retake the exam. You only need to complete the continuing education hours required during your inactive period and submit your reinstatement request with proof of that education.
How long does reinstatement take from start to finish?
If you already have a broker and completed education, reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks from the date you submit your request to GREC. If you need to complete education or find a broker first, add four to eight weeks. Retaking the exam (for licenses inactive over three years) adds another two to four weeks.
Can I work in real estate while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot conduct real estate business until your license is officially reinstated by GREC. Working without an active license is illegal in Georgia. Wait for written confirmation from GREC before you list properties, show homes, or represent clients.