What you need to do to get your Indiana broker license active again
To reinstate an Indiana real estate broker license, you must contact the Indiana Real Estate Commission (part of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency) and complete their reinstatement process. The exact steps depend on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily surrendered. Most brokers can reinstate by paying a reinstatement fee, submitting a completed process form, and meeting any continuing education requirements that came due while the license was inactive.
Indiana does not automatically restore a license—you have to request reinstatement in writing. The Commission will tell you whether you owe back fees, what education hours you are missing, and whether any disciplinary history affects your reinstatement. Processing typically takes two to four weeks once the Commission receives a complete process.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency directly to request reinstatement forms and learn your specific requirements based on how long your license has been inactive.
- You will owe a reinstatement fee plus any continuing education hours that came due during the period your license was not active.
- If your license was suspended or revoked due to a complaint or violation, reinstatement may require additional steps or may not be available until conditions are met.
- Completing the reinstatement process, paying fees, and submitting proof of education usually takes four to eight weeks from start to approval.
How long your license has been inactive matters
Indiana treats reinstatement differently depending on whether your license expired recently or has been inactive for several years. If your license expired within the last two years, the reinstatement process is usually straightforward: you pay the reinstatement fee, complete any overdue continuing education, and submit your process. The Commission will process it without requiring you to retake the broker exam.
If your license has been inactive for more than two years, Indiana may require you to complete additional education or meet other conditions before reinstatement is granted. Some brokers in this situation have had to show proof of recent real estate activity or take a refresher course. Contact the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency to find out what applies to your specific timeline.
Continuing education requirements you may owe
Indiana brokers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their license active. If your license expired or went inactive, you owe all the education hours for each two-year period you were not licensed. For example, if your license has been inactive for four years, you may owe 24 hours of continuing education before reinstatement.
The education must come from providers approved by the Indiana Real Estate Commission. You can take courses online or in person, and most providers will issue a certificate of completion that you submit with your reinstatement process. Some brokers complete their education before submitting the reinstatement request; others wait to see the Commission's requirements first. Either approach works, but having the education done speeds up final approval.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Indiana charges a reinstatement fee separate from the regular license renewal fee. The reinstatement fee amount varies and can change, so you must contact the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency for the current amount. You will also owe any renewal fees for years your license was expired. For example, if your license expired two years ago, you may owe two years of renewal fees plus the reinstatement fee.
Payment is typically due when you submit your reinstatement process. The Commission accepts check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit your process. If you are unsure of the total amount owed, call the Commission before sending payment—they can give you an exact figure based on your license history.
Suspension or revocation: when reinstatement is blocked
If your license was suspended or revoked due to a complaint, violation, or disciplinary action, reinstatement is not automatic and may not be possible until you meet specific conditions. The Indiana Real Estate Commission maintains a public record of disciplinary actions, and you can search your license history on their website to see whether any action is listed.
If a suspension or revocation is on your record, you must contact the Commission to learn what you need to do to become may be able to access for reinstatement. This might include completing additional education, paying a fine, waiting a set period of time, or demonstrating that you have corrected the problem that led to the discipline. In some cases, the Commission may deny reinstatement if the violation was serious. Do not assume your reinstatement will be approved if discipline is part of your history.
Steps to submit your reinstatement request
Start by contacting the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency by phone or through their website to request the broker reinstatement process form. Tell them your license number and the date it expired or was surrendered. They will send you the form and a list of what you need to include with it.
Complete the process form and gather your documents: proof of continuing education (certificates from approved providers), payment for all fees owed, and any other documents the Commission requests. Submit everything together—incomplete applications delay processing. You can mail your process or, if the Commission accepts online submission, upload it through their portal. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you submitted it.
After the Commission receives your process, they will review it and contact you if anything is missing. Once everything is complete and approved, they will issue your reinstated license. You should receive written confirmation and can verify your active status on the Commission's license search tool.
What to do while you wait for reinstatement
You cannot legally work as a broker in Indiana while your license is inactive, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. Do not accept clients, list properties, or perform any broker duties until your license is officially reinstated and you receive written confirmation from the Commission. Working without an active license can result in fines and further disciplinary action.
If you need to work before reinstatement is complete, you can work as a salesperson under another broker's license, provided you hold an active salesperson license. This is a common temporary arrangement while a broker's reinstatement is being processed. Your sponsoring broker must know that your broker license is inactive and that you are working as a salesperson during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Processing time is typically two to four weeks after the Commission receives a complete process. If your process is missing documents or education certificates, it will take longer. Calling the Commission after two weeks to confirm they received everything can help you know whether to expect approval soon or whether something else is needed.
Do I have to retake the broker exam to reinstate my license?
No, you do not have to retake the exam if your license has been inactive for less than two years. If it has been inactive longer, the Commission may require additional education or other conditions, but retaking the full exam is not standard. Contact the Commission to confirm what applies to your situation.
Can I reinstate my license if I have a disciplinary action on my record?
It depends on the nature and severity of the action. Suspensions usually have an end date, after which you can reinstate. Revocations are permanent unless the Commission grants a hearing to reconsider. Contact the Commission to find out whether your specific disciplinary history allows reinstatement and what conditions you must meet.
What if I cannot find my license number?
The Commission can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. Call them with that information, and they will provide your number and tell you the current status of your license. This is also when they can tell you what fees and education you owe.
Can I work as a salesperson while my broker license reinstatement is pending?
Yes, if you hold an active salesperson license, you can work under another broker's license during reinstatement. Your sponsoring broker must know your broker license is inactive. Once your broker license is reinstated, you can transition back to working as a broker.