For NY Salespersons & Brokers · Updated October 2026

Let Your NY Real Estate License Expire? Here's How to Get It Back

Life happens. Maybe you stepped away to raise a family, took another job or simply missed the deadline. The good news: an expired New York real estate license can usually be brought back. What it takes depends on how long it's been.

The Short Answer

A New York real estate license is good for two years. If yours has been expired two years or less, complete your 22.5 hours of continuing education and renew. If it's been expired more than two years, you'll need to pass the New York State licensing exam again. Either way, you can't practice real estate until your license is active.

What Happens When Your License Expires

  • You can't practice. No showings, listings or negotiating until your license is active again. There's no grace period.
  • You can't earn commissions for real estate work done while you're expired.
  • The clock keeps running. The longer you wait, the more it takes to come back, and after two years the exam comes back into play.

How to Get Your License Back

Expired 2 Years or Less

  1. Complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education, including the required topics.
  2. Line up a sponsoring broker (salespersons).
  3. Renew through eAccessNY and pay the renewal fee.
  4. Confirm your license shows as active before you work.

Expired More Than 2 Years

  1. Prepare for and pass the New York State licensing exam again.
  2. Find a sponsoring broker (salespersons).
  3. Apply for your license through eAccessNY.
  4. Confirm your license shows as active before you work.

These rules apply to both salespersons and brokers. Confirm the details for your situation with the NYS Department of State.

Coming Back as a Salesperson: You'll Need a Sponsoring Broker

A salesperson license has to be associated with a sponsoring broker. If you've been away, your old broker may have moved on, so plan to find a new one. Look for a broker with real training and support, not just a good split. Our guide on how to find the right broker in New York can help.

Thinking About Coming Back?

A lot has changed recently. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers often sign a written agreement before touring homes, and agents need to clearly explain their value. Technology and MLS options have changed too. Coming back is a chance to restart with better habits:

  • Treat it like a business from day one, with daily lead generation
  • Choose a broker who offers real mentorship
  • Look at your MLS options, including ones that don't require board membership
  • Set your CE renewal date in your calendar so it never lapses again

Still deciding? Read Is Being a New York Real Estate Agent Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a New York real estate license expire?

Yes. A New York real estate license is valid for two years and must be renewed, with 22.5 hours of continuing education, each cycle.

What happens if I let my real estate license expire?

You can't practice until it's active again. If it's been two years or less, complete your CE and renew. If it's been more than two years, you'll need to pass the state exam again.

Do I have to retake the 77-hour course if my license expired?

No. If your license has been expired more than two years, you'll need to pass the state exam again, but you don't need to retake the qualifying course.

Is there a grace period after my license expires?

No. You can't practice real estate on an expired license, even for a day.

Getting licensed for the first time? See How to Get a Real Estate License in New York.

Get Back in the Game

Reactivate Your New York License

Expired 2 Years or Less

Manfred Membership

$13.99/mo

Unlimited CE to complete your 22.5 hours, plus exam prep tools and 50% off broker courses.

See Membership

Or see all CE options.

Expired More Than 2 Years

SMART Exam Prep™

$49 or free with membership

1,000+ practice questions, timed mock exams and focus quizzes to pass the state exam again.

Get SMART Exam Prep

Requirements can change. Confirm your specific situation with the NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services.