Your Guide to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission

Your resource hub as a real estate broker in North Carolina.

We know how challenging it can be to navigate complex departmental and commission websites, so we’ve created this guide to help real estate professionals in North Carolina access documents and get their commission-related questions answered. Whether you’re looking for an application or need to know how to contact the Commission, this guide has you covered.

Basic North Carolina Real Estate information.

Location:

1313 Navaho Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609

NREC Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM

Licensing Counter Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Contacting the Commission:

The Commission prefers all inquiries be submitted online through their contact us page. You can also call the Commission at 919-875-3700. They’re available by phone Monday – Friday, from 8:30 AM – 5PM.

Files, applications, and important documents.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common forms and resources you’ll need to get licensed and maintain your license in North Carolina. If you can’t find what you’re looking for below, check out the North Carolina Real Estate Commission webpage.

Form Title Form Description
The NC Real Estate License Process (RELINC) Learn about the process for getting your real estate license.
North Carolina Real Estate License Rules Read about the laws and rules pertaining to real estate licenses in North Carolina.
Pre-Licensing Course Syllabus Learn about all of the necessary credits you’ll need in your pre-licensing course.
Post-Licensing Couse Syllabus Learn about all of the necessary credits you’ll need in your post-licensing course.
NC Real Estate License Law & Commission Rules Find everything you need to know about Commission rules and real estate licenses for both real estate brokers.
Contact the Commission Learn the most efficient ways to contact the NC Real Estate Commission to get your questions answered.
Responsibilities of a Qualifying Broker Review the responsibilities of a real estate qualifying broker in NC.
Post-Licensing Providers Use this public database to search Post-Licensing providers in North Carolina.
North Carolina Real Estate Commission Refund Policy Review the refund policy set by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
How to Apply For Your Real Estate License In this instructional video and written tutorial, learn how to apply for your real estate license. .
Apply for Your Real Estate License Here Apply for your real estate license here!
List of Forms This page contains forms you might need, such as application forms, licensee forms, education forms, data and subscription order forms, and more.
Continuing Education Information If you are looking for information on CE, this page contains everything you need to know as a real estate broker.
Pre-Licensing Providers Search the public database for Post-Licensing providers in North Carolina.
Criminal Conviction Reporting Learn about the steps a real estate broker must take to notify the Commission when convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or criminal offense, or when a disciplinary action has been placed against them.
CE Extension Request The Extension Form is used to obtain an extension of time to satisfy the continuing education requirements.
Activate Your Broker License This is where you should go to activate your broker or provisional broker license.
Place Your License on Inactive Status You can request to place your license on inactive status here.
Request a Name Change or Broker Card Replacement If you’ve recently changed your name or lost your broker’s license card, this is where you can request a change or replacement card.
Request for BIC Eligible Status Use this form to request BIC Eligible status. (In order to be designated as a Broker-in-Charge, a broker must first obtain BIC Eligible status.)
Video Library The Commission offers videos about benefits to brokers, license applicants, consumers, and education providers.

FAQs: North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

What are the continuing education requirements for real estate brokers in North Carolina?

Real estate brokers and provisional brokers in North Carolina are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education courses each year to maintain their active license status. The 8-hour CE requirement must include the following courses:

  • Update Course (4 hours): This course covers recent changes and updates in real estate laws, rules, and regulations. It aims to keep agents informed about any relevant legal or procedural changes that may affect their practice.
  • Elective Courses (4 hours): The remaining 4 hours can be completed by taking elective CE courses of your choice. These courses allow agents to explore specific areas of real estate, such as property management, finance, marketing, or legal aspects.

It's essential to ensure that the CE courses you take are approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) to receive credit for your CE requirements.

What are the steps to become a real estate broker in North Carolina?

Here is a quick breakdown of becoming a real estate broker in North Carolina:

  • Complete your pre-licensing education. Becoming a real estate broker in North Carolina starts with 75 hours of education. This serves as the learning core before you can take the state exam.
  • Take and pass the North Carolina Real Estate Exam. You’ll need to pass your real estate exam. Learn more about the online proctoring process https://www.theceshop.com/proctoring-instructions-online/proctoring-instructions-online.
  • Apply for your real estate license. You’ll need to create a log-in profile with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission website before applying for your North Carolina Broker License. You’ll also need to complete a criminal background check, which can be submitted online.

For a more comprehensive explanation of the licensing steps, take a look at our guide on how to become a real estate agent in North Carolina. If you’re ready to start your pre-licensing education today, sign up for one of our approved online packages.

How do I reinstate my license?

The process for reinstating your North Carolina real estate license depends on 1. whether you’re a provisional broker or a full broker; and 2. how long your license has expired.

You can reinstate your license online by following the Commission’s step by step instructions. The Commission also publishes a helpful table detailing the path to reinstatement.

Here’s a quick look at how to reinstate your license as a provisional broker:

Expired for less than 6 months:

Expired for 6 months to 2 years:

  • Complete a 30-hour post-licensing course OR pass the National and State sections of the licensing exam
  • Submit a reinstatement application with a $90 fee, all supporting documentation, and a criminal background check
  • Correct all CE deficiencies, affiliate with a BIC, and submit the License Activation/Affiliation form (REC 2.08) to regain active status

Expired for more than 2 years:

  • Complete a 75-hour NC Broker pre-licensing course AND pass the National and State sections of the licensing exam
  • Submit a license application with a $100 fee, all supporting documentation, and a criminal background check
  • Correct all CE deficiencies, affiliate with a BIC, and submit the License Activation/Affiliation form (REC 2.08) to regain active status

Will my criminal history prevent me from getting a real estate license in North Carolina?

On the North Carolina real estate license application, you will be asked three questions about any prior criminal offenses, professional license disciplinary actions, liens, or unpaid judgments. All applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and offenses don’t automatically disqualify you. The Commission considers factors such as the level and seriousness of the crime, the date of the crime, and more.

What is the CE Deadline?

Your continuing education must be completed between July 1st and June 10th of each year. Keep in mind that real estate schools are not allowed to offer courses for CE credit between June 11th and June 30th of each year, so you won’t be able to complete your CE requirements during that time.

When should I renew my NC real estate license?

North Carolina requires you to renew your real estate license every year. North Carolina real estate licenses expire on June 30th each year, so it is important that you complete the renewal process before this date. You can begin the renewal process as early as May 15th.