Real Estate Commission - Licensing - Individual Licenses

 

Real Estate Broker/Designated Broker

Real estate broker means a person licensed by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to offer, attempt to conduct or to conduct services on behalf of another for compensation which includes, but is not limited to, listing real estate for sale; promoting the purchase, sale or exchange of real estate; buying, advertising or holding oneself out as offering specific services defined by law and selling or exchanging real estate [reference 32 MRSA Chapter 114 §13001 "Definitions"].

A broker licensee must be affiliated with a licensed real estate agency to be eligible to perform brokerage services.

In addition, a licensed real estate broker may act as designated broker for an agency and, as such, is responsible for the actions of the agency and its associates or employees.

This license may be held on an inactive status.

How to apply

Fees

  • Application/License fee: $100.00
  • Criminal Records Check Fee: $21

Term

  • 2 Years

Apply Now

Requirements

General Requirements

  • Completed License Application
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be at least 18 at time of application for the license.

How to Qualify for the License

  • Complete the Designated Broker Course with a minimum final grade of 75% and submit the original course completion certificate with the application. Must apply for the broker license within one calendar year of completing the course, and
  • Have been licensed as an associate broker affiliated with a real estate brokerage agency for 2 years within the 5 years immediately preceding the date of application submitted to the Commission.

Renewal fees and information

Fees

  • Biennial renewal fee for an active license is $100.00
  • A $50.00 late fee is assessed for licenses renewed within 90 calendar days after the expire date.

Renew Now

  • Fill out the online renewal application and submit.

    The Department must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed. Online submission of your renewal application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license.

Please Note: By submitting a renewal application in any form by any method, the licensee is certifying that all requirements for renewal have been met prior to submission of the application, including the full continuing education requirement. Submission of the renewal application also constitutes certification of the licensee's understanding that the Commission will rely upon the information submitted for issuance of a license and that sanctions may be imposed, including suspension or revocation of the license, if the certification is found to be false.

Renewal Requirements/ Process

  • A license must be renewed online or by paper application on or (up to 60 days) before the expiration date in order for the licensee to conduct business without interruption.
  • Licensee must meet the continuing education requirement of 21 hours of Commission approved continuing education which includes the course designated as the current core course at the time of renewal. Continuing education certificates are not submitted at the time of renewal; however, the Commission conducts random monthly audits where evidence of completion is required.
  • A license may be renewed up to ninety (90) calendar days after the expiration date by complying with all requirements for renewal and payment of an additional $50 late fee. No business may be conducted between license expiration and renewal.
  • A license cannot be renewed after 90 calendar days. Applicant must pass the Maine Law exam administered by Pearson VUE with a minimum grade of 75% before submitting a new license application.
  • Renewal reminders are emailed to the email address on file at least 30 days prior to the license expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to keep the Commission informed of current contact information and to see that the license is renewed absent the renewal application. Reminder includes licensee’s access code which, along with license number, is required for online renewal.

 

Associate Broker

Associate Broker means a person licensed by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to offer, attempt to conduct or to conduct services on behalf of another for compensation which includes, but is not limited to, listing real estate for sale; promoting the purchase, sale or exchange of real estate; buying, advertising or holding oneself out as offering specific services defined by law and selling or exchanging real estate [reference 32 MRSA Chapter 114 §13001 "Definitions"].

An associate broker licensee must be affiliated with a licensed real estate agency to be eligible to perform brokerage services.

This license may be held on inactive status.

How to apply

Fees

  • Application/License fee: $100
  • Criminal Records Check Fee: $21

Term

  • 2 Years

Apply Now

Requirements

General Requirements

  • Completed License Application
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be at least 18 at time of application for the license.

How to qualify for the license

  • Complete two years practice as an actively licensed sales agent; and
  • Complete the 60-hour Associate Broker Course (plus Documented Field Experience Form) with a minimum final grade of 75%; and

Renewal fees and information

Fees

  • Biennial renewal fee for an active license is $100.00.
  • A $50.00 late fee is assessed for licenses renewed within 90 calendar days after the expiration date.

Renew Now

  • Fill out the online renewal application and submit.

    The Department must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed. Online submission of your renewal application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license.

Please Note: By submitting a renewal application in any form by any method, the licensee is certifying that all requirements for renewal have been met prior to submission of the application, including the full continuing education requirement. Submission of the renewal application also constitutes certification of the licensee's understanding that the Commission will rely upon the information submitted for issuance of a license and that sanctions may be imposed, including suspension or revocation of the license, if the certification is found to be false.

Renewal Requirements/ Process

  • A license must be renewed online or by paper application on or (up to 60 days) before the expiration date in order for the licensee to conduct business without interruption.
  • Licensee must meet the continuing education requirement of 21 hours of Commission approved continuing education which includes the course designated as the current core course at the time of renewal. Continuing education certificates are not submitted at the time of renewal; however, the Commission conducts random monthly audits where evidence of completion is required.
  • A license may be renewed up to ninety (90) calendar days after the expiration date by complying with all requirements for renewal and payment of an additional $50 late fee. No business may be conducted between license expiration and renewal.
  • A license cannot be renewed after 90 calendar days. Applicant must pass the Maine Law exam administered by Pearson VUE with a minimum grade of 75% before submitting a new license application.
  • Renewal reminders are emailed to the email address on file at least 30 days prior to the license expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to keep the Commission informed of current contact information and to see that the license is renewed absent the renewal application. Reminder includes licensee’s access code which, along with license number, is required for online renewal.

 

Inactive Associate Broker or Inactive Broker License

An Associate Broker or Broker who wants to preserve a license while not engaged in brokerage activity may apply to the Commission for inactive status. Inactive status is not recommended at the Sales Agent license level as the Sales Agent license is non-renewable and affiliation as a sales agent with an agency for 2 years is a requirement of the Associate Broker license.

How to apply

Fees

  • Change of License Application fee: $20
  • If license is changed to inactive status upon renewal of an active license, the $100 license renewal fee is still required.

Term

  • Change of status to inactive does not change the original license expiration date and license must be renewed every 2 years thereafter.

Reinstatement to Active Status

Licensees who activate within 6 years of the initial inactive license may activate by completing continuing education courses that meet Commission approved clock hours as follows:

  • Inactive up to 2 years – 21 clock hours of continuing education (including the current core course) completed within the previous biennium;
  • Inactive more than 2 years but less than 4 years – 28 clock hours of continuing education (including the current core course) completed within the previous biennium;
  • Inactive more than 4 years but less than 6 years - 36 clock hours of continuing education (including the current core course) completed within the previous biennium;

Licensees who are inactive for 6 or more years must complete the Maine Law exam administered by Pearson VUE with a minimum grade of 75% and submit a new licenses application.

Renewal fees and information

Fees

  • Biennial renewal fee is $100.00.
  • A $50.00 late fee is assessed for licenses renewed within 90 calendar days after the expiration date.

Term

  • 2 Years

Renew Now

  • Fill out the online renewal application and submit.

    The Department must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed. Online submission of your renewal application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license.

Please Note: By submitting a renewal application in any form by any method, the licensee is certifying that all requirements for renewal have been met prior to submission of the application. Submission of the renewal application also constitutes certification of the licensee's understanding that the Commission will rely upon the information submitted for issuance of a license and that sanctions may be imposed, including suspension or revocation of the license, if the certification is found to be false.

Renewal Requirements/ Process

  • A license may be renewed online or by paper application on or (up to 60 days) before the expiration date.
  • There is no continuing education requirement.
  • A license may be renewed up to ninety (90) calendar days after the expiration date by complying with all requirements for renewal and payment of an additional $50 late fee.
  • A license cannot be renewed after 90 calendar days. Applicant must pass the Maine Law exam administered by Pearson VUE with a minimum grade of 75% before submitting a new license application.
  • Renewal reminders are emailed to the email address on file at least 30 days prior to the license expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to keep the Commission informed of current contact information and to see that the license is renewed absent the renewal application. Reminder includes licensee’s access code which, along with license number, is required for online renewal.

 

Real Estate Sales Agent

Real estate sales agent means a person licensed by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to offer, attempt to conduct or to conduct services on behalf of another for compensation which includes, but is not limited to, listing real estate for sale; promoting the purchase, sale or exchange of real estate; buying, advertising or holding oneself out as offering specific services defined by law and selling or exchanging real estate [reference 32 MRSA Chapter 114 §13001 "Definitions"].

This license may only perform brokerage services in the employ of or on behalf of a licensed real estate agency and under the supervision of the agency's designated broker.

A sales agent licensee must be affiliated with a licensed real estate agency to be eligible to perform brokerage services.

How to apply

Fees

  • Application/License fee: $100
  • Criminal Records Check Fee: $21

Term

  • 2 Years (non-renewable)

Apply Now

Requirements

General Requirements

  • Completed License Application
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be at least 18 at time of application for the license.

How to qualify for the license

  • Complete the Sales Agent course with a minimum final grade of 75%;
    AND
  • Pass the sales agent licensing examination, administered by Pearson VUE, with a minimum final grade of 75% within one year of passing the Sales Agent course.

IMPORTANT NOTE - Application for the sales agent license must be made within one (1) year of passing the licensing examination.

Click Candidate Handbook for more detailed information about licensing requirements and instructions for scheduling an examination.
 

 

Reinstatement of Expired License

Any person who previously held a real state license (with the exception of a Sales Agent license) in Maine that is lapsed for more than 90 days may reinstate the license by meeting the requirements of MRSA §13193. Upon completion of the requirements, the applicant is eligible to become re-licensed by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to offer, attempt to conduct or to conduct services on behalf of another for compensation which includes, but is not limited to, listing real estate for sale; promoting the purchase, sale or exchange of real estate; buying, advertising or holding oneself out as offering specific services defined by law and selling or exchanging real estate [reference 32 MRSA Chapter 114 §13001 "Definitions"].

The licensee will be reinstated at the same level as last licensed and must be affiliated with a licensed real estate agency to be eligible to perform brokerage services.

Reinstatement of Expired License Requirements

Fees

  • Application/License fee: $100
  • Criminal records check fee: $21

Term

  • Biennial (2 years)
  • See specific license type (broker or associate broker) for renewal requirements.

Requirements

General Requirements

  • Completed License Application
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be at least 18 at time of application for the license.

How to re-qualify for a license

  • Pass the Maine Law examination administered by Pearson VUE NOTE: Expired Sales Agents are not eligible to be reinstated by this method.

IMPORTANT NOTE - Application for a license must be made within one (1) year of passing the Maine Law examination.

Click Candidate Handbook for more information about licensing requirements and instructions for scheduling an examination.

 

Nonresident / Resident Reciprocal Licensing

An equal license may be issued to any person who holds a current and active real estate license in another jurisdiction after meeting the requirements for the license. Upon completion of the requirements, the applicant is eligible to become licensed by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to offer, attempt to conduct or to conduct services on behalf of another for compensation which includes, but is not limited to, listing real estate for sale; promoting the purchase, sale or exchange of real estate; buying, advertising or holding oneself out as offering specific services defined by law and selling or exchanging real estate [reference 32 MRSA Chapter 114 §13001 "Definitions"].

A non-resident licensee must be affiliated with a Maine licensed real estate agency to be eligible to perform brokerage services.

Reciprocal License Requirements

Fees

  • Application/License fee: $100.00
  • Criminal Records Check Fee: $21

Term

  • 2 Years

Apply Now

Requirements

General Requirements

  • Completed License Application
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be at least 18 at time of application for the license.

How to Qualify for the License

  • Pass the Maine Law examination administered by Pearson VUE . All candidates qualifying by reciprocity must pass this examination regardless of the level of license currently held.
  • Furnish Verification of Licensure in good standing from any state where a license is held or has been held. Verification must indicate whether or not there has been any disciplinary action taken.

Click Candidate Handbook for more detailed information about licensing requirements.

    Renewal fees and information

    Fees

    • Biennial renewal fee for an active license is $100.00
    • A $50.00 late fee is assessed for licenses renewed after the expire date

    Terms

    • Renews biennially on the anniversary of the original license

    Renew Now

    • Fill out the online renewal application and submit.

      The Department must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed. Online submission of your renewal application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license.

    Please Note: By submitting a renewal application in any form by any method, the licensee is certifying that all requirements for renewal have been met prior to submission of the application, including the full continuing education requirement. Submission of the renewal application also constitutes certification of the licensee's understanding that the Commission will rely upon the information submitted for issuance of a license and that sanctions may be imposed, including suspension or revocation of the license, if the certification is found to be false.

    Requirements

    • This license must be renewed on or before the expire date by completing the continuing education requirement, submitting the renewal application and payment of the prescribed fee for the Broker to remain properly licensed to conduct real estate brokerage.
      • Continuing Education Requirement - 21 hours of Commission is required for renewal. This must include 3 hours for the course designated as the core requirement at the time of renewal.
      • Continuing Education Audit- Effective January 1, 2002, licensees are not required to submit evidence of having completed the continuing education requirement when renewing a license. Monthly audits are conducted whereby those licensees audited are required to submit physical evidence that the continuing education requirement was completed on or before the date the license was renewed.
      • This license may be renewed up to ninety (90) days after the expiration date by complying with all requirements for renewal and payment of the $50 late fee in addition to the regular renewal fee. However, licensees renewing a license after the expire date are not licensed to practice until the license is properly renewed.
    • A licensee who submits an application for renewal more than 90 days after the license expiration date is required to pass an examination covering Maine Real Estate Law and submit an original license application and fee to reinstate the license.
    • Renewal reminders are emailed at least 30 days prior to the license expire date. It is the licensee's responsibility to keep the Commission informed of the current license address and to see that the license is renewed absent the renewal application. Licenses may be renewed online up to sixty days prior to expiration.