Managing your real estate license with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) is getting easier. The Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal, or REALM Portal, launches December 15. The REALM Portal will help prospective and current license holders go paperless and apply for or manage real estate licenses all online, 24/7. You'll also be able to:

• Save and return to your application when you're ready.
• Request a fitness determination online before applying for a license. 
• Upload your documents within the system (no more separate emails to TREC).
• Make payments securely online.
• Track the status of your applications.
• Track your continuing education (CE) hours. 
• File complaints, resulting in faster processing.

What to Know About the REALM Portal Activation Email

The REALM Portal activation email started going out at 8:30 a.m. CT December 15. Because of the volume of email messages and the personalization of each it will take some time for them to reach your inboxes. If you don’t receive it by Tuesday, December 16, please reach out to us.

The activation email will come from no-reply@notices.trec.texas.gov and outline how to activate and create your new REALM Portal account. This important email will be delivered to your email address of record. 

Do You Have Multiple Licenses With TREC and TALCB?

If you maintain more than one license, registration, or application with TREC and/or TALCB, you may receive multiple activation emails when it’s time to access the REALM Portal. Each email will contain record-specific information.

To successfully link multiple records, you must use the State ID(s) or PIN Number(s) provided in each activation email. These identifiers allow you to connect all licenses, registrations, and applications into one REALM Portal account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions license holders have about the transition to the REALM Portal. The FAQs are organized by topic for easier reference.

Sponsorships

As a broker, why can’t I invite a sales agent to request sponsorship in the REALM Portal? 

At this time, brokers may not see an option to initiate a sponsorship invitation for a sales agent within the REALM Portal. TREC and TALCB are actively working to enhance this functionality, and improvements are a high priority.

If I sponsor agents through an LLC, do I need separate REALM Portal accounts for my personal broker license and the LLC?

No. You can manage both your personal broker license and any LLC you sponsor agents through using one REALM Portal account.

When linking licenses and applications, the PIN Numbers or State IDs help ensure all records are connected to your account.

Even if someone hasn’t yet registered in the REALM Portal, agents sponsored through your personal license or LLC will still appear in the license holder search at trec.texas.gov.

As a broker, do I have to re-sponsor all of my agents in the REALM Portal?

No. Existing sponsorship relationships will transfer automatically into the REALM Portal. Brokers do not need to re-sponsor their agents in the new system.

However, any new sponsorship changes—such as adding or releasing an agent—must be completed in the REALM Portal.

Some brokers may not immediately see all sponsored agents displayed in the REALM Portal. TREC and TALCB are actively working on an update so sponsored agents are fully visible in the system. No action is required from brokers at this time.

Applications and Exam Processing

I was approved to take the broker exam, but Pearson VUE says they haven’t received my eligibility. What’s going on?

TREC and TALCB are currently experiencing a temporary integration issue with Pearson VUE. As a result, new exam eligibility notifications cannot yet be sent to Pearson VUE, and exam results cannot be received during this time.

If you received an approval or eligibility notice from TREC on or after December 2, 2025, Pearson VUE may not yet have your information in their system, which means you may be unable to schedule your exam right away.

TREC is actively working to resolve this issue and will share updates as soon as they are available. Applicants who have already received eligibility notices may be contacted directly with additional guidance.

Please continue to monitor your email and the REALM Portal for updates.

Will the REALM Portal update delay application processing or background checks?

Some applicants may experience temporary delays in application processing or background checks as TREC and TALCB continue working through system updates following the REALM Portal launch. Teams are actively reviewing workflows and implementing solutions to ensure applications continue moving forward. In some cases, applications may be processed manually while system improvements are completed.

We appreciate your patience during this transition and will continue providing updates as improvements are made.

I passed my broker exam, but my application still shows as “submitted.” When will it update?

Exam results taken on or after December 2 have not yet been received in the REALM Portal. Once exam results are received and processed, your application status will update accordingly.

No additional action is required from you at this time. Please continue to monitor your application in the REALM Portal for updates.

PIN, Record Linking

What is a PIN and when will I need one?

A PIN is a unique identifier used to manually link a license or application if it does not automatically appear in your REALM Portal account.

Will everyone need a PIN?

No. Most license holders’ records will link automatically when they register using their email address of record.

What if I can’t find my PIN or Record ID?

If you cannot locate your PIN or Record ID, contact TREC or TALCB for assistance.

My license appeared automatically when I logged in. Do I need to do anything else?

No. If your license appears in the REALM Portal after you log in—and you do not expect to see any additional licenses or applications—your account is already linked, and no further action is required.

Most license holders’ records link automatically when they register using the same email address that is on file with TREC or TALCB.

The PIN and State ID options are only needed if your license or application does not appear automatically.

Why am I having trouble linking my license to my REALM Portal account?

Some license holders may experience delays or extra steps when linking their license due to high activity as accounts are activated.

If you have records already linked to your account, you may need to choose “None Applicable” from the dropdown menu that appears to add more records. Generally, if you are setting up your account for the first time, you will only need to proceed through the steps.

To link your license successfully, try selecting “PIN Link Records to Your Account.” Using your PIN links directly to your specific license. If you use a State ID, you may see additional records that do not require action.

If your records do not appear right away, please allow time and try again later. TREC and TALCB continue to monitor system performance and make improvements.

If you still need assistance, contact TREC or TALCB for support.

Access and Account Setup

What if I don't receive my activation email?

The REALM Portal activation email started going out at 8:30 a.m. CT on Monday, December 15, 2025. Because of the volume of email messages and the personalization of each, it will take some time for them to reach your inboxes. If you don’t receive it by Tuesday, December 16, 2025, please reach out to us.

I can't register because the system is asking for an EIN with more digits than mine. What should I do?

Some business accounts—such as Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) and Business Entity licenses (BENTs)—will be prompted to enter an EIN during registration.

While EINs are typically 9 digits, the REALM Portal requires a 11-digit entry for registration. To proceed, add two leading zeros (“00”) to the beginning of your 9-digit EIN when entering it into the system. Example: If your EIN is 123456789, enter it as 00123456789. This will allow you to continue the registration process.

If you continue to experience issues, contact TREC or TALCB for assistance.

I have multiple licenses. Do I need multiple REALM Portal accounts?

No. You only need one REALM Portal account. Multiple licenses can be linked to a single account. You can set up more than one account to manage licenses separately if you would like.

If you maintain more than one license, registration, or application with TREC and/or TALCB, you may receive multiple activation emails. Each email will contain record-specific information.

To successfully link multiple records, you must use the State ID(s) or PIN Number(s) provided in each activation email. These identifiers allow you to connect all licenses, registrations, and applications into one REALM Portal account.

Is it okay if I wait to activate my REALM Portal account?

Yes. The REALM Portal will continue to be available, and you may activate your account when it’s convenient for you.

If you do not have an urgent license task—such as a renewal or sponsorship change—it’s fine to wait. TREC and TALCB will continue monitoring the system and providing support after launch.

Will TREC-TALCB be shut down for two weeks?

No. There will be a transition period starting December 2 at 5 p.m. CT through December 15, 2025, when online license management services and the Posting System will be unavailable. The agency will be open for business as usual during this time.

How can I access the REALM Portal?

You will receive an email at your email address of record on December 15 with instructions on how to activate your REALM Portal account.

Do I need to create a new account?

Yes. All users must create a new REALM Portal account once the system launches. Your existing login credentials will not carry over.

How do I create a new account?

If you are already in TREC-TALCB's current system, you will receive an email from the agency with a link to activate your REALM Portal account and instructions for linking your current license or application.

If you are a new applicant or need to submit a complaint, please follow the instructions for how to create an account on the REALM Portal website once it launches.

Will my delegated supervisors or assistants need new accounts?

Yes, if they manage or submit information on behalf of a license holder.

A helpful REALM Portal feature allows designated brokers to grant permissions to others within their office (like managers or team leads) to manage their licenses and team names through their own online account.

Payments and Fees

Will there be additional fees for online payments?

A 3% online fee required by the Department of Information Resources (DIR) applies to online transactions.

Can I mail in a check or pay in person after launch?

No. All payments must be made online through the REALM Portal.

REALM Portal Basics

What is the REALM Portal?

It’s the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal—a modern online licensing system created to simplify the way TREC-TALCB real estate professionals manage their license.

Is the REALM Portal this website?

No. It is a separate tool that you will use to apply, renew, change sponsorship, make payments, file complaints, and more.

Why is TREC-TALCB switching to a new system?

The REALM Portal offers a more secure, user-friendly experience with modern features that make managing your license faster and easier—from updating personal information to online renewals. 

How will the REALM Portal benefit license holders?

In a nutshell, the REALM Portal will allow for fully digital license management. This includes an entirely online experience for license application and renewals. Supporting documents can also be uploaded in the REALM Portal and complaints can be filed, all in one place.

What can I do in the REALM Portal?

You can renew your license, update your contact information, track CE, track and manage your application, view your license history, and more.

Licenses and Numbers

Do I need to reapply or resubmit my information?

No. Your existing license information and application records will automatically transfer to the REALM Portal.

Will my license expiration date or renewal cycle change?

No. Your license expiration date and renewal schedule will remain the same.

Will my license number look different in the REALM Portal?

As part of the transition to the REALM Portal, license numbers will include a short letter code after the existing number to identify the license type. For example, if your sales agent license number was 12345 in the old system, it will soon appear as 12345-SA in the REALM Portal. These letters help quickly identify the type of license you hold and will be printed on your official license documents.

Your original license number will remain the same—only the added suffix is new.

What are the new suffixes that will be added to existing license numbers?

Beginning with the launch of the REALM Portal, all license numbers will include a license-type suffix. This suffix will appear after your license number (example: 123456-SA) and will also be printed on your license. These suffixes help clearly identify the type of license you hold in the new system. Below are the suffixes assigned to each license type.

TREC Real Estate License Types

• Sales Agent: -SA
• Broker: -B
• Business Entity Broker: -BE
• Business Broker (REO): -BB
• Easement or Right-of-Way Agent: -EA
• Easement or Right-of-Way Business: -EB
• Business Entity License: -BENT

TREC Inspectors ​

• Apprentice Inspector: -AI
• Real Estate Inspector: -RI
• Professional Inspector: -PI

TALCB License Types

• Appraiser Trainee: -T
• Certified General Appraiser: -CG 
• Appraisal Management Company: -AMC
• Certified Residential Appraiser: -CR
• Licensed Residential Appraiser: -LR
• Qualifying Education Provider: -AQP
• Continuing Education Provider: -ACEP

Education Providers

Note: Existing course license numbers will change. Provider license numbers will not change but will include a suffix in the REALM Portal.

• QE Provider: -QP
• Exempt QE Provider: -XQP
• CE Provider: -CEP
• Real Estate QE Course: -REQC
• Inspector QE Course: -INSQ
• ERW QE Course: -ERWQ
• College Accredited QE Course: -ACC
• Real Estate CE Course: -RECE
• Real Estate Non-Elective Course: -RENE
• Inspector CE Course: -INSC
• Inspector Non-Elective Course: -INE
• ERW CE Course: -ERWC

 

Will I have a new license with the suffix added?

Yes. Your updated license will include the suffix.

Will I need to use my license number with the new suffix on contracts, in advertising, or on the Information About Brokerage Services form?

No.

Education Providers

Will a separate course application need to be submitted for each delivery method?

No. Providers will submit a single course application for multiple delivery methods.

Are the fees changing for provider or course applications?

No, the application fees are not changing for providers and courses. However, a 3% Texas Online Fee required by the Department of Information Resources (DIR) will be assessed for all provider and course applications beginning December 15, 2025.

What are the new suffixes added to license numbers?

Provider license numbers will not change but will include a suffix in the REALM Portal.

• QE Provider: -QP
• Exempt QE Provider: -XQP
• CE Provider: -CEP
• Real Estate QE Course: -REQC
• Inspector QE Course: -INSQ
• ERW QE Course: -ERWQ
• College Accredited QE Course: -ACC
• Real Estate CE Course: -RECE
• Real Estate Non-Elective Course: -RENE
• Inspector CE Course: -INSC
• Inspector Non-Elective Course: -INE
• ERW CE Course: -ERWC

Are course numbers changing?

Yes. Existing course license numbers will change. Each provider will receive a spreadsheet with that information from TREC.

Is there more information for Education Providers?

Yes, more is included in this article.

Support

Are there any tutorials or help guides?

Yes. Step-by-step video tutorials and quick-start guides are available on the TREC and TALCB websites and in the REALM Portal Video Hub. These sites will continue to be updated with new helpful content.

Who do I contact if I have trouble accessing or using the REALM Portal?

Contact TREC's or TALCB's team for assistance.

Video Hub

What License Holders Need To Know

The REALM Portal will serve as the new online home managing your professional real estate license. The following is an overview of what will be available in the REALM Portal for each license type.

Brokers

Brokers will have access to expanded management tools within the REALM Portal, including the ability to:

• Review and approve sales agent sponsorship requests.
• Manage business entity licenses.
• Manage sponsorships.
• Update brokerage and designated broker information.
• Track license status for sponsored sales agents.

Designated brokers can delegate management to other license holder profiles. For example, you can grant permissions to others within your office (like managers or team leads) to manage licenses and team names through their own REALM Portal account.

The REALM Portal will allow associated brokers to identify which brokerages they associate with—those connections will be displayed for public view on TREC’s website.

Sales Agents

Sales agents will use the REALM Portal to:

• Renew licenses online and pay renewal fees.
• Track CE requirements.
• Manage sponsorship requests and view broker information.
• Update contact details and personal information.
• Print or download digital copies of your license.
• Apply for reinstatement of an expired license online.

Your broker must have an active REALM Portal account for sponsorship management.

Inspectors

Apprentice and licensed inspectors will use the REALM Portal to:

• Leave the paper forms behind and submit applications online.
• Renew licenses and pay fees online.
• Upload and manage proof of required insurance.
• Update contact and business information.
• Track CE courses.
• Access your digital license.
• Manage sponsorships online. 

Easement or Right-of-Way Agents

Easement or right-of-way agents will use the REALM Portal to:

• Renew licenses and pay fees online
• Track CE
• Update contact and business information
• View and print digital licenses

Education Providers

TREC-TALCB-approved education providers will have access to the same features, including all provider and course applications being processed and managed online. This also means all documentation typically required with those applications will be submitted through the new online format. Education providers will also be able to

• Pay fees online.
• Benefit from faster processing times, built-in timed outlines, and content outlines for course applications.
• Renew provider and course approvals.
• Update provider and course information.
• Track application status and approval history.

In preparation for the REALM Portal launch, course numbers will change. Education providers will receive new course numbers for all courses. The new numbers will be emailed to providers in early December. These numbers are necessary for updating course information online and within the CE posting system.

Before December 2 Checklist

The following reminders were previously shared with license holders.

For All License Holders

• Renew early if your license expires in November, December, or January 2026.
• Update your email address of record so you receive the REALM Portal activation email on December 15.
• Make any needed changes to your account before 5 p.m. CT on December 2, or wait until the REALM Portal opens on December 15.

Updating Your Email Address

Previously shared in earlier communications; summarized again here.

Log in → Quick Start Menu → Change/Verify Contact Information → Update → Submit → Attest

For Brokers

• Do not delay renewal. If your license expires, all your sponsored agents—and any business entity broker license you serve as designated broker for—will go inactive.
• After reinstatement, you'll need to re-establish all terminated sponsorships manually.

Key REALM Portal Dates

December 2 at 5 p.m. CT until December 15: Transition Period

This is the transition period for moving license holder data from the current system into the REALM Portal. Online license management services will be unavailable. Staff will not have access to either database during this time and will not be able to enter data or make changes on license holders' behalf.

What to Know About The Transition Period

• TREC is open for business as usual, aside from our regular holiday schedule.
• You can reach us by phone or email. 
• You'll still have access to contract forms, articles, FAQs, and more information at trec.texas.gov and talcb.texas.gov.
• The license holder search and disciplinary history search will still be online, just not updated while we move data from our old system into the REALM Portal.
• The application tracker is moving into the REALM Portal, and you'll be able to check your status once you activate your account at launch.

For Sales Agents Changing Brokers

If you plan to switch sponsoring brokers soon, submit your request early and ensure your new broker has time to approve it before December 2.

Last updated December 16, 2025. This page will continue to be updated with new information as TREC-TALCB staff prepares for the new licensing system’s rollout.