If your license is inactive and you are ready to return to active status, you must complete the required continuing education (CE) and submit a request to return your license to active status through the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal.

Before You Begin

Before requesting active status, make sure you:

Becoming a licensed real estate broker is an important milestone in your real estate career. Whether you're currently a Texas sales agent, an out-of-state broker, or a military service member seeking licensure, understanding the requirements before you apply can help you avoid delays and submit a complete application.

This guide walks you through the broker licensing process, explains how education and experience requirements work, and answers common questions from applicants.

Before You Begin

Before starting your application, make sure you:

To place your license on inactive status, log in to the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal and follow these steps:

You can request a copy of your license directly through your REALM Portal account in just a few steps:

1. Log in to your REALM Portal account and go to My Records.
2. Locate your license and click Amendment on the same row.
3. In the Type of Change Request dropdown, select License Reprint, then click Continue.
4. Check the confirmation box and click Continue.
5. On the confirmation page, submit your request.

A copy of your license will be emailed to you.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) implemented updates aimed at improving transparency, strengthening broker qualifications, and modernizing license management processes. These changes—some from Senate Bill 1968—took effect January 1, 2026, and are now actively shaping how brokers qualify, operate, and maintain compliance.

The Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met on October 15 and reviewed public comments and discussed concerns about transaction coordinators and how people fill out the Information About Brokerage Services form.

Whether you are applying for a new license, renewing your license, setting up a business entity registration, and more, the best and most secure way to pay Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) fees is through the agency’s online services portal. Plus, you can pay online whenever is convenient for you—the tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.

The Texas Real Estate Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met on July 16, 2025, for the first time post the regular legislative session. Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) staff briefed committee members on the passage of Senate Bill 1968. The remainder of the meeting was a review of potential changes to the education and experience requirements for a broker license.

SB 1968: TREC’s Housekeeping Bill

SB 1968 passed and is effective January 1, 2026. BRAC’s recommendations included in this bill are:

After reviewing public comments and feedback from Commissioners, the Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee (BRAC) met on April 8 to continue its discussion over the minimum experience points and education hours required to earn a broker’s license. Meeting highlights also include the group reminding brokers of the timeframe for removing TREC-registered team names.

The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, began January 10, 2023, and ends May 29, 2023. This session opened with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing Board (TALCB) following 358 bills relevant to the administration of the agency.  A much smaller number will become law, one of relevance to Texas real estate license holders.