Whether you're a seasoned broker or a first-time salesperson, renewing your New York real estate license is not optional — it's legally required. And if you’re not careful, one small mistake in the renewal process could leave you unlicensed, out of compliance with Article 12-A, and unable to collect commissions.
At Lieb School, we train thousands of real estate professionals every year to meet their continuing education (CE) requirements on time and with ease. As the legal educators behind Lieb at Law, P.C., we’re also keeping a close eye on compliance risks that can cost you your livelihood.
Here’s what the NY Department of State (DOS) wants every licensee to know for a smooth, penalty-free renewal.
✅ TIP: The #1 Mistake to Avoid
Quoted directly from the DOS:
“They need to renew online and make sure they answer ‘YES’ to the continuing education question. If they mistakenly answer ‘NO’, we will not renew their license until we see their original course completion certificates.”
So let’s be clear:
Always answer “YES” to the continuing education question — if you’ve completed your 22.5 hours. Otherwise, your license will be delayed or denied.
📝 How to Renew Your NY Real Estate License
Renewal is done 100% online via eAccessNY. Follow these steps:
- Log in: Visit eAccessNY and log into your account.
- Access Your License: From the main menu, click “List of Licenses” and select the license you wish to renew.
- Click “Renew License”: If your broker or office affiliation has changed, your broker must update your sponsorship BEFORE you renew.
- Answer the CE Question: Affirm that you completed your required CE — or risk rejection.
- Submit Payment: Enter your credit card details and click Submit (once!). You’ll get a confirmation page — print or save it.
📩 What Happens Next?
A confirmation page means your application has been submitted, but not yet approved. You must check your license status in your eAccessNY portal under “Application Status Display.”
If it says “In Progress”, DOS is still reviewing your application. If anything is missing, they will notify you.
🚫 What If I Clicked "NO" by Mistake?
You’ll receive a rejection notice. To move forward, you must email original certificates of your CE course completions to the Bureau of Educational Standards, even if it was a mistake.
Avoid this mess by:
- Completing your CE well in advance
- Answering “YES” when asked about CE
- Saving your original certificates for at least two years (you may be audited)
📅 When Should I Renew?
You can renew 90 days (3 months) before your license expires. The expiration date is printed directly on your license, and reminders are sent via email and postcard.
⏳ Don’t wait: If your license expires and stays expired for 2 years, you’ll need to:
- Retake the state exam
- Reapply from scratch
- Pay all new fees
🎓 Learn With Lieb School
Need CE hours? Our fully online, on-demand CE packages are designed to satisfy ALL NY requirements — including:
- Fair Housing / Discrimination (3 hrs)
- Implicit Bias (2 hrs)
- Cultural Competency (2 hrs)
- Agency Law (1–2 hrs)
- Ethics (2.5 hrs)
- Legal Updates (1 hr)
- Electives from expert attorney instructors
📘 View CE Packages for NY Salesperson or Broker License Renewal »
⚖️ Questions About Legal Compliance?
If you're audited, face disciplinary action, or get into legal trouble due to a licensing issue, contact Lieb at Law, P.C. Our attorneys represent brokers and salespersons in DOS investigations, commission disputes, and real estate litigation throughout New York.
🔍 Learn About Our Real Estate Brokerage Law Services »
🏛 About Lieb School & Lieb at Law, P.C.
Lieb School is a New York Department of State-approved real estate school delivering practical legal education for license renewal. All instructors are licensed attorneys from Lieb at Law, P.C., a boutique law firm focused on real estate, employment, and discrimination litigation.
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