Welcome to the Department’s Licensing Division’s “Frequently Asked Questions” webpage. We have attempted to answer the most common questions concerning licensing, and we hope you find the answer to your questions among them. First, some general information related to licensing and the Licensing Division:
Remember to provide copies of continuing education certificates with your renewal application.
What is the process for getting a broker's license for my corporation, limited liability
company, or partnership?
The Department requires you make an appointment if you are seeking or changing an employing broker’s license. Whether you are
What do I need to close my brokerage firm in Arizona?
The broker of record must submit a letter of resignation to formally resign as Designated Broker for the entity. The employing
broker must sever all employees licensed to the company. This may be accomplished using the Online System. Depending on how
you wish to be licensed (your new employment status), you will need to either submit
I am a designated broker for an entity (corporation / limited liability company /
partnership / limited liability partnership) that is licensed as a broker and I need to make a change. I'm really confused about
what to do first.
Print out and review the revised
Form LI-201 - Employing Broker Change Form along with the
checklist and instructions. The checklist clearly identifies the items you need, and the instructions spell out details that you
may otherwise overlook. If you're still confused, contact the Department via e-mail at
broker.appointments@azre.gov to request an appointment to
review what it is you want to do with a Broker Specialist.
I am a designated broker and will be out of the office for several days due to vacation / illness. Do I need
to tell the Department?
When a designated broker will be temporarily absent or unavailable (30 days or less), the broker can designate another licensee in the
broker's employ, or another designated broker, to act on the broker's behalf. The broker operating under a temporary delegation of
authority who signs a licensed employee's renewal application, or a hire or sever form, on behalf of the absent broker, must attach a
copy of the delegation letter to the application, hire or sever before filing it with the Department.
Please DO NOT fax a copy of the broker's delegation of authority to the Department unless you are requested to do so by a Department representative. Please DO attach a copy when signing on behalf of the designated broker during the broker's temporary absence of 30 days or less. See A.R.S. § 32-2127 and R4-28-303 E (12).
What is a Business Brokerage Specialist Designation?
As a result of stakeholder comments and input, the Department sought legislation to establish a Business Brokerage Specialist
Designation. In March 2005, Commissioner's Rule R4-28-405 was adopted to aid in implementing the designation and clarifying the
additional education and testing requirements to attain and renew the designation. R4-28-402 was amended to establish a continuing
education category for business brokerage topics.
To obtain the designation, a licensee or license applicant must submit evidence of 24 credit hours of approved business brokerage classes, including passing an exam on the course(s). The courses must be within the 5 year period preceding the request for the designation. Because the designation runs with the license period, regardless of when it is awarded, the Department recommends getting the designation at the beginning of a license period.
To renew the designation, a salesperson or broker is required to complete business brokerage courses for one-half of the credit hours prescribed by the commissioner for license renewal.
What Continuing Education Credits do I need?
You must complete 24 hours of ADRE-approved Continuing Education (CE) courses every two years to renew a real estate license.
Cemetery and membership camping licenses do not require continuing education credit for renewal.
Of the 24 hours required for renewal, you must obtain 3 hours credit in EACH of the following subjects:
The remaining 6 hours may be in any of the above categories OR General Real Estate or Business Brokerage.
If a renewal applicant is retaining the specialization in sales of businesses designation, the applicant is required to complete business brokerage courses for one-half of the credit hours prescribed by the Commissioner for license renewal.
* At least 3 hours of credit in the Commissioner's Standards category must be the Broker Management Clinic course if you are an active status designated broker (which includes self-employed brokers).
** If claiming Fair Housing course substitute, attach a statement of substitution and certificate for substitute class. An additional class in the Real Estate Legal Issues category that has been approved for a minimum of three credit hours in place of the mandatory Fair Housing category and must be pre-approved by the Department.
Where can I attend Continuing Education classes?
Real estate licensees may attend classes at
ADRE-approved real estate schools. Some
of these schools offer "distance learning courses", which can be taken on your computer or over the internet.
What if I am unable to complete my Continuing Education classes but want to renew my license?
Licensees have two years in which to attend the required continuing education (CE) classes. Only for good cause, the
Commissioner MAY grant additional time to complete the classes you lack or, in rare cases, may waive some or all of the continuing
education classes required for license renewal. Review R4-28-402(B) in your Law Book. Submit your written request and, as
applicable, corroborating documents to the Education Division Director for review BEFORE your license expiration date. Be
sure to state the reason for the request, how many CE hours you have acquired, and how much time you anticipate needing to fully meet the
requirement. If approved, you will be given an approval letter to attach to your renewal application to submit to the
Department which must be submitted a minimum of 60 days prior to your license expiration date.
Generally, good cause is either a long-term condition or situation not within your control which prevented you from completing classes, or something sudden and unexpected which prevented you from taking that last class or two. If your request (for waiver or extension) is denied, you must comply with the statutory requirement for CE classes in order to submit your application for license renewal.
With the advent of CE courses approved to be offered by distance learning methods (interactive online or computer-based training), most people are able to complete the required course work, even when health issues prevent them from participating in more traditional, live instruction classes.
How do I request verification of my Arizona licensure?
Licensees sometimes need verification (beyond the Department's webpage) of their licensed status. A
Request for Certification of Licensure
(Form LI-217) can be downloaded from the Department's webpage and submitted with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope and
the filing fee of $3.00 (follow the instructions on the form). Please allow approximately 15 – 21 business days for the Department
to process your request.
What if my information on file with the Department is out-of-date?
You are required to report changes in your address and name within 10 days, and a change of employer must be filed before you may begin
working for a new broker.
To change your legal name, you may use Form LI-235 - Licensee's Personal Information. Supporting documentation and a filing fee of $10.00 is required.
To change your residence address, you may also use Form LI-235 - Licensee's Personal Information, and submit it to the Department along with the required filing fee of $15.00 or simply use the Department’s Online Services and change your personal address for free.
How do I update my Email address with the Department?
By simply following these 4 easy steps:
If I requested to be hired using the Online System, why does my license status still show inactive?
Be sure to tell the broker you've requested to hire you that you've put in the request online. Once the broker logs onto the online
system and approves the request, the broker can print out your license (using the Public Database) and you may begin work under that
broker. If the broker doesn't approve it, the hire request is incomplete and closed.
How do I know when my license expires?
If you are licensed on active status (employed by a broker), your license expiration date is printed on your license certificate which
your broker or you may download using the Public Database. If your license is on inactive status, you can look up your license
number and license expiration date on the Search Individuals page in the
Public Database.
Can I have a DBA or other name for my Professional Corporation?
No. A professional corporation or professional limited liability company cannot have a business or fictitious name and the PC or
PLC name must comprise of the names of its licensed members (only). Refer to A.R.S. 32-2125 (B) and R4-28-303 (F).
How do I request or register for my team?
Team names are no longer managed by the Department. That rule, previously in R4-28-502, was repealed effective March 2005.
However, you are still responsible for the accuracy of your advertising, and to include your employing broker's name in your ads.
(R4-28-502 and R4-28-503)
I mailed in my application to the Department a few weeks ago and I haven't heard anything from the
Department. Can I start work?
Not until your application is approved and an employing broker has hired you (by notifying the Department that you will work for the
brokerage). Upon your approval for licensure, the Department's receipt of the hire request, approved by the broker, determines the
effective date of your active-status license.
If I'm making a change to my license, when can I go to work?
With the exception of certain original applications, the Department will no longer offer "expedited" service, effective 5/1/2006.
Unless you're using the Online System, your application will be processed in the order received
Who may I contact at the Department? I call and only get voice mail.
We are hoping with our recent changes to our forms, which now include clear instructions and a checklist of required steps and documents,
you won't need to call us. With 96,000 plus licensees (as of 3/2008) our changes will help us focus all of our attention on
processing applications as quickly as possible. Review the checklist and your application one final time before you submit it, to
make sure it is complete. This will enable us to process your application that much faster -- the first time!
What do I do if I have been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, adverse judgement or disciplinary
action?
You must report a conviction, adverse judgement or disciplinary action against a professional license to the Department in writing
within 10 business days, and provide documentation (download and review
Document Checklist, Form LI-400). Arrests do not have to
be reported.
Why does the Department require my fingerprints to be resubmitted -- why not use the set I gave when I was
originally licensed?
Fingerprint exemplars ("fingerprints") are collected when a licensee is disclosing the occurrence of a criminal conviction pursuant to
AAC R4-28-301 and R4-28-303, and when seeking any additional type of license issued by the Department. This is not done to create a
burden, but to assist the Department in determining whether an applicant or licensee has a criminal record and, if so, the extent of that
record.
There is a common misconception that the Department keeps a licensee's fingerprints on file, and perhaps that it can 're-run' the prints at any time. The Department does not retain an applicant's fingerprint card, and the fingerprint-processing fee is charged each time a person's prints are run through the system. The Department sends a license applicant's prints to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which 'runs' the prints looking for any record of criminal conduct. The DPS sends a report to the Department advising no criminal record or disclosing limited details of arrests and/or convictions.
If an applicant later seeks another type of license, or there is evidence of a criminal record, the prints and processing fee are required from the applicant or licensee so the prints can be 'run' again. The fee is collected with each set of fingerprints submitted so that the charge for running the prints is paid by the applicant/licensee. If the prints reveal any new/additional criminal history at this later date, the Department must determine whether it impacts the person's qualifications for licensure.
Is the License Certificate that is printed from the ADRE Online Services website legally acceptable? In other
words, do we need the official license?
Yes, the printed cetificate is legally acceptable. The electronic license certificate IS the official license certificate - and
available INSTANTLY, as soon as the ADRE records are updated! No more waiting for Department staff to print, stuff and mail the
licenses -- it's all there immediately!
The office location where the licensee works does not show on the license certificate, but is included in the public database display of license information. Employment is also included in the 'printer friendly' license information.
A new enhancement allows a person's PC or PLC name to display on the license certificate if they're licensed that way. If they're not licensed through a PC or PLC, then it states 'not applicable'.
And, if you or your broker need a "duplicate" license certificate, you may print it at your convenience!
What is the difference between an LLC and a PLLC?
A PLLC is an LLC organized under Chapter 4 of Title 29 of the Arizona Revised Statutes for the purposes that include rendering one or
more categories of service that may be lawfully rendered only by a person licensed or otherwise authorized by a licensing authority in
Arizona to render the service.
The PLLC specifies that in those cases where only a person licensed or otherwise authorized by a licensing authority in Arizona to render one or more categories of service may do so, a PLLC must be used.
All general rules and regulations governing an LLC apply to a PLLC. (A.R.S. 29-843).
How do I form a PLLC?
A PLLC is formed via the same forms as an LLC, available from the Arizona Corporation Commission. First, one must fill out and file
Articles of Organization. After filing the Articles of Organization a Notice of Filing must be published in a newspaper of general
circulation.
In addition, after publication, one must file at the State of Arizona Department of Real Estate Form LI-231, Application for Real Estate Salesperson or Broker Professional Corporation (PC) or Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC). The form is available at the Arizona Department of Real Estate office and website and requires a $10.00 processing fee.
What if I have already formed an LLC but need to change to PLLC?
If you are seeking to change your LLC to a PLLC, you can amend your LLC Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation
Commission. As a minimum, the name must be amended to substitute PLLC for LLC. After filing the amended Articles of
Organization, another Notice of Filing must be published in a newspaper of general circulation. Finally, file
Form LI-231, Application for Real
Estate Salesperson or Broker Professional Corporation (PC) or Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) which is available at the
Arizona Department of Real Estate office and website and requires a $10.00 processing fee.
For any questions concerning forms and pricing, see the Arizona Corporation Commission website and the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.
If the end of my renewal month falls on a weekend or holiday, when must my application
be filed to avoid a lapse in licensure?
If the last day of your license period falls on a weekend or holiday, it will be considered a timely renewal
IF it is:
If you file in person, Department staff will review your application for completeness and, if complete, accept it for processing in the order received. If incomplete, it will be returned to you with a notice of deficiencies.
What happens if I don't renew before my license expiration date?
If you do not file a complete renewal application before your license expiration date, your license expires. IF YOUR LICENSE HAS
EXPIRED, you are NO LONGER LICENSED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS. You must cease all activity for which a license is required. You
cannot be hired by a broker and licensed on "active status" until the Department has an opportunity to process your late-filed
application.
Late renewals may be renewed using the Online System or may be submitted by mail or in person at the ADRE Phoenix or Tucson office. Complete applications for late renewals will be processed in the order received. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant, unprocessed.
If filing within one year after license expiration (Late Renewal), include the following forms, documents and fees or renew using the Online System:
Should your license expire, you have a one-year "grace period" in which to renew. After the grace period expires, your license will be terminated. Once your license is terminated (expired more than one year ago), you must apply again as if applying for an original license. See A.R.S. § 32-2131.
If you continued working while your license was not current or was not active-status, the Department will NOT accept a hire form until your renewal application is approved.
If you continue to transact real estate business after your license expires, you could face serious consequences which might include a civil (monetary) penalty, additional continuing education requirements and license suspension or revocation. You could also be required to refund all commissions earned while your license was expired.
May I have my late fee waived if I renewed late, due to not receiving my renewal
notice on time?
As a courtesy, the Department emails renewal notices to you regarding your renewal at 90, 60 and 30 days increments prior to license
expiration and, if active, an email notice is sent to your designated broker.
*** Failure to receive the renewal notice will not excuse your failure to renew on time. ***
Can I get an extension on my license renewal?
The Department does not have the authority to change your license expiration date and "extend" your license period. If you are
seeking additional time to complete your continuing education (CE) classes, read the "What if I am unable to complete my
Continuing Education classes but want to renew my license?" FAQ.
After I file my late renewal application, will I be able to hire online?
If your license expired within the preceding year, you may be eligible to file for "late renewal". When renewed, the license would
be "inactive status". You can then file a request to be hired by a broker. The broker would have to approve the request
within 30 days for it to take effect. People within their grace year will be able to renew online IF they do not have any
DISCLOSURES and DID NOT conduct unlawful license activity. (See A.A.C. R4-28-303 and R4-28-306) False responses to
the disclosure and unlicensed activity questions may result in disciplinary action up to and including license revocation.
Persons who received a waiver, are substituting a class for Fair Housing, or who received credit on an individual basis from the ADRE Education Division for classes or conferences they attended, CANNOT renew Online AT ALL.
What does it cost to renew my license?
The fee for timely renewal of a salesperson's license is $120 (In-Office or Mailed) or $80 (Online); a broker's license
renewal is $240 (In-Office or Mailed) or $160 (Online). If you are making changes, additional fees may be
required. Review the instructions on the change forms you are submitting.
The fee to file for late renewal of a salesperson's license is a total of $200 (In-Office or Mailed) or $160 (Online). If your license lapsed more than one year previously, you must apply for relicensure, not renewal.
The fee to file for late renewal of a broker's license is a total of $400 (In-Office or Mailed) or $320 (Online). If your license lapsed more than one year previously, you must apply for relicensure, not renewal.
What renewal form do I use?
If not renewing online, you may download and print the
License Renewal Package, which contains Forms LI-243
(Renewal Application - part of the License Renewal Package), LI-244 (License Renewal Questionnaire - required with EVERY renewal),
LI-400 (Document Checklist - if renewal includes required disclosure) and LI-555 (Unlawful License Activity Statement -
required if your license was active-status and you are filing for late renewal).
You may also request that these forms be faxed or mailed to you by calling the Department at 602.771.7700, during regular business hours.
If I filed for license renewal using the Online System, why doesn't it show that it's renewed?
Be sure to tell the broker you work for that you've filed your renewal online. Once the broker logs onto the online system and
approves the renewal, the broker can print out your license and you may continue working under the broker. If the broker doesn't
take action to approve or disapprove it, your license will be renewed as still being employed by that broker. If the broker
disapproves your renewal application, your license will be renewed on inactive status and your employment is severed from the
broker. The effective date of the sever will be the earlier of your license expiration date or the broker's disapproval of your
renewal. To avoid conducting any unlawful license activity, the Department recommends you monitor the status of your online renewal
and your license status closely until renewed and active status.
Where do I renew my license?
You may renew your license:
If you file for license renewal in person, we recommend you not wait until the last 2 business days of the month, when Department staff are the busiest.
If renewing late, include an Unlawful License Activity Statement (Form LI-555). Include a hire form signed by the broker (no filling fee required) to be licensed as active-status. Remember, if renewing late or if your application is returned to you because it is incomplete, you are not licensed to conduct real estate activity until the completed application has been approved and processed. If you renew online, your license is not active until after your broker goes online and approves your request to hire.
* Please note: Applications for license renewal will not be processed immediately, but in the order in which they are received. *
What do I provide to my broker as proof that I filed (the application)?
You can present the receipt showing payment of the fee, and when the application is approved (depending upon the type of application you
filed), your license may be printed from the Public Database. If you file online, you can print the confirmation page and
your broker can immediately approve your hire or renewal and print your license. You can also check your status, at your
convenience, in the Public Database on the Department's webpage, at www.azre.gov.
How can I receive a renewal reminder that my license is expiring soon?
Register an email address with the Department. In March 2007 the Department began issuing "courtesy notices" to brokers and
salespersons electronically to remind them of their approaching license expiration. The email address a salesperson or broker has
registered with the Department will be used to provide reminders approximately 90, 60, and 30 days preceding the license expiration
date. As an added service, Designated Brokers with email addresses will receive notice of licensed employees whose licenses are
expiring at these same 90, 60, and 30 day intervals. The Department recommends licensees use their personal email addresses so as
to retain the connection to the Department even if their employer changes.
Inactive-status entity brokers (corporations, limited liability companies,partnerships and limited liability partnerships) will not receive an email because there is no designated broker associated with the license.
Using email to provide electronic reminders of upcoming license expirations may reduce the number of late-filed applications, and allows the Department to redirect resources being used in printing and mailing postcards.
It remains the license holder's responsibility to maintain their license in good standing before engaging in activities that require licensure.
It's a good idea to print this list, then use it to ensure that you have completed all the requirements for license renewal.
Review your Name and Address; make sure City, State & ZIP code are included and are correct.
Verify or correct your residence telephone number, and business telephone number if active-status.
If active status, review your employer name and business address, including any suite number, and make sure City, State, & ZIP code are included and are correct.
If you are a real estate licensee, attach certificates for 24 hours of approved CE courses. If you are unsure of the requirement, read the "What Continuing Education Credits do I need?" FAQ. If you received a conditional waiver for some or all of your CE, attach a copy of it to the renewal application (You cannot renew using Online Services).
Answer all the questions on the License Renewal Questionnaire (Form LI-244), and if you answer yes to any question, provide the additional documents as instructed at the bottom of the questionnaire.
Sign the renewal application. If your license is active status, have your designated broker originally sign it also.
If you are making changes, remember to include any additional forms or fees. If unsure, read the What if my information on file with the Department is out-of-date? FAQ. Instructions and applicable fees are on the forms. You may also call the Department at 602.771.7700, during regular business hours.
Mail your renewal application, attachments, and filing fee(s) or deliver it to the Department's Phoenix or Tucson office during regular business hours. If bringing it in person, try to avoid the last week of the month, which is when we are at our busiest. Please note: Applications for license renewal will not be processed immediately, but in the order in which they are received.
rev. 07/08