Welcome to the 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, you must enter your continuing education credits online at https://az.gov/webapp/dre/ before you may proceed 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 formally resigning 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
Employing Broker Change Form (LI-201) 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 still have questions, contact the Department via e-mail at
broker.appointments@azre.gov to request an appointment to
meet 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 person 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 form 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?
NOTE: The 2008 Legislature revoked the Business Brokerage Specialist Designation statute. Licenses issued or renewed after
September 26, 2008 do not reflect this designation. Licenses issued prior to that date will retain the designation until they
expire, however, when they are renewed they will no longer reflect the designation.
How do I request verification of my Arizona licensure?
Licensees sometimes need verification (beyond the Department's webpage) of their licensed status. You may use
Request for Certification of Licensure Form
(LI-217), and submit it with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope along with the required filing fee (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 Licensee Personal Information Form (LI-235). Supporting documentation and a filing fee is required.
To change your residence address, you may use the Department’s website to record the change at no charge or you may use Licensee Personal Information Form (LI-235), and submit it to the Department along with the required filing fee.
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 submitted 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 DBA name and the PC or
PLC name must be comprised 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 a name for my team?
Team names are no longer managed by the Department. The rule (R4-28-502 - Regulating Teams) was repealed in March 2005.
Team members are still responsible for the accuracy of their advertising, including meeting all the requirements of R4-28-502, such as
displaying the employing broker's name in Team 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 back. 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). When the Department receives and approves your application for licensure, and the hire request approved by the broker,
your license status becomes active.
If I'm making a change to my license, when can I go to work?
With the exception of certain original applications, the Department does not offer "expedited" service. Unless you use the
Online System, your application will be processed in the order received.
Who may I contact at the Department? I call and cannot reach anyone.
Decreases in staffing and increases in licensees, in addition to current market circumstances, result in more calls than staff can
handle. We understand and appreciate the concerns of our licensees, and regret this situation. We have expanded the
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of the website and changed Department forms to include clear instructions and a checklist of
required steps and documents for licensure. Review the checklist and your application before you submit it to ensure it is
complete. This will enable us to process the application that much faster -- the first time!
If you cannot find an answer to your question and you cannot reach anyone by telephone, please email us at licensing@azre.gov and leave as detailed a description as possible of your question. Also leave a telephone number and someone will contact you either by email or telephone with a response to your inquiry.
What do I do if I have been convicted of a felony, or misdemeanor or have an adverse judgement or disciplinary
action?
You must report a criminal conviction, or an 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?
The Department sends a license applicant's fingerprints to the Arizona Department of Public Safety to check for any record of criminal
conduct. The Department does not retain an applicant's fingerprint card, the fingerprint-processing fee is charged each time the
Department of Public Safety runs a person's fingerprints through the system.
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 will then determine whether the new information 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! It is not necessary to waiting for Department staff to print, stuff
and mail the licenses -- they are available 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 person licenced as a PC or PLC may display their name on the license certificate including the PC/PLC notation. If not licensed through a PC or PLC, this section states 'not applicable'. You may print duplicate license certificates 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 purpose of providing 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 using the same forms as an LLC, available from the Arizona Corporation Commission at
www.cc.state.az.us.
In addition, after complying with the Corporation Commission’s requirements, one must file with the State of Arizona Department of Real Estate Application for Real Estate Salesperson or Broker Professional Corporation (PC) or Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Form (LI-231). The form is available at the Arizona Department of Real Estate office and website and requires a 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
Application for Real Estate Salesperson
or Broker Professional Corporation (PC) or Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Form (LI-231) which is available at the
Arizona Department of Real Estate office and website and requires a processing fee.
For any questions concerning forms and pricing, see the Arizona Corporation Commission website and the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.
How do I inactivate my license?
To inactivate your license you only need to sever from your broker (you can do it on line at no cost). Go to www.azre.gov and
select the Online License System link under “Quick Links”. Log in and select “Sever from my employer” on the right side of the
screen.
You can remain inactive as long as you want to, but remember, the only difference between an active and an inactive license is that you cannot perform real estate activity with an inactive license. You must still renew your license timely, complete and report your continuing education credits, report any changes in personal information (address, name, etc.), report any criminal conviction or civil judgment against you, and so forth.
To become active again, you must log onto the Online Licensing System and process a hire to a broker. Once the broker logs on and approves the hire, your license becomes active. There is no charge for activating or inactivating your license online.
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:
** The License Fee Schedule may be obtained by clicking here or by visiting the Department's website. (Subject to change without notice as statutes or rules change.)
Should your license expire, you have a one-year "grace period" in which to renew. After the grace period expires, your license is 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. The Department has no authority to extend this timeframe. Licenses not renewed within a year of expiration are terminated in EVERY case.
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 at 90, 60 and 30 days increments prior to license expiration and, for active
licensees, an email notice is sent to the designated broker.
*** Failure to receive the renewal notice does 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 must contact the Department prior to attempting to renew their license.
What does it cost to renew my license?
The License Fee Schedule may be obtained by clicking
here or by visiting the Department's
website. (Subject to change without notice as statutes or rules change.)
Important notes:
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 will need to go online to submit your Continuing Education credits prior to submitting a renewal application.
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 be processed in the order in which they are received. *
What do I provide to my broker as proof that I filed an 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. The Department issues "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 is used to provide reminders approximately 90, 60, and 30 days preceding the license expiration date. As an added
service, Designated Brokers with email addresses 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.
We recommend that you print this list and 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, business telephone number if active-status, and email address.
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, go online and submit 24 hours of approved CE courses for each 24 month Continuing Education Period. 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. If you answer any question 'yes', you must renew on paper rather than online.
Sign the renewal application. If your license is active status, have your designated broker sign it also and submit the form with the original signatures, not a copy..
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 them to the Department's Phoenix or Tucson office during regular business hours. If delivering it in person, try to avoid the last week of the month, which is when we are the busiest. Please note: Applications for license renewal are processed in the order in which they are received.
rev. 08/08