Licensing Division
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:
- We accept applications Monday through Friday at our Phoenix and Tucson offices. The cutoff time for walk-in same
day processing is 4:30 pm.
- You may file an application for license renewal up to 90 days prior to the license expiration date, or up to 1 year after
license expiration. If your license has expired, you cannot conduct real estate, cemetery, or membership camping
activities until you renew your license and your status is "active".
- If you apply for renewal and disclose a criminal conviction, adverse civil judgment, or denial or discipline of a
professional or occupational license you held or currently hold, you must provide the additional documents and information
identified on
Document Checklist Form (LI-400), available on the
Department's website under Forms Library.
- If your license is active, you may renew online to your current broker without approval by the broker. If you submit
your renewal in person or by mail your broker must sign your renewal application before submission.
Remember, you must enter your Continuing Education Credits online at
https://az.gov/webapp/dre/ before you may proceed with your renewal
application.
(Licensee) Frequently Asked Questions
Brokers
General Information
Late
Legal Presence
Renewals
Brokers
What is the process for getting a broker's license for my corporation, limited liability
company, or partnership?
The Department requires you contact the Department via e-mail at
broker.appointments@azre.gov if
you are seeking or changing an employing broker’s license the following will apply:
- Licensing a new entity as an employing broker,
- Changing an employing broker’s designated broker
- Changing the branch to the Main and the Main to the branch,
When you contact us by email describing the situation or change you are making, a Broker Specialist will email
you back with the forms and information required for the submission you are doing. : Please review the
New Entity Checklist for appropriate forms
and documents required for licensing a new entity. : Once all steps and forms have been completed, you will
receive a final checklist to ensure all documentation has been completed. The payment information will then be
requested and a date set to process the documentation.
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
You can refer to the Commissioner’s Advisory No.1 'Rights and Responsibilities when a Real Estate Firm Closes'
for further information or you may e-mail us at CAT@azre.gov.
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 information from a Broker Specialist. You will be notified of any other documentation that may be
required.
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 (Associate Broker only) 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 the Broker Management Clinic?
All new brokers, and designated brokers prior to renewing their licenses, must complete a three-hour course
called Broker Management Clinic. This course follows prescribed content and may focus on a
particular type of real estate business, such as property management, residential or commercial real estate.
To find a school that teaches the Broker Management Clinic course,
click here
to access the 'School Search' portion of the Public Database and type "Broker Management Clinic" in the 'Course
Name' field.
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.
General Information
How do I request verification of my Arizona licensure?
Licensees sometimes need verification (beyond the Department's webpage) of their licensed status. This is
used to qualify for licensure in another state or in another professional capacity. Employment history
is NOT included in certifications but is available from the
Public Database.
If you have any questions please contact us at
LicenseCertifications@azre.gov.
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.
How do I update my Email address with the Department?
By simply following these 4 easy steps:
- Go to www.azre.gov/ONLINE_SERVICES.html
- Click on “Online License Renewal System”
- Log in using your Real Estate License Number and Password (if one has been
created)
- Click “Change my Personal Info”
Please note that your email address is secure and will not be released to any third party. The Department
will use your email address for official communication
only.
If I requested to be hired using the Online System, why does my license status still show
inactive?
Be sure to
- Advise the broker you’ve requested to be hired through the online system.
- Verify that the broker logs into the online system to approve the request.
- Have to broker print out your license from the online system and you may begin work under that
broker.
- If the broker fails to approve it, the hire request is incomplete and closed and you will show as
inactive status and not legal to conduct business.
How do I know when my license expires?
- The expiration date is on the license certificate (If you are licensed on active status, employed by a
broker).
- The information is also available anytime from our website under the
Public Database or through the Online
Licensing System.
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?
- The department must approve and process the application.
- If a hire form has been submitted you will be processed as active status.
- If the hire is to be processed online you may access your license information from the Public Database
by entering your last name, first name.
- This will bring up your license number and expiration date.
- After you have submitted the online hire you must contact the broker so they may approve it before you
are legal to work.
- The broker will print out your license certificate.
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
cat@azre.gov (the Customer Assistance Team), and leave as detailed as possible
a description 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 I 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! Licenses are no
longer mailed out, so the online certificate is the only one available.
Employment is also included in the 'printer friendly' license information that can be found on the Public
Database.
A person licensed 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 PC/PLLC?
- A PLLC is formed using the same forms as an LLC, available from the Arizona Corporation Commission at
www.cc.state.az.us.
- Download the Application for Real Estate Salesperson or Broker PC/PLLC Form (LI-231) from the
Department’s website.
- Follow the step by step instructions for filing. To file this type, there are very specific
requirements that must be met before submitting the application.
- A fee is involved to submit this form. (see Fee Schedule)
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. There may be additional items to amend depending on how the entity was set up. Follow
the directions on the form.
- 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 for the final processing steps.
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.
- 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 you are processing a hire in person or by mail you must complete the
Salesperson/Associate Broker Change Form (LI-202) with the employing brokers signature and the
processing fee (see Fee Schedule).
Late
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:
- filed online before midnight of the expiration date,
- postmarked by the last day of the month and year in which it's due, or
- received the first business day following the weekend or holiday.
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 given back or 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 if eligible:
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 an original licensee. 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.
- Licensees 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, must contact the Department
prior to attempting to renew their license.
Legal Presence
Why do I have to provide proof of my legal presence in the United States?
The 2008 Arizona Legislature created Arizona Revised Statute § 41-1080 which requires all state agencies
that issue professional licenses to obtain proof of the licensees' legal presence in the state before
issuing or renewing a license. This is a universal requirement of anyone holding a state-issued
professional license.
How do I submit my proof of legal presence information?
- Log onto the Department's Online Licensing System at https://az.gov/webapp/dre/ and select "Manage
My Legal Presence Requirements" on the right side of the screen.
- Select the type of document you are providing from the drop-down menu.
- Upload the document using the "Browse" button to navigate to where the document is stored on your
computer.
- Click on "submit."
- If you have an email address on file with the Department, you will receive an email advising you
of whether the document is accepted.
- Please insure the document is legible before submitting it.
- If you are unable to submit these documents by uploading them to ADRE, you may send a legible
copy, via regular mail (no faxes), with a cover letter stating that you are providing the
documentation to meet the requirements of ARS §41-1080. The letter should include your real
estate license number (BR number for brokers, SA number for sales agents), expiration date, and
your name as it appears on your license.
What formats are acceptable for submitting documents (what kinds of files)?
You may submit documents scanned as PDF, JPG, BMP, TIF, or as pictures inserted into a Word document.
The Department does not have the software to view other picture formats.
What documents are acceptable to meet the requirements of A.R.S. § 41-1080?
- An Arizona driver's license issued after 1996 OR an Arizona non-operating identification license
- A driver license issued by a state that verifies lawful presence in the US
- A birth certificate or delayed birth certificate issued in any state, territory or possession of
the US
- A US Certificate of birth abroad
- A US passport
- A foreign passport with a US Visa
- An I-94 form with a photograph
- A US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization document or a Refugee Travel
document
- A US Certificate of Naturalization
- A US Certificate of Citizenship
- A tribal Certificate of Indian Blood
- A tribal or BIA Affidavit of Birth
Is anything else needed?
No, it is not necessary to submit any other information (such as a copy of the license history).
Can I submit more than one person's documentation at the same time?
The electronic documents are attached to the person's license file, so you should only include one
person's document (driver's license, passport, etc.) in the scanned file you attach. If more than
one person's information is in one scanned document it will be rejected.
How will I know if my document is received and is acceptable?
When the Department processes the document you will receive an email either advising you that it was
accepted or rejected and, if rejected, why. You can also log onto the Department's Online Licensing
System, go to "Manage My Legal Presence" and click on "View Current Status" to determine whether your
document was approved. You can also view the document you submitted.
Renewals
How do I renew online?
- Go to www.azre.gov
- Click the Online Services link on the left navigation menu.
- You will be on the “Real Estate Licensing Login” page. On the left side, under "Services," the
second link is a "Tutorial". We recommend you run through the Online Tutorial. Otherwise,
read the instructions and gather the information you will need (license number and credit card; real
estate licensees will need continuing education certificates).
- Enter your license number. If you don't know your license number, click on the "Public Database"
link at the end of the line that begins “To log in…”. Select “search by name” then enter
your last name and click "submit". Find your name on the list that appears and your license number
will be listed with it. You can look up any licensee's license information using this tool.
- Ensure that you use the correct last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Type your date of birth in the format shown, mm/dd/yyyy (two digits for month, two for day, and four
for year) as instructed. If you make a mistake, delete all of the numbers in that field and type
them again.
- Click on "Login".
- If you have not done so already, select “Manage my continuing education” and enter your CE
classes. SIMPLY ENTERING YOUR CONTINUING EDUCATION DOES NOT RENEW YOUR LICENSE; YOU MUST
COMPLETE THE RENEWAL FORMS AND PAY THE RENEWAL FEE.
- If you have not done so already, select “Manage my Legal Presence” and upload the required documentation
(click
here for more information).
- Follow the prompts to renew your license before your license expiration date. You can also access
Online Services to change your personal information (address, phone number, email address) or request
employment by a broker. Further instructions are given with each page. It is fast and
easy!
NOTE: If you are renewing after your license expiration date and need to disclose a criminal
conviction, adverse judgment, discipline against a professional or occupational license, or have a conditional
waiver of continuing education hours, you must file for renewal in paper format and cannot renew using the
Online System.
What does it cost to renew my license?
The License Fee Schedule may be obtained by clicking on the Fee Schedule link on the left navigation menu.
(Subject to change without notice as statutes or rules change.)
Important notes:
- If you are making changes, additional fees may be required. Review the instructions on the change
forms you are submitting.
- 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,
- The package contains the Renewal Application (part of the License Renewal Package),
- License Renewal Questionnaire (required with EVERY renewal),
- Document Checklist (if renewal includes required disclosure) and
- the 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 be required to submit the proof of Legal Presence if not done previously.
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:
- online at www.azre.gov. Select Online Services
from the homepage of the website.
- If filing by mail or in person at the Department's offices in Phoenix or Tucson. Download and
complete the License Renewal Package,
and submit to the Department.
- Be sure to sign the forms, have your broker sign if active-status, and include the renewal fee.
- Make sure your education courses have been submitted through the online system under “Manage my
Continuing Education”.
- The renewal will not be processed until the education has been entered and verified.
- You may also be required to submit the Proof of Legal Presence if not already done so.
- 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). You are not legal to conduct business during this time
until your renewal application has been reviewed.
- Once the renewal has been approved and updated, it will show you as inactive.
- You may hire to a broker using the Online Services.
- The broker must approve the online hire before you are legal to work.
* 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), you may print your license from your personal page when you log into the
Online Services. 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 reminders” to brokers and salespersons electronically to remind them of
the approaching license expiration.
- The email address that has been 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 the same 90, 60 and 30 day intervals.
- The Department recommends licensees use their personal email address 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.
When did license renewal expiration dates change from four (4) years back to two
(2) years?
Effective July 29, 2010, any renewals being processed from July 1, 2010 and forward will be issued a two year
license.
We recommend that you print this list and use it to ensure that you have completed all the requirements for
license renewal whether you are renewing online or by paper. You may view your personal information page
through the Online Services or Public Database to verify all information is correct before renewing.
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 renewing by
paper form. 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.
If you have not yet submitted your proof of Legal
Presence, follow the instructions listed on your personal page in the Online System after logging in. You
will select “Manage my Legal Presence”. This process must be complete prior to being eligible to renew and
must also be reviewed by department personnel during regular business hours, so do not wait until the last
minute to do this.
If doing a paper renewal, 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.
If renewing online make sure it is done by the last day of the month.
rev. 05/10
