We are fired up this week, because August is the month of real estate license renewals for agents and REALTORS® in the District of Columbia. It’s kind of a crazy time, so we want to make sure the stress is cut out with this handy little guide.
First thing’s first, here are some details that you need to know:
- The license renewal deadline is rapidly approaching, and must be fulfilled by Monday, August 31st.
- Effective July 1, 2015, all Sponsor Broker Changes for Salesperson license applications cannot be processed before your license is renewed with your existing broker company.
- All new license applications must be submitted online.
- All duplicate license and letter of certification requests must be submitted online.
- Paper service requests will no longer be accepted and will be returned to the address indicated on the application.
Right now, you may have one of two thoughts going through your head:
Thanks, but I’m a seasoned and/or grizzled veteran of this licensing process. I’m just going to click out and keep looking at silly cat videos on Youtube.
Wait! Okay, we know that you know the ropes, but this article is supposed to be a super helpful guide for those who aren’t as in-the-know. Could you please be a good sport and share this page with your lightly or un-seasoned colleagues?
Sweet, thank you! Now you can get back to those cat videos.
Or you’re thinking…
Ahh, jeeze, I’m new, and this stuff is so confusing! Can you break the process down for me?
Absolutely, Joe (or Jane!) Realestate Agent. Have a moment to take a breather. We’re going to get through this together. First, take your little arrow guy on the screen and click on the link below:
http://bit.ly/RealEstateLicense2015
All set? Fantastic. On that page you should see three columns of content. Do you see that one on the way-right labeled “Licensing?” That’s your ticket to a good future in this business.
Are you having trouble finding the licensing section, or still reading? Below are the links you need for your reference:
Online licensing services are a quick, convenient, and environmentally responsible way to manage your licensing needs. All of the functions listed below can be accessed through the Online Services – PULSE Portal link below.
- Online Services – PULSE Portal
- General Searches allows for public license search. Applicants and licensees may check on the status of their application or renewal or perform an in-depth information inquiry
- Applications allows you to submit a new, reinstatement or reactivation application. Application Instructions(PDF)
- Change of Address
- Letter of Certification Request
- Duplicate License Request
- Real Estate Endorsement Application (pdf)
- Pulse Portal User guide (pdf)
- FAQs (pdf)
- Continuing Education
Now that you have the general lay of the land, let’s talk about the PULSE Portal. PULSE Portal is where you can renew your license. When you click on that link, you will come to a page with a drop-down menu, which expands as you enter your information.
It’s a fairly straight forward process, but if you catch any snags along the way, here are some helpful contacts:
http://www.pearsonvue.com/dc/Licensing_Questions.pdf
Okay, so you may be feeling better about renewing your license, but hold the phone! You may not have met your Continuing Education requirements. If that’s the case, time may still be on your side. Our wonderful local organization, the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® is still running CE courses throughout the month. You can find the calendar by clicking here.
Feeling better now? Great. Once you complete the renewal process, please share this page with your colleagues and fellow agents. Together, we can help DC’s 12,000-ish agents renew their license.