General Information

What is the Division of Real Estate's address?

Mailing and Walk-In Address:

     Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
     6606 Tussing Rd
     PO Box 4008
     Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Board meetings, commission meetings, and hearings are still held at our office address:

     Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
     77 South High Street, 20th Floor
     Columbus, OH 43215-6133

What are the best browsers to use when accessing your website and the eLicense Center?

Our website and the eLicense Center function best with Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome.

Does the Division of Real Estate accept cash as a form of payment?

No, the Division no longer accepts cash.  We can accept credit cards through our online portal or in person at our Tussing Rd location.  We cannot accept credit cards over the phone.  If you are mailing in an application, please include a check or money order for your payment.

Getting a New License

How do I get a real estate salesperson license? 

You can find information here on becoming an Ohio real estate salesperson.  Ohio requires that applicants take four pre-licensure courses at an institute of higher education which awards degrees, within the last four years.  Once you have completed the courses, you can apply for the exam.  You must have a sponsoring broker to apply for the exam.  If you do not have a sponsoring broker, we suggest reaching out to brokers in your area that you would be interested in working for, and asking if they would sponsor you.

How do I complete the background check?

• Before completing the background check, the first step is to mail your application with the application form, education requirements and fee to the Division, or to submit your application online.  It is important that we receive your application prior to your background check results so that we have a file to match your results up with.  
• Then you will need to complete the background check within 10 business days of submitting the application.  You will need to go to a Webcheck location and have your fingerprints digitally taken, with instructions that the BCI and FBI background check results be sent to the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.  Our reason code is 4735.143.  We must receive your results directly from BCI—do not have the results sent to your home and then send them in to the Division.  Full instructions can be found on the first two pages of the application—we recommend taking the instructions with you to the Webcheck location so that they know how to process your request.  
• On your application, if you checked "No" to all of the ethical questions, you may be provisionally approved to take the exam.  This means that you can take the exam while we wait for your background check results to come in.  If there is a conviction on your background check that you did not disclose, your provisional approval or provisional license can be suspended.  
• If you answered "Yes" to one more of the ethical questions, Ohio law requires the Division to review the results of your background check prior to approving you for the exam.  If it has been more than 30 days since you were fingerprinted, and the Division still does not have your background check results, you can contact BCI for a status update at 877-224-0043.  

Why was my form not accepted?

• Forms submitted to the Division of Real Estate must be fully and correctly completed in order to be processed.  Here are some common reasons forms cannot be processed:
  • The broker signed the application before the salesperson/applicant.  The broker must sign after the salesperson/applicant to show that they have reviewed the application in full and approve of its contents.
  • The e-signature cannot be verified.  Signed forms must either contain a wet signature or a verifiable e-signature.  E-signatures can be done through an electronic signing service (such as DocuSign or Dotloop).  The verification certificate should be sent with the application if it is not visible on the application itself.
  • Information was missing from the application.  We frequently receive Salesperson Exam Applications that are missing the applicant’s phone number, social security number, or email address.  All of these fields are required and we cannot process the application without them.
  • Incorrect information was provided on the application.  You must provide accurate information on the application, including the correct company license number and main office address (do not provide a branch office address).
  • Additional required documents were not provided.  Read the instructions carefully to determine if additional documents or fees must be submitted with the form.  For example, if you are applying for the Salesperson Exam, you must submit the application with the four pre-licensure course certificates or transcript, and the $81 fee.  If you are changing your name, legal documentation of the name change is required, along with the fee and the return of your original license.

I live in another state and am licensed there; can I apply for an Ohio real estate license through reciprocity? 

• Ohio has reciprocity with Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Wyoming.  If you are a resident of a reciprocal state and are licensed in that state, you can apply through reciprocity.  You can find information on applying as a salesperson here, or as a broker here.
• If you are not a legal resident of and licensed in a reciprocal state, then you cannot apply through reciprocity.  Ohio law does not allow for exceptions based on years of experience.  If you do not qualify for reciprocity, you can find information on applying as a salesperson here, or as a broker here.  
• In Ohio, pre-licensure courses must be taken at an institute of higher education which awards degrees.  If you believe you may have already completed some of these courses, you can send an unofficial transcript to the Division for a courtesy review at webreal@com.ohio.gov.  
• If you are applying from out of state, you will also need to complete the Consent to Service form, and include it as part of your application.  This form affirms that if a suit were to arise/be filed against you relating to an Ohio RE matter, you are consenting to be served outside of Ohio.  
• Once approved, you will need to take and pass both the state and national portions of the exam.

I’m moving to Ohio and I’m licensed in another state; how do I get licensed in Ohio?

If you are still a legal resident of a reciprocal state, you may apply through reciprocity (please see above).  If you are licensed in a reciprocal state but have already moved to Ohio, you will need to apply with the regular applications.  This is because Ohio has a residency requirement when applying through reciprocity.  You can find information on applying as a salesperson here, or as a broker here.  

I have a conviction on my record; can I become a licensed salesperson?  

You may request that the agency pre-determine whether the fact that you have been convicted of a criminal offense, by itself, disqualifies you from receiving a particular license.  You may request such non-binding pre-determination by completing the form found here.  Please mail the form with the $5 fee to: 

     Ohio Department of Commerce
     Attn: Office of Legal Counsel
     Pre-Determination Request Matters
     77 S High St, 23rd Floor
     Columbus, OH 43215

Chapter 4735 of the Ohio Revised Code is the chapter that pertains to real estate licensees.  Specifically, section 4735.09 of the Ohio Revised Code addresses the requirements for obtaining a salesperson’s license.   

Maintaining a License

How do I view my license information or what CE I have completed?

• You do not need to log in to view your license information. To look up your license, start at the eLicense Center.  Enter your first/last name OR license number ONLY, and hit “Search.” Next to your name, click “Detail.” This will generate a pop-up box. As you scroll down, you will see your license information, and beyond that is your continuing education information.
• If you are not finding your information, make sure you are only searching by your name or license number. Entering extra information will overwhelm the system and not return any results. If searching by your license number, enter the full number in the second box as shown below:

How do I change my password on the eLicense Center?

• If you have logged on before, use the Forgot Password link.  If you have never logged on before, or do not have your three security questions set up, you will need to contact the Division for a password reset.  If your reset request is urgent, please call us at 614-466-4100 for assistance.  If your request is not urgent, please email us at webreal@com.ohio.gov.  

What requirements are due in my first year as a Salesperson?

• There are 3 due dates to be aware of when you first become licensed.  They are:
  • First-year renewal: the first renewal is due on your first birthday following licensure.  All that is due with the first renewal is the renewal information and fee of $182.  You can renew online here.  If you were licensed within 60 days of your birthday, please double-check your due date—it may be your second birthday following licensure.
  • 20-Hour Post Licensure Course Certificate: The 20-Hour Post Licensure Course Certificate is due one year from the date your license was first issued.  This course is one specific course that is 20 hours long; it is not a compilation of courses adding up to 20 hours.  Be sure to email your certificate to PostCert@com.ohio.gov on or before your due date.  We must receive the actual certificate from the licensee to mark the requirement as complete.
  • Third-year renewal: this renewal is due three years from your first-year renewal, and is the first renewal that requires the 30 hours of CE.  You will receive a renewal notice 60 days prior to your due date with instructions on how to submit your renewal information, CE and fee to the Division.  You can also find the renewal form here. 

How do I turn in my 20 Hour Post Licensure Course certificate?

• Please email your certificate to PostCert@com.ohio.gov.  Be sure to email your certificate on or before your due date.  Broker 10 Hour Post Licensure certificates may also be sent to this email address.

How do I renew?

• You can renew your license up to 60 days prior to your due date.  The renewal form can be found here.   You should have also received one in the mail when your renewal period opened.  You can either renew by mail or online.  If you renew by mail, please send the renewal form, education compliance form, and fee ($182 for salespersons, $243 for brokers) to the Division.  You will also need to include certificates for any courses not listed under your name on the eLicense Center.  You should have a total of 30 hours of CE, including three hours of each of the core courses: Canons of Ethics, Core Law, and Civil Rights.
• If you prefer to renew online, please sign in here. Once you log in, you will answer the ethical questions, upload any missing certificates, certify your CE, and pay the fee.
• Renewals must be manually reviewed in our back office.  Once processed, your due date will be updated on our website in real time.

I’m over 70 (or turning 70 on my due date); what are my CE requirements?

• Active salespersons who will be age 70 or over on their due date will only need to complete nine hours of CE.  These must include the three core courses: Canons of Ethics, Core Law, and Civil Rights.  These should be submitted with the renewal information and fee by the due date.
• Inactive salespersons over 70 will not need to complete any CE, but will need to submit their renewal information and fee as usual.  If the salesperson wishes to reactivate in the future, they will need to complete the nine hours of CE before reactivating.
• Active brokers over 70 will need to complete a total of 12 hours of CE, including Canons of Ethics, Core Law, Civil Rights, and Broker Responsibilities.  
• Inactive brokers over 70 will only need to complete Broker Responsibilities, and submit the course with their renewal information and fee.  They will need to complete the other three core courses prior to reactivating in the future.
   

How do I update my address?

You can update your address by logging in to the eLicense Center.  Go to Online Services, then Change Address.  Please note, address changes must be reviewed and approved in the back office, so the address will not update immediately.  Please allow at least 1-2 business days for your address to show as updated.  
If you are moving out of state, you will need to complete the Consent to Service form.  This form affirms that if a suit were to arise/be filed against you relating to an Ohio RE matter, you are consenting to be served outside of Ohio.  

How do I change my name on my license?  

Your name on your license should always reflect your current legal name.  To change your name on your license, please mail the following items to the Division:

• Change Application Individual form
• $25 fee
• Legal documentation of name change (such as a copy of a marriage license)
• Have your broker return your original license to be updated

How do I register a preferred name? 

Your name on your license should always reflect your current legal name.  However, if you wish to advertise using a nickname or your maiden name, you can apply to register a preferred name.  This will not change your name on your license; it will just allow you to advertise using your nickname or maiden name.  To register a preferred name, please mail:

• Preferred Name registration form
• $10 fee
• Copy of legal documentation of maiden name (if applicable)

You will receive an email from the Division upon approval of your preferred name.

Inactivating, Resigning, or Reactivating (Suspensions)

How do I go inactive?  What are the benefits of being inactive?

• If you are interested in putting your license in inactive status (in escrow), complete and return the Transfer/Reactivation application.  Be sure to also notify your broker in writing of your intention to go inactive.
• As long as your license is up to date with your courses and your renewal fee is current, you may reactivate your license whenever you choose by completing a Transfer/Reactivation application and submitting a $34.00 fee.
• Please note that whether you are active or inactive every three years you are required to submit a renewal application, 30 hours CE certificates and pay a renewal fee ($182 for salespersons).  You can check your next renewal date by searching your name or license number here. 
• During the time you are inactive, while you will still have to renew your license, you will not have to pay board dues/fees. 

I'm a salesperson suspended for non-renewal; how do I reactivate?

• You have one year to correct your suspension before your license is revoked.  To reactivate your license from suspension, please mail or walk in the following items:
  • Transfer/Reactivation application
  • CE Compliance form 
  • CE certificates (only need to include certificates for courses not already listed online; must have 30 total hours)
  • Fee of $307
  • Have your broker return your original license
  • Note: If you are suspended for your first-year renewal, no CE is required, only the forms and fee.
• You will need to either mail these items to the Division or walk them in to our customer service center; they cannot be submitted online.  If you choose to walk it in and all of your paperwork is complete and correct, you can receive a walk-in receipt which will allow you to do business the same day.  Our address (for both mail and walk-ins) is:
  • Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
    6606 Tussing Rd
    PO Box 4008  
    Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
• Please be sure to either postmark or walk these items in on or before your revocation date. 

I’m a salesperson suspended for not completing the 20-Hour Post Licensure Course; how do I reactivate? 

• You have one year to correct your suspension before your license is revoked.  To reactivate your license from suspension, please mail or walk in the following:
  • Transfer/Reactivation application
  • 20hr post licensure course certificate
  • Fee of $34
  •  Have your broker return your original license
• You will need to either mail these items to the Division or walk them in to our customer service center; they cannot be submitted online.  If you choose to walk it in and all of your paperwork is complete and correct, you can receive a walk-in receipt which will allow you to do business the same day.  Our address (for both mail and walk-ins) is:
  • Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
    6606 Tussing Rd
    PO Box 4008  
    Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
• Please be sure to either postmark or walk these items in on or before your revocation date.

I'm revoked; can I reactivate?

• Once a license is revoked, it cannot be reactivated.  You will need to apply for a new license.  If it has been less than four years since you were revoked, or less than 10 years since you took the prelicensure courses, you can apply for the exam again.
• If it has been more than four years since revocation or more than 10 years since completion of the pre-licensure courses, you will have to retake the pre-licensure courses in order to apply. 

How do we dissociate a salesperson from our brokerage?

You will need to mail the original license back to the Division.  Please also send written notice to the licensee that their license is being returned, and copy the Division on this communication.  The letter may be sent via hard copy with the license or emailed to webreal@com.ohio.gov.  The license should be mailed to: 

     Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
     6606 Tussing Rd
     PO Box 4008
     Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

How do I permanently resign my license?

• To permanently resign your license, please complete and return the Resign application.  Your broker will need to return your original license as well.  Once a license is resigned, it cannot be reactivated.  If you wanted to become licensed again in the future, you would need to reapply for the exam.  If it has been more than four years since you resigned your license, and more than 10 years since you took the pre-licensure courses, you will need to retake the pre-licensure in order to apply for the exam.