What must a licensee do if their license has lapsed for more than five years?

If a real estate license has lapsed for more than five years, the requirement for reinstatement is to retake the licensing exam and start the licensing process over again. This stipulation is in place to ensure that practitioners are up to date with current laws, regulations, and practices in the real estate industry.

When a license lapses for an extended period, it is recognized that the individual may not have maintained the necessary knowledge and skills required for effective practice. This measure serves both to protect the public and to promote competency in the real estate field. By requiring individuals to retake the exam, it ensures they are fully informed about current practices, relevant legal obligations, and industry standards, which may have changed significantly during their time away from active practice.

In contrast, options that suggest simpler renewal processes, such as just paying a fee or completing continuing education, are not applicable in this scenario due to the length of the lapse in licensure.