All FAQs

All FAQs
Annual License Renewal Period
Am I required to purchase Errors & Omissions Insurance when I renew my license?

Yes. All active licensees are required to prove that they have purchased Errors and Omissions coverage.

This can be done either by selecting the LREC group insurance policy or submitting an Independent E&O Coverage form and a copy of your policy declaration page during renewal.

Please note: Inactive licensees or licensees renewing in the inactive status DO NOT need to provide Errors and Omissions coverage.

Enforcement
Can I file a complaint with the Commission for a licensee’s unethical or unprofessional behavior?

No. The Commission does not have statutory authority to govern ethical or unprofessional issues. If the licensee is a member of a local Realtors organization, you may reach out to that organization to find out if they would handle this type of complaint.

Enforcement
Can your office assist me in terminating or enforcing a listing or purchase agreement?

No. The Louisiana Real Estate Commission does not have statutory authority to terminate or enforce a contractual agreement. Individuals with contractual issues should consult with proper legal counsel.

Annual License Renewal Period
Do I have to complete my required continuing education before I renew my license?

No. All licensees renewing in the active status shall complete the 12-hour continuing education requirement, including mandatory course hours, on or before December 31.

You may renew your license prior to completing the education requirement. However, failure to complete your required education by December 31 will be considered a violation of LREC law and rules, and you will be subject to the annual continuing education audit and a possible fine.

Enforcement
Do you need a real estate license to conduct property management?

Yes. Individuals wishing to manage property on behalf of multiple owners must obtain a broker’s license or receive authority from their broker to conduct the activities as a salesperson/associate broker.

Enforcement
How long does a broker or brokerage have to maintain records?

A broker must retain records for a period of five years. Review the Law on broker retention.

Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review
How long will my background check and fingerprinting results be good for?

Your completed results will be valid for up to one year.  

If you have not completed your initial license application before the results expire, you will need to complete the fingerprint and criminal history review process again.

Enforcement
How many days does a broker/agent have to return my deposit?

If there is no dispute and there is a mutual agreement in writing the broker has 30 days. If there is a dispute, the broker has 60 days from the scheduled closing date or from the date the broker first has knowledge that a dispute exists. Review the Rules and Regulations on disputed deposits.

Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review
How much does it cost to complete the background check and fingerprinting requirement?

The processing fee to complete the digital "Livescan" fingerprint submission with IdentoGO is $60.75.

The processing fee for out-of-state applicants visiting an IdentoGO office is $95.74.

The processing fee for fingerprint cards mailed to IdentoGO is $55.75.

Annual License Renewal Period
I have an inactive license. Do I need to renew it each year?

Yes. All inactive licensees must renew their license every year during the annual renewal period to maintain their inactive status. Your inactive license can be renewed online or by submitting the paper renewal form available in the MyLREC Portal.

Annual License Renewal Period
I just got licensed. Do I need to renew?

Yes. All licenses must be renewed by December 31 to avoid expiration.

If your license was issued January 1 to August 31 you must renew prior to September 30 to avoid delinquent renewal fees.

If your license was issued on or after September 1, you must renew no later than December 31, but you will not be subject to any delinquent fees.

Annual License Renewal Period
I renewed my license, but the MyLREC Portal still says I can't print my license.

If you've already renewed your license for the upcoming year, but receive a "License Print Blocked" notice pending supervisor renewal; this just means your supervising broker hasn't completed their renewal yet. Once they complete their renewal, the message will be removed from your account and you'll be able to print your license for the upcoming year.

If you need a copy of your current license, you can still print/view it via the "Print Last Certificate" link in the MyLREC Portal.

Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review
I started my application process months ago and already performed a background check through either ClearBox or background check authorization via the Louisiana State Police, do I still need to complete the new background check and fingerprinting process?

No. the ClearBox background check is good for one year. If that background check expires before you obtain your license, you will be required to complete the new process.

Additionally, if you recently submitted a background check authorization form for processing with the Louisiana State Police, you do not need to resubmit your information using the new digital process with IdentoGO.

Enforcement
If I elect to place my license with a referral company can I still receive compensation?

Yes. As an active licensee, you can receive compensation for real estate activity through your broker. However, please remember as an active licensee you are still obligated to meet the annual continuing education requirements.

Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review
I’m a current license holder, do I need to complete the new background check and fingerprinting requirement?

No. The new rule only applies to applicants completing the initial license process. However, current salespersons who will be upgrading to a broker license will be required to complete the background check and fingerprinting requirement as part of their initial broker application process.

Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review
I’m a current license holder, do I need to complete this process when I renew my license this year?

No. You will continue to renew your license following the same procedures used in the past. The fingerprint-based criminal history review only applies to initial license applicants, NOT current licensees. Additionally, current license holders will not need to complete this process to maintain their license when the new procedure becomes effective on Monday, July 3, 2023.

Annual License Renewal Period
What fees will I be required to pay when I renew my license?

Licensees who choose the LREC Group E&O Policy will pay:

Sales Renewal + E&O = $219

Associate Broker/Broker + E&O  = $254

Licensees who choose to purchase E&O through a third party and provide proof during renewal will be charged the renewal fee + $7 processing fee:

Sales Renewal + processing fee = $77

Associate Broker/Broker + processing fee = $112

Licensees who fail to renew by September 30 will also be subject to delinquent fees.

Fingerprinting and Criminal History Review
What forms of payment are accepted?

Applicants may pay by debit/credit card, check, or money order. Applicants submitting a fingerprint card through the mail to IdentoGO must pay for the service online.

Annual License Renewal Period
What happens if I do not renew my license on or before December 31?

Failure to renew your license by December 31 will result in expiration of your license.

Annual License Renewal Period
What happens if I do not renew my license on or before September 30?

Failure to renew your license during the timely renewal period (August 1 – September 30) will result in a delinquent fee when renewing between October 1 – December 31.

Annual License Renewal Period
What happens if my license expires?

Licensees or registrants who fail to delinquently renew a license or registration by December 31 forfeit their renewal rights, and the former licensees or registrants shall be required to apply as an initial applicant and meet all requirements of an initial applicant.

Enforcement
Will the Commission assist me in collecting compensation from my current or former broker?

No. Licensing Law specifically states “the commission shall not become involved in disputes between licensees or registrants in any matter regarding the entitlement to or payment of commissions, fees, or compensation involving the sale or lease of real estate.”