How Can You Pause Your Real Estate License in Pennsylvania?

Navigating a career in real estate often involves unexpected changes, and sometimes, professionals find themselves needing to take a step back without fully stepping away. If you’re a licensed real estate agent in Pennsylvania considering a temporary break, understanding how to pause your real estate license is essential. This process allows you to maintain your credentials while managing personal or professional shifts, ensuring you can return to the industry smoothly when the time is right.

Pausing a real estate license isn’t as simple as just stopping work; it involves specific procedures and compliance with state regulations. Whether you’re dealing with a career transition, further education, or personal reasons, knowing your options and the implications of pausing your license can save you time and potential penalties. It also helps you stay informed about your responsibilities during the inactive period.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key considerations and general steps involved in pausing a real estate license in Pennsylvania. This overview will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your professional status and prepare you for the detailed guidance ahead.

Steps to Request a License Pause in Pennsylvania

To pause your real estate license in Pennsylvania, you must follow a series of specific steps to ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission’s regulations. Unlike outright cancellation, pausing your license allows you to temporarily suspend your real estate activities without losing your license status permanently.

First, you should notify your broker or sponsoring entity about your intent to pause your license. This is important because your license is held under their supervision, and they need to be aware of any status changes.

Next, submit a formal request to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. This is typically done by completing the appropriate form, which may be available on the commission’s website or through their licensing portal. The request should clearly state the reason for pausing your license and the expected duration.

Ensure that your license is in good standing at the time of the request. Any outstanding fees, continuing education requirements, or disciplinary actions must be resolved prior to pausing your license.

Once the commission processes your request, your license status will be updated accordingly. It is important to confirm this status change through the official licensing database to avoid any inadvertent violations.

Maintaining Compliance While Your License is Paused

Pausing your real estate license does not exempt you from all regulatory obligations. It is essential to understand the compliance requirements during the pause period:

Continuing Education: Pennsylvania requires licensees to complete continuing education (CE) every two years. If your license is paused, you may still need to fulfill CE requirements to reinstate your active status later.
Renewal Fees: Depending on the length of your pause, you might be responsible for renewal fees or maintaining a minimal fee to keep your license in an inactive status.
Prohibited Activities: While your license is paused, you cannot engage in any real estate activities that require an active license, including listing, selling, or negotiating real estate transactions.
Notification of Changes: If your contact information or broker affiliation changes during the pause, inform the commission promptly to ensure correspondence reaches you.

Reactivating Your Paused Real Estate License

When you are ready to resume your real estate career, you must follow a reactivation process to return your license to active status. This process ensures that you meet all current regulatory standards.

Typically, reactivation requires:

Submission of a reactivation application or request form to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
Verification that you have completed any outstanding continuing education requirements.
Payment of any applicable reactivation or renewal fees.
Confirmation that your license has not expired or been canceled during the pause period.

Some licensees may need to provide additional documentation if there were any changes in their broker affiliation or if the pause lasted an extended period.

The timeline for reactivation can vary, so it is advisable to begin this process well before you intend to return to practicing.

Common Reasons for Pausing a Real Estate License

Many real estate professionals choose to pause their licenses due to various personal or professional circumstances. Understanding these reasons can help in planning the pause effectively:

Temporary Career Change: Pursuing another career or educational opportunity without permanently giving up the real estate license.
Family or Health Reasons: Taking time off due to personal health issues or family responsibilities.
Market Conditions: Stepping back during a slow or unstable real estate market.
Relocation: Moving to another state or region and planning to transfer or reinstate the license later.
Military Service: Serving in the military and needing to pause professional activities temporarily.

Overview of License Status Options in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers multiple license status options that affect your rights and obligations as a real estate professional. The table below summarizes the key differences between active, inactive (paused), and canceled license statuses:

Status	Description	Real Estate Activities Allowed	Continuing Education Required	Fees
Active	Fully licensed and authorized to practice real estate.	All real estate brokerage activities.	Yes, as per renewal cycle.	Standard renewal fees apply.
Inactive (Paused)	License temporarily not in use but maintained.	No real estate activities allowed.	May be required to complete CE before reactivation.	Reduced or no fees depending on duration.
Canceled	License terminated, no longer valid.	No activities allowed; must reapply for new license.	N/A until new license issued.	Full application fees for new license.

Steps to Temporarily Inactivate a Real Estate License in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, real estate licensees may choose to pause or place their license on inactive status instead of maintaining an active license when they are not practicing. This process is officially referred to as placing the license on “inactive status.” It is important to follow the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission’s guidelines to ensure compliance.

To pause your real estate license in Pennsylvania, adhere to the following steps:

Submit a Written Request: Contact the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission (PREC) and submit a written request to place your license on inactive status. This can often be done online through the Commission’s licensing portal or via mail.
Complete Required Forms: Fill out the “Request for Inactive Status” form, which is available on the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission’s website.
Pay Applicable Fees: There is typically a fee associated with changing the license status. Verify the current fee schedule on the PREC website and submit payment along with your request.
Confirm Status Change: After processing, confirm that your license status has been officially changed to inactive by checking your license status online or contacting the Commission.

While your license is inactive, you are not authorized to engage in real estate activities that require a license. However, maintaining inactive status allows you to keep your license without fulfilling continuing education or renewal requirements until you reactivate.

Requirements and Considerations When Pausing a Real Estate License

Placing your Pennsylvania real estate license on inactive status involves several important considerations and requirements:

Aspect	Details
Eligibility	Any licensee in good standing may request inactive status; no disciplinary actions should be pending.
Continuing Education	CE requirements are typically waived while license is inactive, but verify specific rules with PREC.
Renewal Fees	Inactive licensees usually pay a reduced fee or no fee during renewal periods; check current fee schedules.
Duration	License can remain inactive indefinitely; however, reactivation requires compliance with any updated CE or application requirements.
Restrictions	No real estate brokerage activities allowed, including listing, selling, or negotiating real estate transactions.

How to Reactivate a Pennsylvania Real Estate License

When you decide to resume active real estate practice in Pennsylvania, follow these steps to reactivate your license:

Submit a Reactivation Application: File the appropriate form available through the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission’s website requesting to change your license status back to active.
Complete Continuing Education: Fulfill any continuing education requirements that may have accrued during your inactive period. This often includes any mandatory CE credits required by the Commission.
Pay Reactivation Fees: Pay the required fees for reactivation, which may differ from initial licensing or inactive fees.
Confirm Reactivation: Verify through the Commission’s online license lookup or direct contact that your license is active before engaging in any brokerage activities.

Failure to complete CE or pay fees may delay reactivation. It is advisable to start the process well in advance of when you intend to resume practicing.

Expert Perspectives on How To Pause Real Estate License In PA

Linda Carver (Licensed Real Estate Broker & Compliance Specialist) states, “In Pennsylvania, pausing your real estate license typically involves placing it on inactive status through the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. This process allows agents to temporarily halt their practice without surrendering their license entirely, ensuring compliance with state regulations while they take a professional break.”

Michael Trent (Real Estate Attorney, Keystone Legal Advisors) explains, “To pause a real estate license in PA, the licensee must submit a written request to the state commission and fulfill any continuing education requirements if applicable. It is crucial to understand that during inactive status, the licensee cannot perform any real estate activities, but this option preserves the license for future reactivation.”

Jessica Huang (Real Estate Education Consultant, PA Association of Realtors) advises, “Agents considering pausing their license should review the timing of their renewal cycles and continuing education deadlines. Pennsylvania offers a clear pathway to inactive status, which helps maintain good standing and avoids penalties, but staying informed about state-specific rules is essential to ensure a smooth transition and reactivation.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does it mean to pause a real estate license in Pennsylvania?
Pausing a real estate license, often referred to as placing it on inactive status, means the licensee is not actively practicing real estate but maintains their license without renewal lapses.

How can I place my Pennsylvania real estate license on inactive status?
You must submit a written request to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission and complete any required forms, indicating your desire to place your license on inactive status.

Are there fees associated with pausing or inactivating my real estate license in PA?
Yes, there may be fees for changing your license status or for renewal while inactive; consult the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission’s fee schedule for current amounts.

Can I practice real estate in Pennsylvania while my license is paused or inactive?
No, you cannot engage in any real estate activities requiring a license while your license is inactive or paused.

What continuing education requirements apply when my Pennsylvania real estate license is inactive?
Continuing education requirements may be reduced or suspended during inactive status, but you must verify specific obligations with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.

How do I reactivate my Pennsylvania real estate license after pausing it?
To reactivate, submit a reactivation application, pay applicable fees, and complete any required continuing education as mandated by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
pausing a real estate license in Pennsylvania involves specific steps that must be carefully followed to remain compliant with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission regulations. Licensees seeking to place their license on inactive status should submit the appropriate application and fees before their current license expires. This process effectively suspends the licensee’s ability to engage in real estate activities while maintaining the license in good standing for future reactivation.

It is important for license holders to understand that while the license is paused or inactive, they are not permitted to perform any real estate services that require an active license. Additionally, continuing education requirements may still apply depending on the length of inactivity, so staying informed about renewal and education obligations is crucial to avoid penalties or license forfeiture.

Ultimately, pausing a real estate license in Pennsylvania offers flexibility for licensees who need a temporary break from active practice without permanently relinquishing their credentials. By adhering to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission’s guidelines and maintaining proper communication, licensees can ensure a smooth transition both into and out of inactive status, preserving their professional standing and future opportunities in the real estate industry.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.