Source: http://re.state.az.us/Lic/LicFaqs.aspx
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 11:04:32+00:00

Document:
Welcome to the Licensing Division’s “Frequently Asked Questions” webpage. These are the most commonly asked questions concerning licensing, and it is our hope that we have answered them thoroughly.
When is a Certified License History for an Arizona Salesperson/Broker license needed?
How to request a Certified License History for an Arizona Salesperson/Broker license.
How soon after a change in my personal information must I report it to ADRE?
How to change information / notify the ADRE.
Who has the ability to perform online or scanned transactions with ADRE?
If I requested to be hired using the Online System, why does my license status still show inactive?
How do I know when my license expires?
Can I have a DBA or other name for my Professional Corporation?
How do I request or register a name for my Team?
I mailed in my application to the Department a few weeks ago and I have not heard anything back. Can I start work?
If I am making a change to my license, how long does it take for approval?
Who may I contact at the Department? I call and cannot reach anyone.
Why am I required to submit the Fingerprint Clearance Card to the Department?
Is the License Certificate that is printed from the ADRE Online Services website legally acceptable? In other words, we do not need the official license?
What is the difference between an LLC and a PLLC?
How do I form a PC/PLLC?
What if I have already formed an LLC but need to change to PLLC?
How do I inactivate my license?
What do I do if I have been convicted of a felony, or misdemeanor or have an adverse judgement or disciplinary action?
I was cited last week for DUI; do I need to disclose this incident?
When do I make my disclosure?
How do I make the initial disclosure?
After making my initial written disclosure to ADRE, what is the next step?
If I have documents from the court that were given to me at the time of conviction, can I submit them?
I have some of the documents in order for the LI-400; can I submit them now and the rest at a later time?
What if I need more time to complete the disclosure requirements?
What is a certified court document?
What document do I ask for when contacting the court?
I was convicted eight months ago and did not know I needed to disclose, now how can I have my case expedited?
Qualify and Obtain a Broker’s License.
How to obtain a Broker’s license for a Corporation (CO), Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) or Partnership (PA).
Closing an Entity in Arizona.
How to Hire (activate license) / Sever (inactivate license).
Changing Brokerage Information, such as business address, business legal name etc.
Designated Brokers – Out of Office Notification to ADRE.
Broker Management Clinic (BMC) – what is it and when is it needed?
What does it cost to renew my license?
What renewal form do I use?
If I filed for license renewal using the Online System, why doesn't it show that it's renewed?
Where do I renew my license?
What do I provide to my Broker as proof that I filed an application?
How can I receive a renewal reminder that my license is expiring soon?
When did license renewal expiration dates change from four (4) years back to two (2) years?
When the end of my renewal month falls on a weekend or holiday, when must my application be filed to avoid a lapse in licensure?
What happens if I don't renew before my license expiration date?
May I have my late fee waived if I renewed late, due to not receiving my renewal notice on time?
Can I get an extension on my license renewal?
After I file my late renewal application, will I be able to hire online?
Why do I have to provide Proof of my Legal Presence in the United States?
How do I submit my Proof of Legal Presence information?
What formats are acceptable for submitting documents (what types of files)?
What documents are acceptable to meet the requirements of A.R.S. § 41-1080?
Can I submit more than one person's documentation at the same time?
How will I know if my document is received and is acceptable?
A certified license history may be needed to qualify for professional licensure in another state. This is not an employment history. Employment history is available from the ADRE Public Database.
Pursuant to Arizona A.R.S. and rule any and all change to information must be reported to the ADRE within 10 business days. Changes that are not made, or not made timely, are violations of statute and rule and may be cause for disciplinary action.
* Click here for a list of qualifying transactions that can be performed online or scanned and emailed to the ADRE to save you time and money!
Advise the Broker you have requested to be hired through the Online System.
Verify that the Broker logs into the Online System to approve the request.
Have Broker print out the license from the Online System and begin work under that Broker.
If the Broker fails to approve it, the hire request is incomplete and closed and the licensee will show as inactive status and is not legal to conduct business.
The expiration date is on the license certificate (When licensed on active status and employed by a Broker).
The information is also available anytime on the ADRE Public Database or through the Online Licensing System.
Can I have a Doing Business As (DBA) or other name for my Professional Corporation?
No. A Professional Corporation (PC) or Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) cannot have a business or DBA name and the PC or PLC name must be comprised of licensed members (only). Refer to A.R.S. 32-2125 (B) and R4-28-303 (F). All commissions must be paid by the Broker to the PC or PLLC.
Scanning the licensing application package to the ADRE might allow for faster processing. Upon receipt, ADRE must approve and process the application.
When the Salesperson / Associate Broker Change Form (LI-202) has been submitted with the application, when processed, the license online will show as active status.
If the Broker hire is to be processed online, the license information may be accessed from the Public Database by entering the last name, then first name.
This will bring up the license number and expiration date.
After submitting the Broker hire online the Broker should be reminded that they must approve it before the licensee is legal to work.
The Broker will print out the license certificate.
When using the Online System, most changes are approved instantly. Otherwise a change request will be processed in the order received.
ADRE is enhancing the www.azre.gov website, including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), as well as modifying forms to be more “user friendly”. Using a checklist to ascertain that the application and all documents are complete before submitting to ADRE will allow for faster processing, without being returned to the sender as deficient. To contact Licensing click here.
Pursuant to §32-2108.01 applicants for licensure are required to obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) prior to submitting an application to ADRE. This does not affect the department’s authority to otherwise issue, deny, cancel, terminate, suspend or revoke the license.
Is the License Certificate that is printed from the ADRE Online Services website legally acceptable? In other words, do I need the official license?
Yes, the printed cetificate is legally acceptable. The electronic license certificate is the official license certificate - and available INSTANTLY, after ADRE records are updated! Licenses are no longer mailed out, thus the online certificate is the only one available.
Licensee employment information is also included in the 'printer friendly' license information on the ADRE Public Database.
A person licensed as a PC or PLLC may display their name on the license certificate including the PC/PLLC notation. If not licensed through a PC or PLLC, this section states 'not applicable'. Duplicate license certificates may be printed.
A PLLC is an LLC organized under Chapter 4 of Title 29 of the Arizona Revised Statutes for the purpose of providing one or more categories of service that may be lawfully rendered only by a person licensed, or otherwise authorized by a licensing authority in Arizona to render the service.
The PLLC specifies that, in those cases where only a person licensed or otherwise authorized by an Arizona licensing authority, wishes to render one or more categories of service, the licensee(s) may do so only as a PLLC. Remember, all compensation must be paid through the Employing Broker.
General rules and regulations governing an LLC may apply to a PLLC. (A.R.S. 29-843).
A PLLC is formed using forms available from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) at www.azcc.gov. Make sure the ADRE guidelines and the Professional Corporation (PC) or a Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) License Application Instructions are followed by the Professional that advises you.
To apply for a PC/PLLC complete the Professional Corporation (PC) or a Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) License Application (LI-231).
Caution... there are very specific requirements that must be met before establishing a PC/PLLC and submitting the License application.
Scan completed application and all required documents and submit to the Department by clicking here. Send questions by clicking here.
If you are seeking to change your LLC to a PLLC, you can amend your LLC Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. As a minimum, the name must be amended to substitute PLLC for LLC. There may be additional items to amend depending on how the entity was set up. Follow the directions on the form.
After filing the amended Articles of Organization, another Notice of Filing must be published in a newspaper of general circulation. Submit the completed Professional Corporation (PC) or a Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) Application (LI-231) and all required documents.
For any questions concerning processes and forms, see the Arizona Corporation Commission website and/or consult professional advice.
To inactivate a license it is necessary to sever from the Broker online at https://az.gov/webapp/dre/. There is no fee when this is done online.
An inactive status is allowed indefinitely, as long as continuing education (CE) is uploaded, however, remember, the difference between an active and an inactive license is that one cannot perform real estate activity with an inactive license.
It is still required to renew the license timely, complete and report continuing education credits, report any changes in personal information (address, name, etc.), and report any criminal conviction or civil judgment, as well as, adhere to all other licensing requirements.
To activate a license, visit https://az.gov/webapp/dre/. The new Broker must log on and approve the hire, before the license becomes active. There is no fee for activating the license when done online (see Fee Schedule). There is no charge for inactivating your license online.
When processing a hire by scan/mail or walk-in it is required to complete and submit the Salesperson / Associate Broker Change Form (LI-202) with the employing Brokers signature and the processing fee (see Fee Schedule).
A written disclosure of a criminal conviction, or an adverse judgment or disciplinary action against a professional license must be submitted to the Department in writing within 10 business days of the conviction, with required documentation (download and review the Disciplinary Actions Disclosure (LI-214/LI-244) and the Disclosure Document Checklist (LI-400)). Arrests need not be reported.
No disclosure is required at the time of arrest. Written notice is required within 10 days of the sentencing/conviction. Even if you notify the ADRE at time of arrest, ADRE will not consider this a disclosure until a written notice is delivered within the 10 day time frame.
In accordance with the Commissioner’s Rule R4-28-303(D) “a sales person or broker shall notify the Department in writing within 10 days of any changes in the individual’s personal information or qualifications”.
You are required under the Commissioner’s Rule R4-28-303(D)(1) to submit a written statement within ten days. The statement must include but not limited to details surrounding the events leading to the conviction such as arresting agency, date of incident, what court you attended, date of sentencing, outcome such as final plea, date of plea and sentencing.
A disclosure package will be sent by ADRE via certified mail. The package will include a letter with detailed time frames in which documents must be turned in. The package also includes an LI-400, which can also be downloaded from the forms area of our web site at: www.AZRE.gov. As a courtesy, you will be sent a DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card application. For further information on obtaining a new Fingerprint Clearance Card, contact DPS directly.
Only if they are certified copies of the court records.
No, all documents must be complete with the LI-400 and submitted as a complete package. Incomplete submittals will be returned unprocessed.
Required documents are expected to be submitted to ADRE prior to the required deadline dates. A one-time ten day extension may be granted by contacting the ADRE disclosure specialist.
A certified copy is a copy (often a photocopy) of a primary document that has an endorsement or certificate that this is a true copy of the primary document. It is usually affixed with a raised seal or stamp. When certified copies are stapled, DO NOT REMOVE THE STAPLES, it nullifies the certification and a new set will be required.
Each court system is different and has different forms. What ADRE is interested in and considers when reviewing, are the details of the conviction and sentencing, such as dates the sentencing was given and what fines, jail time, community service etc.
This is considered a “late disclosure”. Notify the Department in writing as soon as possible so that the Disclosure process can begin. It does take some time and the entire required process must take place. The Department does handle all cases in an “as received” priority. The Department is held to an administrative standard to treat all cases equally.
Click here to view / download the "Obtaining an Arizona Real Estate License" brochure.
Complete the Entity / Employing Broker Forms.
ADRE will not process any incomplete packets; Entire packet will be returned.
STEP 1 ADRE Instructions help complete the application.
STEP 4 After ADRE Name Approval - Register the Entity with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) or Arizona Secretary of State (Partnerships or Trade Names Only). ADRE will need a FILED copies of articles from the ACC and any amendments upon license application.
STEP 6 Apply for Trust Account(s) with an Arizona Banking Institution, if applicable, or affirm if using an Arizona Based Title Company on the application.
• Complete Salesperson / Associate Broker Change Form (LI-202)* or Delegation of Authority (Form LI-204) for Branch Managers.
• Scan and email submit to the Department by clicking here or Delegation of Authority (Form LI-204) for Branch Managers.
• Designated Broker (DB) Letter delegating temporary authority – to be maintained at brokerage and attached to/filed with all hire/severs and renewals.* Limited rights.
* For Associate Broker / Designated Brokers Delegation – any transactions that must be performed in-office at the ADRE, such as hire / severs, renewals etc., must have the letter delegating temporary authority attached to the transaction form(s).
Broker Management Clinic (BMC)* – What is it and When is it needed?
Broker Management Clinic follows prescribed content and may focus on a particular type of real estate business, such as property management, residential or commercial real estate.
* Effective January 1, 2013, the three (3) hour BMC course requirement changed to a nine (9) hour course consisting of three (3) separate content courses of three (3) hours each in the Commissioner’s Standards category pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2136.
** Delegated Associate Broker = Associate Broker with written authorization to act on behalf of designated broker by reviewing and initialing contracts and similar instruments pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2151.01(G). Effective January 1, 2013, the BMC is a new requirement for the Delegated Associate Broker license type pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2136(C).
First make sure that your Proof of Legal Presence has been submitted to ADRE online. When submitting, allow for a few days for ADRE to review and approve the submission.
Enter the license number. If license number is not known, click on the "Public Database" link at the end of the line that begins “To log in…”. Select “search by name” then enter the last name and click "submit". Find the correct licensee’s name on the list that appears and the license number will be listed. Any licensee's license information may be researched using this tool. Do not cut and paste the license number from the Public Database into the Online System. The system will give an error message.
Ensure that the correct last four digits of the Social Security number are used.
Type the date of birth in the format shown, mm/dd/yyyy (two digits for month, two for day, and four for year) as instructed. If a mistake is made, delete all of the numbers in that field and type them again.
Next, if not done already, select “Manage my Continuing Education” and enter all CE classes. SIMPLY ENTERING THE CONTINUING EDUCATION DOES NOT RENEW THE LICENSE; THE RENEWAL FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED AND THE RENEWAL FEE MUST BE PAID.
Next, if not done already, select “Manage my Legal Presence” and upload the required documentation (click here for more information).
Follow the prompts to renew the license before the license expiration date. Also access Online Services to change any personal information (address, phone number, email address) or request employment by a Broker. Further instructions are given with each page. It is fast and easy!
Now, confirm that all processes have been completed accurately and that the system has accepted it.
NOTE: If renewing after a license expiration date and disclosing a criminal conviction, adverse judgment, discipline against a professional or occupational license, or registering a conditional waiver of continuing education hours, the renewal must be done in paper format and one cannot renew using the Online System.
If making changes, additional fees may be required. Review the instructions on the change forms that are being submitted.
If the license lapsed more than one year previously, re-licensure must be applied for, not renewal.
Renew online at https://az.gov/webapp/dre/. Visit ADRE Licensing Forms.
Continuing Education (CE) credits must be submitted online prior to submitting a renewal application. The Proof of Legal Presence must be submitted, if not done previously.
Remind the Designated Broker that the online renewal has been processed. The Designated Broker should log on to Online Services and approve the renewal. The Broker can print out the license and the licensee is authorized to practice real estate. Should the Designated Broker not take action to approve or disapprove, the license will not be renewed as still being employed by that broker. If the broker disapproves the renewal application, the license will be renewed in inactive status and the licensee’s employment is severed from the Broker. The effective date of the sever will be the earlier of the license expiration date or the Broker's disapproval of the renewal. To avoid conducting any unlawful license activity, the Department recommends that all licensees monitor the status of their online renewal and their license status closely, until renewed and active status is confirmed.
If filing by scan/mail or by walk-in at the ADRE office. Download and complete the appropriate forms and submit to the Department.
Be sure to sign the forms, have the Designated Broker sign if active-status, and include the renewal fee.
Make sure the CE courses have been submitted through the online system under “Manage my Continuing Education”.
The renewal will not be processed until the CE education has been entered and verified.
Confirm that the Proof of Legal Presence has been uploaded.
When licensee is renewing in person, it is recommended that the renewal be done at least 2 business days prior to the end of the month. If renewing late, include an Unlawful License Activity Statement Form (LI-555). If activity was done during the expired period, it is not legal to conduct business during this time until the renewal application has been reviewed.
When the renewal has been approved and updated, it will show the licensee as inactive. Please confirm online.
You may hire on to a Broker using Online Services.
The Broker must approve the online hire-on before the licensee is legal to work.
* Please note: Applications for license renewal will be processed in the order in which they are received. Caution... when scanning, emailing, mailing, don’t wait until the last minute.
One of the many advantages to filing online is that the confirmation page may be printed and the Designated Broker can immediately approve the hire on or renewal and print the license. A license status may be confirmed, in the Public Database from the Department's webpage, at www.azre.gov. When applying as a walk-in, the receipt showing payment of the fee can be provided.
Make sure the email address with the Department is accurate. The Department issues “courtesy reminders” to brokers and salespersons electronically to remind them of the approaching license expiration. The email address that has been registered with the Department is used to provide reminders approximately 90, 60, and 30 days preceding the license expiration date. As an added courtesy service, Designated Brokers with correct email addresses registered with ADRE receive notice of licensed employees whose licenses are expiring at the same 90, 60 and 30 day intervals. The Department recommends licensees use their personal email address, so as to retain the connection to the Department even if their employer changes.
Inactive-status Entity Employing Brokers (corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and limited liability partnerships) will not receive an email.
Using email to provide electronic reminders of upcoming license expirations may reduce the number of late-filed applications, thus allowing the Department to redirect resources.
It remains the license holder's responsibility to maintain their license in good standing before engaging in activities that require licensure.
Effective July 29, 2010, and forward, all renewals processed will be issued a two year license.
It is recommended that this list be printed and used to ensure that all requirements for license renewal are adhered to, whether renewing online or by paper. Review the Personal Information page through the www.azre.gov Public Database to verify all information is correct before renewing.
Review Name and Address; make sure City, State & ZIP code are included and are correct.
Verify or correct if necessary, the residence telephone number, business telephone number if active-status, and email address.
If active status, review the current employer name and business address, including any suite number, and make sure City, State, and ZIP code are included and are correct.
A real estate licensee must go online and submit 24 hours of approved CE courses for each 24 month Continuing Education Period. If unsure of the requirement, read the "What Continuing Education Credits do I need?" FAQ.
Answer all the questions on the Disciplinary Actions Disclosure (LI-214/LI-244) and if “yes” answers to any question, provide the additional documents as instructed at the bottom of the form. If answering “yes” to any question paper renewal is required, rather than online.
Sign the renewal application if renewing by paper form. If the license is active status, have the Designated Broker sign it also, and submit the form.
If making license changes, remember to include any additional forms or fees. If unsure, read the "How to change information / notify the ADRE" FAQ. Instructions and applicable fees are on the forms. For information click here.
When proof of Legal Presence has not been submitted, follow the instructions listed on https://az.gov/webapp/dre/. Select “Manage my Legal Presence”. This process must be completed prior to being eligible to renew and must also be reviewed and approved by ADRE personnel during regular business hours, so do not wait until the last minute to do this.
When doing a paper renewal, scan/mail the renewal application and attachments, or deliver them to the ADRE office during regular business hours. If delivering it in person, try to avoid the last week of the month, which is the busiest time. When renewing online, make sure it is done by or before the last day of the month.
received at the ADRE the first business day following the weekend or holiday.
Make certain Legal Presence is uploaded at least three business days prior to renewal date, AND after inputting renewal information, make sure that renewal was accepted online.
When filed in office, the process will determine if renewal documents are complete. If incomplete, it will be rejected and returned as deficient. Remember, the Proof of Legal Presence must be in the system a few days prior to renewal.
When a completed renewal application is not submitted prior to the license expiration date, the license expires, and the licensee is severed from the Broker.
WHEN THE LICENSE HAS EXPIRED, THE LICENSEE IS NO LONGER LICENSED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS.
The Licensee must cease all activity for which a license is required.
Late renewals may be renewed using the Online System or may be submitted by scan/mail or in person at the ADRE office. Complete applications for late renewals will be processed in the order received. Deficient applications will be returned to the applicant, unprocessed.
Should a license expire, there is a one-year "grace period" in which to renew. After the grace period expires, the license is terminated. When the license is terminated (expired for more than one year), an original license must be applied for. (Per A.R.S. § 32-2131) The Department has no authority to extend this timeframe. Licenses not renewed within a year of expiration are terminated in EVERY case.
Should licensee continue working while the license was not current, or was in an “in-active status”, the Department will NOT accept a hire on form until the renewal application has been approved.
There are serious consequences when one continues to transact real estate business after the license expires, which could include a civil (monetary) penalty, additional continuing education requirements and license suspension or revocation, as well as, the requirement that all commissions earned during period of license expiration, be returned.
No. It is only “as a courtesy”, that the Department emails renewal notices at 90, 60 and 30 days increments prior to license expiration, and, for active licensees, an email notice is sent to the Designated Broker. It is required that ADRE have a current valid email address for every licensee.
The Department does not have the authority to change the license expiration date, nor, "extend" a license period.
When the license expired within the immediate preceding year, there may be eligibility to file for "late renewal". When renewed, the license would be in an "inactive status", which requires a hire on by a Broker. The hire on can be done on line. The Broker must approve the hire on request online within 30 days, or the hire on is not effective. Be sure to confirm that the Broker approval has taken place.
Licensees within their grace year are able to renew online IF they do not have any Disciplinary Action Disclosures and DID NOT conduct unlawful license activity. (See A.A.C. R4-28-303 and R4-28-306) False responses to the disclosure and unlicensed activity questions may result in disciplinary action up to and including license revocation.
Persons who received a waiver, that are substituting a class for Fair Housing, must contact the Department prior to attempting to renew their license.
The 2008 Arizona Legislature created Arizona Revised Statute § 41-1080 which requires all state agencies that issue professional licenses to obtain proof of the licensees' legal presence in the state before issuing or renewing a license. This is a universal requirement of anyone holding a state-issued professional license in Arizona.
Log on to the Department's Online Licensing System at https://az.gov/webapp/dre/ and select "Manage My Legal Presence Requirements" on the right side of the screen.
Select the type of document you are providing from the drop-down menu.
Upload the document using the "Browse" button to navigate to where the document is stored on licensee’s computer.
When licensee has an email address on file with the Department, an email advisory as to whether the document is accepted, will be sent.
Please insure the document is legible before submitting it.
If unable to submit these documents by uploading them to ADRE, a legible copy may be sent, via regular mail (no faxes), with a cover letter stating that documentation is being provided to meet the requirements of ARS §41-1080. The letter should include the licensee’s real estate license number (BR number for Brokers, SA number for sales agents), expiration date, and licensee’s name as it appears on the license.
Remember, the Proof of Legal Presence must be submitted and approved by the ADRE prior to acceptance of CE Credits and/or License Renewal.
You may submit documents scanned as PDF, JPG, BMP and TIF.
* Should you choose to submit a document that does not have a photograph (i.e. a birth certificate), please be advised that ARS § 41-1080 requires that you supplement your submission with a government issued photo I.D. that does contain a photograph.
The electronic documents are attached to the person's license file, so only include one person's document (driver's license, passport, etc.) in the scanned file submitted. When more than one person's information is in one scanned document it will be rejected.
When the Department processes the document, an email advisory of acceptance or rejection, and if rejected, a reason, will be sent to the email address used by the sender. It is best to confirm acceptance by logging onto the Department's Online Licensing System at https://az.gov/webapp/dre/ and selecting "Manage My Legal Presence Requirements" on the right side of the screen, and then click on "View Current Status". The document submitted may also be viewed.

References: § 41
 §32
 § 32
 § 32
 § 32
 § 32
 § 41
 §41
 § 41