If a Washington real estate licensee's license expired due to nonpayment of renewal fees, how can it be reinstated?

• A. Pays back renewal fees, plus penalties
• B. Pay only the renewal fee
• C. Reinstatement is not allowed
• D. Apply for a new license

Answer: (A)

Reinstatement after expiration caused by nonpayment means you must bring the license current by settling all amounts owed to the real estate commission. When renewal fees aren’t paid on time, penalties are added for the delinquency. To reactivate the license, you don’t just pay the renewal amount—you must pay both the renewal fees and the penalties. This clears the outstanding balance and restores eligibility to practice. If you act within the allowed reinstatement period, that’s all that’s required; waiting too long may require alternative steps, such as reapplying as a new license holder.