EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008

Anyone applying for or renewing a broker or salesperson license on or after January 1, 2008 must get fingerprinted in connection with the application. Fingerprints are required so that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can conduct a criminal history check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A criminal history check will be conducted on every applicant for a license and every time a real estate salesperson or broker license is renewed. Once fingerprints are on file with DPS, a licensee will not need to be fingerprinted for subsequent renewals.

• Fingerprints that an applicant or licensee may have submitted for any other reason, such as previous employment or for a state issued license, may not be used to apply for or renew a TREC salesperson or broker license.

• Fingerprints must be in the FBI’s required format and must be taken at an authorized DPS site. Currently, there are 70 locations statewide where electronic fingerprints can be taken.

• Individuals who file a broker or salesperson application on or after January 1, 2008 will receive a letter from TREC after their application is filed with information about how to schedule a fingerprint appointment.

• License applicants must get fingerprints taken within 6 months of the date the application is filed or the application will terminate.

• If you are renewing a current license, you must wait until you get your renewal notice before you can get your fingerprints taken. TREC mails out renewal notices 90 days before a license expires.

• If you receive your renewal notice prior to January 1, 2008 and wish to renew your license before that date, you are not required to submit fingerprints. However, you will need to get fingerprinted for your next renewal.

• To renew your license on or after January 1, 2008, you should get your fingerprints taken at least ten (10) days before your license expiration date to avoid any renewal delay and assure continued licensure. Information on how and where to get your fingerprints taken will be available on the TREC website, www.trec.state.tx.us.

• If you fail to get your fingerprints taken before your license expires, you will have to submit a late renewal application form and pay a higher fee to get a new license.

• You must get your fingerprints taken if you are currently licensed as a salesperson and are applying for a broker license if your fingerprints have not been previously submitted.

• TREC cannot issue or renew a license until it has confirmation that your fingerprints have been submitted to DPS in the required form.