REALM Portal Updates and FAQs

The Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal, or REALM Portal, is where prospective and current license holders manage their licenses and registrations.

REALM Portal Help Guides

• How to Create a REALM Portal Account
• State ID and PIN Number Lookup Tool
• How to Link a License or Registration to Your REALM Portal Account
• How to Renew Your License or Registration in the REALM Portal
• How to Terminate Sponsorship in the REALM Portal
• How to Add or Update Team Names in the REALM Portal
• How to Update Assumed Business Names or DBAs in the REALM Portal
• How to Update Your Business Contact Information or Legal Name in the REALM Portal
• REALM Portal for Real Estate Applicants
• REALM Portal for Brokers

REALM Portal Tips

Review the Guides

Many questions we receive are covered here and in the guides above. To help reduce call wait times and delays in responding to email, please review the information we have available online to see if your question is already answered.

Whitelist This Email Address

All essential license-related emails come from [email protected].

Pin Your Licenses to Renew, Manage Sponsorships, and More

Brokers and sales agents must pin their license record to their REALM Portal account before managing sponsorships. If you are experiencing issues with renewals, sponsorships, or don't see your license number in your REALM Portal account, this should be your first step.

To ensure proper access:

• Confirm all license records are pinned to your account.
  • Log in to the REALM Portal and click the Licenses tab at the top of the page. If you see your licenses or other records, you're all set-no further action is needed.
• If you do not see your license record and do not have your PIN or State ID, use the State ID and PIN Number Tool to get the information you need to attach them.

Have Your Documentation Ready

All documents for licensing and registrations should be uploaded into the REALM Portal. For example:

• If you're applying for a sales agent license, upload all six prelicensing course certificates when you apply.
• If you're an inspector, upload your Certificate of Insurance when you submit your renewal.
• If you're applying for a BENT, make sure you have all the documentation ready to upload.

If you are asked to provide additional documentation, you should upload it into the REALM Portal. Do not email documents unless specifically requested to do so.

Some components of your application rely on integrations with external systems, including:

• The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Education providers
• Pearson VUE (exam vendor)

You do not need to email proof of fingerprinting, exam results, or other documentation unless specifically requested. TREC receives this information directly from the appropriate entity.

Sponsorship Requests

Brokers and agents can request and accept sponsorship changes in the REALM Portal. Some brokers requesting inactive agents or inactive agents requesting sponsorship are experiencing issues with their sponsorship going through. Complete the form below if you are having these issues and allow two to three business days for our staff to implement the fix.

As long as the sponsorship appears correctly in the REALM Portal, it is considered effective-even if it has not yet updated in the License Holder Search on the website. Once effective, license holders may:

• Update their IABS.
• List the new sponsoring broker in contracts.
• Advertise under the new broker.

The video below explains how to change and accept sponsorships.

Business Entity Registration

To apply for a business entity registration in the REALM Portal, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your REALM Portal account.
2. Click Create a New Application.
3. Under TREC - Licenses, select Real Estate - Business Entity Registration Application.

To ensure a smooth application process, please make sure you have all required documents ready to upload before starting your application. View the full list of required documentation.

After submitting your application, you can check the status at any time by logging into the REALM Portal and selecting your pending application.

Estimated Timelines for Exam Authorizations

Please allow up to four weeks from your application date for processing.

You will receive notification when you are eligible to complete fingerprinting or schedule your exam.

January 2026 and Earlier Applicants

If you applied in January 2026 or earlier and have not received any updates, please fill out this form. Do not use this form for sponsorship request issues.

Broker Applications Started Before January 1

Applicants who began broker license applications before the end of December will receive flexibility during the transition. Progress made will be recognized, and applicants are encouraged to complete remaining steps as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions license holders have about the transition to the REALM Portal. The FAQs are organized by topic for easier reference.

Top Issues Right Now

Should I wait to make changes in the REALM Portal?

If you do not need to take immediate action on your license-such as renewing, changing sponsorship, or submitting an application-you may create your REALM Portal account at any time.

Why is my sponsorship not showing on the TREC website?

Sponsorship information may take time to update on the License Holder Search function of the website. If your sponsorship appears correctly in the REALM Portal, the change is effective-even if it is not yet reflected in the License Holder Search.

Once the change is effective in the REALM Portal, you may update your IABS, contract, and advertising.

Why hasn't my continuing education (CE) posted?

Please allow 24-48 hours for your course credit to appear in the REALM Portal.

I submitted something but didn't get a confirmation email. Is that a problem?

Some users may not receive immediate confirmation emails.

If the system accepted your submission, no further action is required unless you are contacted.

My application says "Pending." What does that mean?

A "Pending" status means your application or request has been received and is awaiting system processing. No action is required on your part unless you are contacted.

I'm having trouble paying or I'm not sure my payment went through. What should I do?

If you are unsure whether your payment processed, contact TREC for confirmation.

When will document uploads or next steps be available for my application?

If additional documents or information is required, you will receive an email from [email protected] gov outlining what is required.

Support

Why does it sound like my call isn't going through when I contact TREC or TALCB?

You may hear an unusual tone when calling TREC or TALCB if all phone lines are in use. This does not mean the office is closed or that your call cannot be completed. Phone lines are open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. Call volume is highest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. CT.

Who do I contact if I have trouble accessing or using the REALM Portal?

Contact TREC's or TALCB's team for assistance.

Sponsorships

I'm a broker and I can't see where to sponsor sales agents in the REALM Portal.

This video explains how to change, request, or accept sponsorship requests.

Please follow the steps below to view your current sales agent sponsorships:

1. Log in to the REALM Portal with the Username and Password you used to create your account.
2. Click the "My Records" link.
3. Find your license number you use to sponsor agents with and click "Amendment" in the Action column.
4. Choose "Update Supervising License Holder" from the Type of Change Request menu.
5. Click "Continue Application."
6. You will be able to view the license numbers of the agents you sponsor. Names are not visible at this time.

My sponsorship doesn't show correctly on the TREC website. Is it still valid?

Yes. If the sponsorship appears correctly in the REALM Portal, it is considered effective-even if it has not yet updated on the License Holder Search.

Can I advertise and use my new broker once the change appears in the REALM Portal?

Yes. Once the sponsorship appears correctly in the REALM Portal, you may update your IABS, contracts, and advertising.

Can I terminate sponsorship in the REALM Portal?

Yes. Termination is available, and brokers can search for agents by license number (including suffixes such as -SA). Website updates may take 24-48 hours. This video explains how to terminate sales agents.

If I sponsor agents through an LLC, do I need separate REALM Portal accounts for my personal broker license and the LLC?

No. You can manage both your personal broker license and any LLC you sponsor agents through using one REALM Portal account.

When linking licenses and applications, the PIN Numbers or State IDs help ensure all records are connected to your account.

Even if someone hasn't yet registered in the REALM Portal, agents sponsored through your personal license or LLC will still appear in the license holder search at trec.texas.gov.

As a broker, do I have to re-sponsor all of my agents in the REALM Portal?

No. Existing sponsorship relationships will transfer automatically into the REALM Portal. Brokers do not need to re-sponsor their agents in the new system.

However, any new sponsorship changes-such as adding or releasing an agent-must be completed in the REALM Portal.

Status Messages

What does Submitted mean?

Submitted means your application or request has been received. No action is required unless you are contacted.

What does In Review mean?

In Review means your application or request is open for review. Applicants will receive instructions on getting fingerprinted when the application status changes to In Review.

In Review also means we are reviewing your submission to determine if you have completed all the requirements for your application.

What does Pending Exam mean?

Pending Exam means we have reviewed your submission and determined you are eligible to sit for the examination. Your status in the REALM Portal may change before you receive your official notice. Allow 24-48 hours for your exam authorization email to arrive. It will come from [email protected] and provides all of the information you need to sit for the exam.

What does Background Review mean?

Background Review relates to your fingerprints. If you see an hourglass next to Background Review on your Processing Status screen, we are either waiting for the prints from DPS or reviewing your background. A green checkmark means your fingerprints are processed and your background is clear.

Technical Issues

I'm seeing an incorrect county or validation error. Does this affect my license?

No. This is a known issue and does not affect your license.

I can't reset my password. What should I do?

If you are unable to reset your password, first make sure you created a new account in the REALM Portal. If you did not create a new REALM Portal account, a password cannot be reset.

Applications and Exam Processing

I submitted something but didn't get a confirmation email. Is that a problem?

No.If the system accepted your submission, no further action is required unless you are contacted.

Why does the REALM Portal ask for my employment history when I apply?

As part of the application process, the REALM Portal asks for employment history from the past five years. This information is used for background check purposes only and helps ensure applications are processed accurately. You may include self-employment, student status, and periods of unemployment.

If you were a student or unemployed during part of the past five years, simply list that time accordingly. You do not need to provide employment history beyond five years.

I passed my exam, but I haven't gotten my license number yet. What's wrong?

Once exam results are received and processed, your application status will update accordingly and your license will be issued. Please allow up to 48 hours for us to receive your exam results from Pearson.

License Linking and Records

Where can I find my license or application records in the REALM Portal?

After logging in to the REALM Portal, select the "Licenses" tab at the top of the page. If you see all of your licenses, registrations, or applications listed there, your account is fully set up and no further action is needed. If you do not see all of your records, you may need to link them using the PIN Number or State ID provided in your activation email. Most license holders will see their records automatically after registering with their email address of record.

What is a PIN and when will I need one?

A PIN is a unique identifier used to manually link a license or application if it does not automatically appear in your REALM Portal account.

Will everyone need a PIN?

No. Most license holders' records will link automatically when they register using their email address of record.

What if I can't find my PIN or Record ID?

If you cannot locate your PIN or Record ID, use our State ID and Pin Number Lookup tool.

My license appeared automatically when I logged in. Do I need to do anything else?

No. If your license appears in the REALM Portal after you log in-and you do not expect to see any additional licenses or applications-your account is already linked, and no further action is required.

Most license holders' records link automatically when they register using the same email address that is on file with TREC or TALCB.

The PIN and State ID options are only needed if your license or application does not appear automatically.

Why am I having trouble linking my license to my REALM Portal account?

If you have records already linked to your account, you may need to choose "None Applicable" from the dropdown menu that appears to add more records. Generally, if you are setting up your account for the first time, you will only need to proceed through the steps.

To link your license successfully, try selecting "PIN Link Records to Your Account." Using your PIN links directly to your specific license. If you use a State ID, you may see additional records that do not require action.

I see a license or record that doesn't belong to me. How do I remove it?

1. Log in to the REALM Portal.
2. Click the Licenses tab, then select Create an application.
3. Review and agree to the terms by checking the box, then click Continue Application.
4. From the list, select Disconnect Records and click Continue Application.
5. In the Records List, select Actions next to the appropriate record, then choose Edit.
6. A pop-up window will appear. Check the box to Disconnect, then click Submit.
   • If multiple records need to be disconnected, this step must be completed separately for each record.
7. Once completed, "Yes" will appear under the Disconnect column to confirm the record has been selected for removal. Click Continue Application.
8. Review the information, certify by checking the box, and click Continue Application to finalize.

Once completed, the license record will display as Disconnected under My Records.

Do I need to make changes to my license right now in the REALM Portal?

No. If your license does not require an update, renewal, sponsorship change, or termination at this time, no action is needed in the REALM Portal.

Some license holders exploring the new system may unintentionally start an application or amendment that isn't required. This can create confusion and may result in unnecessary delays or calls for assistance.

If you accidentally started a change you don't need:

1. Log in to the REALM Portal.
2. Click the Licenses tab, then select Create an application.
3. Review and agree to the terms by checking the box, then click Continue Application.
4. From the list, select Disconnect Records and click Continue Application.
5. In the Records List, select Actions next to the appropriate record, then choose Edit.
6. A pop-up window will appear. Check the box to Disconnect, then click Submit.
   • If multiple records need to be disconnected, this step must be completed separately for each record.
7. Once completed, "Yes" will appear under the Disconnect column to confirm the record has been selected for removal. Click Continue Application.
8. Review the information, certify by checking the box, and click Continue Application to finalize.

Once completed, the license record will display as Disconnected under My Records.

We recommend only initiating changes in the REALM Portal when you are certain an update is required.

Getting Started and Registration

I never received an activation email. What should I do?

Activation emails were sent from [email protected]. If you did not receive one and your license does not appear after creating a REALM Portal account, please use the State ID and PIN Lookup tool.

All license holders must create a REALM Portal account.

I can't register because the system is asking for an EIN with more digits than mine. What should I do?

Some business accounts-such as Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) and Business Entity licenses (BENTs)-will be prompted to enter an EIN during registration.

While EINs are typically 9 digits, the REALM Portal requires an 11-digit entry for registration. To proceed, add two leading zeros ("00") to the beginning of your 9-digit EIN when entering it into the system. Example: If your EIN is 123456789, enter it as 00123456789. This will allow you to continue the registration process.

If you continue to experience issues, contact TREC or TALCB for assistance.

I have multiple licenses. Do I need multiple REALM Portal accounts?

No. You only need one REALM Portal account. Multiple licenses can be linked to a single account. You can set up more than one account to manage licenses separately if you would like.

If you maintain more than one license, registration, or application with TREC and/or TALCB, you may receive multiple activation emails. Each email will contain record-specific information.

To successfully link multiple records, you must use the State ID(s) or PIN Number(s) provided in each activation email. These identifiers allow you to connect all licenses, registrations, and applications into one REALM Portal account.

I don't need to renew or change anything right now. Should I still log in?

If you do not need to take immediate action (such as renewing or changing sponsorship), you may choose to wait. You may still create your account at any time.

How can I access the REALM Portal?

Access the REALM Portal here. All license holders must create a REALM Portal account before logging in and viewing their records.

Do I need to create a REALM Portal account?

Yes. The REALM Portal is the new system used to manage licenses, applications, renewals ,and sponsorships.

Create a new account in the REALM Portal. Your previous login credentials will not carry over.

How do I create a new account?

Create a new account at this link and login with the username and password you set during the account creation process: REALM Portal registration and login.

I already registered. How do I know if everything worked?

Once logged in, go to Home > My Records. If your license or application appears, no further action is required at this time.

Will my delegated supervisors or assistants need new accounts?

Yes, if they manage or submit information on behalf of a license holder.

A helpful REALM Portal feature allows designated brokers to grant permissions to others within their office (like managers or team leads) to manage their licenses and team names through their own online account.

Renewals and Payments

How do I submit my renewal in the REALM Portal?

New accordion content

1. Log in to the REALM Portal.
   • Account setup guide and video.
2. Confirm your license(s) are properly linked to your account.
   • Pinning records guide and video.
3. Submit your renewal application and pay the renewal fee.
   • Renewal walkthrough video.

Do I need my CE posted before renewing?

No. You should still submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee even if your CE has not yet posted.

Will I be charged a CE deferral fee?

All required CE must be completed before your license expiration date or you will be charged a $200 CE Deferral Fee. The CE Deferral Fee allows you to remain active for an additional 60 days from your expiration date to complete CE requirements. Sales agents renewing for the first time cannot defer their SAE.

Will I be charged a late fee if I don't renew on time?

Late fees may still be charged depending on when you submit your renewal.

Will there be additional fees for online payments?

A 3% online fee required by the Department of Information Resources (DIR) applies to online transactions. There is no increase in fees.

Can I mail in a check or pay in person?

No. All payments must be made online through the REALM Portal.

I'm having trouble submitting a payment. What should I do?

If you are unsure whether a payment processed, contact TREC for confirmation.

REALM Portal Basics

What is the REALM Portal?

It's the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal-a modern online licensing system created to simplify the way TREC-TALCB real estate professionals manage their license.

Is the REALM Portal this website?

No. It is a separate tool that you will use to apply, renew, change sponsorship, make payments, file complaints, and more.

Why is TREC-TALCB switching to a new system?

The REALM Portal offers a more secure, user-friendly experience with modern features that make managing your license faster and easier-from updating personal information to online renewals.

How will the REALM Portal benefit license holders?

In a nutshell, the REALM Portal will allow for fully digital license management. This includes an entirely online experience for license application and renewals. Supporting documents can also be uploaded in the REALM Portal and complaints can be filed, all in one place.

What can I do in the REALM Portal?

You can renew your license, update your contact information, track CE, track and manage your application, view your license history, and more.

Licenses and Numbers

Do I need to reapply or resubmit my information?

No. Your existing license information and application records will automatically transfer to the REALM Portal.

Will my license expiration date or renewal cycle change?

No. Your license expiration date and renewal schedule will remain the same.

Will my license number look different in the REALM Portal?

As part of the transition to the REALM Portal, license numbers will include a short letter code after the existing number to identify the license type. For example, if your sales agent license number was 12345 in the old system, it will soon appear as 12345-SA in the REALM Portal. These letters help quickly identify the type of license you hold and will be printed on your official license documents.

Your original license number will remain the same-only the added suffix is new.

What are the new suffixes that will be added to existing license numbers?

Beginning with the launch of the REALM Portal, all license numbers will include a license-type suffix. This suffix will appear after your license number (example: 123456-SA) and will also be printed on your license. These suffixes help clearly identify the type of license you hold in the new system. Below are the suffixes assigned to each license type.

TREC Real Estate License Types

• Sales Agent: -SA
• Broker: -B
• Business Entity Broker: -BE
• Business Broker (REO): -BB
• Easement or Right-of-Way Agent: -EA
• Easement or Right-of-Way Business: -EB
• Business Entity License: -BENT

TREC Inspectors ​

• Apprentice Inspector: -AI
• Real Estate Inspector: -RI
• Professional Inspector: -PI

TALCB License Types

• Appraiser Trainee: -T
• Certified General Appraiser: -CG
• Appraisal Management Company: -AMC
• Certified Residential Appraiser: -CR
• Licensed Residential Appraiser: -LR
• Qualifying Education Provider: -AQP
• Continuing Education Provider: -ACEP

Education Providers

Note: Existing course license numbers will change. Provider license numbers will not change but will include a suffix in the REALM Portal.

• QE Provider: -QP
• Exempt QE Provider: -XQP
• CE Provider: -CEP
• Real Estate QE Course: -REQC
• Inspector QE Course: -INSQ
• ERW QE Course: -ERWQ
• College Accredited QE Course: -ACC
• Real Estate CE Course: -RECE
• Real Estate Non-Elective Course: -RENE
• Inspector CE Course: -INSC
• Inspector Non-Elective Course: -INE
• ERW CE Course: -ERWC

Will I have a new license with the suffix added?

Yes. Your updated license will include the suffix.

Will I need to use my license number with the new suffix on contracts, in advertising, or on the Information About Brokerage Services form?

You are not required to (although you may) add your license suffix to the IABS form, in your advertising, or on contracts. The suffix is related to REALM Portal data and not an official change to your license number.

Education Providers

Will a separate course application need to be submitted for each delivery method?

No. Providers will submit a single course application for multiple delivery methods.

Are the fees changing for provider or course applications?

No, the application fees are not changing for providers and courses. However, a 3% Texas Online Fee required by the Department of Information Resources (DIR) will be assessed for all provider and course applications beginning December 15, 2025.

What are the new suffixes added to license numbers? Provider license numbers will not change but will include a suffix in the REALM Portal.

• QE Provider: -QP
• Exempt QE Provider: -XQP
• CE Provider: -CEP
• Real Estate QE Course: -REQC
• Inspector QE Course: -INSQ
• ERW QE Course: -ERWQ
• College Accredited QE Course: -ACC
• Real Estate CE Course: -RECE
• Real Estate Non-Elective Course: -RENE
• Inspector CE Course: -INSC
• Inspector Non-Elective Course: -INE
• ERW CE Course: -ERWC

Are course numbers changing? Yes. Existing course license numbers will change. Each provider will receive a spreadsheet with that information from TREC. Is there more information for Education Providers?

Yes, more is included in this article.

Video Hub

What License Holders Need To Know

The REALM Portal will serve as the new online home managing your professional real estate license.

You'll also be able to:

• Save and return to your application when you're ready.
• Request a fitness determination online before applying for a license. 
• Upload your documents within the system (no more separate emails to TREC).
• Make payments securely online.
• Track the status of your applications.
• Track your continuing education (CE) hours. 
• File complaints, resulting in faster processing.

The following is an overview of what will be available in the REALM Portal for each license type.

Brokers

Brokers will have access to expanded management tools within the REALM Portal, including the ability to:

• Review and approve sales agent sponsorship requests.
• Manage business entity licenses.
• Manage sponsorships.
• Update brokerage and designated broker information.
• Track license status for sponsored sales agents.

Designated brokers can delegate management to other license holder profiles. For example, you can grant permissions to others within your office (like managers or team leads) to manage licenses and team names through their own REALM Portal account.

The REALM Portal will allow associated brokers to identify which brokerages they associate with-those connections will be displayed for public view on TREC's website.

Sales Agents

Sales agents will use the REALM Portal to:

• Renew licenses online and pay renewal fees.
• Track CE requirements.
• Manage sponsorship requests and view broker information.
• Update contact details and personal information.
• Print or download digital copies of your license.
• Apply for reinstatement of an expired license online.

Your broker must have an active REALM Portal account for sponsorship management.

Inspectors

Apprentice and licensed inspectors will use the REALM Portal to:

• Leave the paper forms behind and submit applications online.
• Renew licenses and pay fees online.
• Upload and manage proof of required insurance.
• Update contact and business information.
• Track CE courses.
• Access your digital license.
• Manage sponsorships online.

Easement or Right-of-Way Agents

Easement or right-of-way agents will use the REALM Portal to:

• Renew licenses and pay fees online
• Track CE
• Update contact and business information
• View and print digital licenses

Education Providers

TREC-TALCB-approved education providers will have access to the same features, including all provider and course applications being processed and managed online. This also means all documentation typically required with those applications will be submitted through the new online format. Education providers will also be able to

• Pay fees online.
• Benefit from faster processing times, built-in timed outlines, and content outlines for course applications.
• Renew provider and course approvals.
• Update provider and course information.
• Track application status and approval history.

In preparation for the REALM Portal launch, course numbers will change. Education providers will receive new course numbers for all courses. The new numbers will be emailed to providers in early December. These numbers are necessary for updating course information online and within the CE posting system.

Before December 2 Checklist

The following reminders were previously shared with license holders.

For All License Holders

• Renew early if your license expires in November, December, or January 2026.
• Update your email address of record so you receive the REALM Portal activation email on December 15.
• Make any needed changes to your account before 5 p.m. CT on December 2, or wait until the REALM Portal opens on December 15.

For Brokers

• Do not delay renewal. If your license expires, all your sponsored agents-and any business entity broker license you serve as designated broker for-will go inactive.
• After reinstatement, you'll need to re-establish all terminated sponsorships manually.

Key REALM Portal Dates

December 2 at 5 p.m. CT until December 15: Transition Period

This is the transition period for moving license holder data from the current system into the REALM Portal. Online license management services will be unavailable. Staff will not have access to either database during this time and will not be able to enter data or make changes on license holders' behalf.

What to Know About The Transition Period

• TREC is open for business as usual, aside from our regular holiday schedule.
• You can reach us by phone or email.
• You'll still have access to contract forms, articles, FAQs, and more information at trec.texas.gov and talcb.texas.gov.
• The license holder search and disciplinary history search will still be online, just not updated while we move data from our old system into the REALM Portal.
• The application tracker is moving into the REALM Portal, and you'll be able to check your status once you activate your account at launch.

For Sales Agents Changing Brokers

If you plan to switch sponsoring brokers soon, submit your request early and ensure your new broker has time to approve it before December 2.

Last updated April 21, 2026. This page will continue to be updated with new information.