Do You Need New Fingerprints or a Background Check at First Renewal?
Navigating your first active real estate license renewal in Washington can bring up a lot of administrative questions. As a new broker, you already know how strict the initial licensing process was, particularly regarding background checks and fingerprinting. Now that your first two-year renewal cycle is approaching, you might be wondering if you have to repeat those tedious, in-person fingerprinting appointments and pay those background check fees all over again.
Understanding the exact requirements of the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) is critical to keeping your license active and avoiding unnecessary delays. In this guide, we will break down the current rules regarding the washington real estate renewal background check fingerprints requirements, what you must disclose during your renewal, and how to easily fulfill your mandatory continuing education hours with our comprehensive Washington 90-Hour First Renewal Package.
What Was Required at Original Licensure
When you first applied for your Washington real estate broker license, the Washington Department of Licensing required a comprehensive criminal background check. This process involved submitting fingerprint cards through an approved vendor, such as IdentoGO, to be processed by both the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This initial background check was a mandatory prerequisite to ensure public safety and professional integrity within the real estate industry. The fingerprinting process required an appointment, physical verification of your identity, and a processing fee. Because this was done relatively recently for your initial license, the state does not make you repeat this exact physical process every single time you renew, but there are specific ongoing cycles you must be aware of.
What Renewal Actually Asks For
According to the Washington Department of Licensing, real estate licensees are required to submit a fingerprint background check every six years. Because your first renewal occurs exactly two years after your initial licensure, you generally do not need to submit new fingerprints or undergo a new physical background check for your first renewal, provided your initial fingerprints are still valid and on file.
Instead, your first renewal focuses heavily on completing your mandatory continuing education (CE) and answering the standard background disclosure questions on your renewal application. For your first renewal, you must complete 90 hours of approved continuing education, which includes the 30-hour Advanced Practices course, the 30-hour Real Estate Law course, a 3-hour Core course, and 27 hours of elective courses. You can easily complete all of these state-approved hours online with our Washington 90-Hour First Renewal Package.
Disclosure Questions on the Renewal Application
Even though you do not need to visit a fingerprinting location for your first renewal, the Washington DOL will still conduct a background assessment via the renewal application itself. When you log into the SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal to submit your renewal, you will be presented with a series of mandatory legal and character disclosure questions.
These questions will ask whether, since your last application or renewal, you have been convicted of any crimes, had a professional license disciplined, or have any pending criminal charges. Answering these questions truthfully is a legal requirement. The DOL matches your self-disclosures against state databases, so honesty is absolutely paramount to maintaining your license in good standing.
What to Do If Something Changed (Conviction, Discipline in Another State)
If you have experienced a legal change since your initial licensure—such as a misdemeanor, felony conviction, or disciplinary action by another state's real estate regulatory body—you must disclose this information on your renewal application. Do not attempt to hide or omit these changes, as doing so can result in the immediate suspension or revocation of your license for misrepresentation.
If you answer "yes" to any of the disclosure questions, the Washington DOL will require you to provide supporting documentation. This typically includes court records, charging documents, or official consent orders from other licensing boards, along with a personal written explanation of the events. The DOL reviews these disclosures on a case-by-case basis to determine your fitness to continue practicing real estate.
Where to Get Authoritative Answers
Because licensing regulations and background check cycles can occasionally be updated, it is always best to verify your specific fingerprint status directly with the state regulator. You can check your current license status and fingerprint expiration date by logging into your account on the official Washington Department of Licensing website.
For the most up-to-date rules, forms, and contact information, please visit the official Washington Department of Licensing website. If you are close to your expiration date, we highly recommend verifying your status early so you have ample time to address any unexpected administrative requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get fingerprinted for my first Washington real estate renewal?
No, you typically do not need to submit new fingerprints for your first renewal. The Washington DOL requires fingerprint background checks every six years, and since your first renewal occurs at the two-year mark, your original fingerprints should still be valid and on file.
How often do Washington real estate agents need a background check?
Washington real estate licensees must submit fingerprints for a background check every six years. However, you must answer background disclosure questions on your renewal application every two years during your standard renewal cycle.
What happens if I fail to disclose a misdemeanor on my renewal?
Failing to disclose a criminal conviction or disciplinary action on your renewal application is considered a serious violation by the Washington DOL. It can lead to disciplinary action, including fines, license suspension, or permanent revocation for making a false statement on an official application.
Now that you know where you stand with your background check, it is time to handle the continuing education side of your renewal. Ensure your license remains active and compliant by enrolling in our comprehensive, fully online Washington First Renewal course package today!
