We work with agents across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama who want more control, less overhead, and a streamlined way to stay in the business, on their terms.
If your Georgia license is currently inactive, you might be wondering what that really means for you. Maybe you’re taking a break. Maybe the traditional brokerage model didn’t offer enough flexibility. Either way, you’re asking:
- Can I still earn income?
- What am I allowed to do?
- What should I avoid doing?
With an inactive license in Georgia, you can’t engage in brokerage activity.
No client representation. No listing homes. No marketing yourself as an agent. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of the game.
There are still ways to keep your license active in the background, legally and with minimal friction. You can stay compliant, keep future options open, and even earn referral income, if you set things up right.
This guide walks through exactly what you can and can’t do with an inactive license, plus practical options if you’re thinking about reactivating down the line.
Let’s break it down.
So, Your License Is Inactive. Now What?
An inactive license simply means you are no longer authorized to engage in brokerage activities. According to the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC), Georgia Code § 43-40-12 (2024), an inactive license holder cannot perform any actions that involve representing clients in real estate transactions, whether it’s listing homes, showing properties, drafting offers, or negotiating deals.
Here’s what you cannot do with an inactive license:
- Sell or assist in selling properties for others.
- Lease or assist in leasing property for a client.
- Advertise your services as a real estate professional.
- Negotiate real estate transactions on behalf of another party.
However, being inactive doesn’t completely sideline you from real estate. You still have full rights to buy, sell, and manage your own personal real estate without needing to reactivate your license. If you’re buying a home for yourself, for instance, you can do that just like any other private individual, without violating any GREC rules.
Here’s What You Can Still Do
Even with an inactive license, there are still productive ways to stay connected to the real estate industry:
Manage Your Own Property
You can handle transactions involving your personal real estate portfolio, buying, selling, renting, or managing, without any brokerage violations.
Refer Clients Through a Referral Brokerage
If you partner with a brokerage that specializes in referral-only services (like Realty Hub’s referral program), you can refer clients to active agents and collect a legally earned referral commission. This allows you to maintain a low-cost connection to the industry without jumping back into full production.
Can I still earn money through referrals?
Yes, absolutely, but only through a properly set-up referral brokerage. If you hang your license with a group like Realty Hub, you can legally send leads to active agents and get paid without the need to activate your license or take on the burden of full association membership.
Maintain Your License
Being inactive doesn’t exempt you from meeting the GREC requirements. You must still complete Continuing Education (CE) courses and pay your license renewal fees on schedule.
Skip MLS and REALTOR® Dues
When inactive, you aren’t tied to the financial commitments of local board memberships or MLS fees, which saves thousands annually for many agents.
Where the Line Is (and Don’t Cross It)
It’s equally important to be clear about what’s off-limits while your license is inactive. Even well-meaning agents can find themselves in regulatory trouble if they cross these lines:
No Representing Clients
You cannot represent buyers, sellers, tenants, or landlords in any real estate transaction for compensation.
No Advertising or Promoting Yourself as an Agent
You can’t market your services as a real estate professional, this includes business cards, websites, social media profiles, and property signage.
No Negotiating or Facilitating for Others
You can’t draft or negotiate offers, leases, or purchase contracts for anyone else.
Key Things You Need to Maintain an Inactive License
Just because you aren’t actively practicing doesn’t mean your responsibilities stop. Here’s what you need to do to keep your inactive license in good standing:
Pay Your Renewal Fees on Time
GREC requires that all licenses, active or inactive, be renewed every four years. If you miss the renewal window, late fees and penalties can pile up fast.
Complete Required CE Courses
Even inactive agents must meet the Continuing Education requirements. Keeping your education up-to-date ensures that reactivating your license later will be much easier (and cheaper).
Notify GREC of Address Changes
If you move, you’re required to update your address with GREC within 30 days. Failing to do so could complicate your license status or cause you to miss renewal notices.
Avoid License Lapse
If you let your license lapse, meaning it expires completely, reactivating it becomes a lot more complicated. After two years, you may have to retake courses. After five years, you may have to retake the state licensing exam entirely
Yes, You Can Still Make Money, Legally
Many agents ask whether they can still stay involved in real estate without activating their license. The answer is yes, if you do it the right way.
Join a Referral-Only Brokerage
Partnering with a referral-only company like Realty Hub lets you legally refer real estate leads to active agents for a commission. You don’t handle the transactions yourself, you simply match clients to trusted agents and collect a portion of the resulting commission.
Helpful Resource -> How To Become A Referral-Only Agent
Referral Fee Structure
Most referral brokerages have simple, transparent fee structures. For example, Realty Hub charges a $100 annual membership and a $100 fee per closed referral. No hidden fees, no MLS dues, and no required board memberships.
Thinking About Coming Back? Let’s Talk
There are clear scenarios where reactivating your Georgia real estate license makes sense. If you’re planning to return to full-time real estate practice, or you’re buying and selling multiple properties personally and want the flexibility to operate fully as a licensed agent, reactivation might be the right move. Reactivating allows you to earn commissions directly, represent clients, and build a book of business once again.
However, reactivation isn’t without its costs, and you should approach it with eyes wide open. Typically, reactivating your license means:
Brokerage Splits
Many traditional brokerages will take a percentage of each commission you earn.
Mentor Fees
Some brokerages, especially those working with reactivating agents, require you to pay mentor or training fees.
MLS Access Fees
You’ll need to rejoin the local MLS for access to listings, which includes monthly or quarterly dues.
Association Dues
If you plan to be a REALTOR®, association membership dues will also apply.
What Happens If Your License Lapses?
Failing to maintain your inactive license is a different issue altogether. If you miss your renewal deadlines and let your license lapse, the process to return becomes more complicated:
License Lapsed for Under 2 Years
You can still reinstate by paying any overdue renewal fees and completing your Continuing Education (CE) requirements.
License Lapsed for Over 2 Years but Under 5 Years
You must complete the missing CE, pay the fees, and may be required to retake and pass the state licensing exam.
License Lapsed for Over 5 Years
You’ll need to start from scratch, including retaking the full pre-licensing education and the state licensing exam.
What if I miss the renewal deadlines?
If you miss the deadlines, penalties will apply, and your path back to active status could involve extra costs, educational requirements, and even retesting depending on how long the lapse lasts. It’s much easier, and far less expensive, to simply keep your license renewed, even if you aren’t actively practicing.
Stay In or Jump Back In? A Quick Comparison
Choosing whether to stay inactive or reactivate depends heavily on your goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Pros of Staying Inactive | Cons of Staying Inactive |
| Lower overall cost | No ability to earn commissions directly |
| No MLS or association dues | Still responsible for CE and renewals |
| Flexible, can reactivate anytime | Cannot represent clients |
| Maintain license without day-to-day real estate work | No ability to market yourself or build a client base |
| Pros of Reactivating | Cons of Reactivating |
| Ability to earn commissions | Higher operating expenses (MLS, E&O insurance, association dues) |
| Opportunity to build or rebuild a career | Must split commissions at many brokerages |
| Full rights to represent clients | Risk of paying fees without immediate deal flow |
| Access to industry resources and networks |
Before making a decision, take a hard look at your current goals, finances, and bandwidth to actively practice real estate.
Keeping Your Options Open: Your Smartest Next Move
Choosing whether to stay inactive or reactivate your Georgia real estate license is ultimately about your future plans. Staying inactive keeps your options open without a heavy financial burden, while reactivating reopens doors for earning and active participation in the market.
If you want to remain lightly involved and still generate income, joining a referral-only brokerage like Realty Hub is an excellent strategy. You avoid the high costs of traditional brokerages and associations while keeping your license working for you.
Whatever you decide, remember that real estate is a long-term game. Protect your future, keep your Georgia real estate license active or inactive, but always compliant, flexible, and ready for whatever opportunities come next.
At Realty Hub, we’re here to support whichever path you choose, with systems designed to keep it simple, affordable, and fully in your control.