This FAQ provides general information about registration with RECO, including how to apply, reinstate, renew, transfer, terminate, update registration information, and disclose required matters.
Getting registered
How does someone become a registered real estate salesperson?
To become registered as a salesperson in Ontario, learners must complete the pre-registration phase of the Real Estate Salesperson Program within 24 months of starting their first course.
The program can be completed through one of the following educational institutions:
- Algonquin College
- Career College Group
- Fleming College
- Humber Polytechnic
After completing the pre-registration phase, individuals have one year to submit an application to register as a real estate agent with RECO. To learn more, visit Real Estate Salesperson Program: Pre-Registration.
I have a criminal record or pending charges. Can I still apply for registration?
Criminal charges and convictions must be disclosed on an application for registration with RECO, regardless of when they occurred or the disposition. Disclosure does not necessarily result in denial of registration, but applicants must provide enough detail for RECO to make an informed decision.
A current criminal record and judicial matters check must be submitted to RECO with the disclosure of a charge or conviction along with supporting documentation.
For more information, review Registration Policy: Applicant/Registrant Criminal History.
I previously declared bankruptcy or filed a consumer proposal. Can I still apply for registration?
Bankruptcies and consumer proposals must be disclosed when applying for registration with RECO, whether they are discharged or ongoing. In most cases, a bankruptcy or consumer proposal does not prevent registration. However, applicants must provide details so RECO can make an informed decision.
In some cases, conditions may be placed on a registration. A bankruptcy or consumer proposal may also affect eligibility to become a Broker of Record.
Maintaining or reinstating registration
I was registered before and want to return to real estate. How do I reinstate my registration?
If you are within two years of your termination date, you may submit an Application for Reinstatement: Salesperson/Broker through your MyWeb account. The reinstatement fee is $400.
If your registration has been terminated for more than 60 days, you must submit a current Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (instructions here: Criminal record and judicial matters check (CRJMC). Continuing Education or Post-Registration requirements may also apply.
If your registration has been terminated for more than two years, an Educational Equivalency Assessment is required. To learn more, visit Education Equivalency Assessment.
You are not permitted to trade in real estate until your registration has been reinstated.
Why hasn’t my renewal been processed yet?
During periods of high application volume, renewal processing may take longer than usual. Applications are processed in the order they are received.
If RECO receives your renewal application, fee, and all required documentation before your registration expires, and you have met all renewal requirements, your registration will continue while RECO processes your application. You may continue trading during this period, even if your renewal has not been processed before the expiry date.
What happens if I fail to provide RECO documentation requested on a renewal application?
Your registration may continue only while your renewal application is under review. If you do not provide the requested information or documentation, RECO may issue a Notice of Proposal to refuse your renewal application and an Immediate Suspension Order.
I want to take a break from real estate. What do I need to know?
With RECO, your status is either registered, suspended or terminated. If you are registered, you are permitted to trade in real estate. If your registration is suspended or terminated, you are not permitted to trade.
If you remain registered, you must continue to meet all registration requirements, including completing required education, submitting an online renewal every two years, and paying annual insurance.
If you terminate your registration, you may reinstate it within two years of the effective termination date, provided all educational requirements are met. You may also wish to speak with your Broker of Record about your options.
How do I complete post-registration?
To be eligible to renew registration at the end of their initial two-year registration cycle with RECO, the agents must complete the post-registration program.
RECO offers post-registration education through the following providers:
- Algonquin College
- Career College Group
- Fleming College
- Humber Polytechnic
The program consists of a mandatory compliance course and a choice of two electives.
To enroll, log in to your MyWeb account and click the Education tab. Next, click Enroll for Post-Registration/Broker and select the college you wish to attend. After completing the Learner Setup process, you will be redirected to the college’s website.
How do I complete Continuing Education?
Log in to your MyWeb account and select “Continuing Education.” Once you are on the Continuing Education site, select the “My Training” tab, then choose “CE Program.” The program label is based on the year the courses became available for your current cycle. For example, if your registration expiry date is in 2026, the program may appear as “CE Program 2024.”
To successfully renew registration, agents and brokers are required to complete the following during each of their two-year registration cycles:
- Two mandatory annual update courses: These courses focus on the latest industry standards, changes to legislation and related responsibilities, and best practices.
- Two elective courses: Agents and brokers can customize learning by selecting two courses from a course catalogue offering a variety of topics aligning with different professional interests and career goals.
Could I get an extension to complete my courses?
You may be eligible for an accommodation if you have a disability, serious injury, or significant ongoing illness that prevents you from working and completing your education requirements for registration renewal. For more information, please visit: Apply for an Accommodation.
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for an accommodation, RECO cannot grant an extension to complete your courses. If the courses are not completed by the required deadline, your registration will lapse, and you will need to apply for reinstatement after completing the required education requirements.
Changing or ending registration
How do I terminate my registration?
You may terminate your registration at any time. Under TRESA, you must provide written notice of resignation to your current Broker of Record, including the effective date. Your Broker of Record must then submit the termination through their MyWeb account.
How do I transfer my registration to another brokerage?
Under TRESA, you must provide written notice of resignation to your current Broker of Record, including the effective date. Your new brokerage will process the transfer through its MyWeb account and submit the $25 fee.
Can I trade under a different name?
TRESA requires individuals to register under their complete legal surname. Individuals may use an initial or a commonly recognized short form of their first name and must trade only under the name by which they are registered. See O. Reg. 567/05, s. 8.
An affidavit is required to elect a trade name. The affidavit must:
- Identify you by your legal name and address.
- State that you are commonly known by the trade name.
- State that your legal name and trade name refer to the same person.
- State that you wish to trade in real estate under the trade name and for no improper purpose.
- Be sworn under oath and signed under seal by you and a notary public, solicitor, or commissioner of oaths.
RECO only accepts surname changes when an individual assumes a spouse’s surname, supported by a marriage certificate, or completes a legal name change, supported by a legal name change certificate.
To request a first-name change, complete the Notice of Name Change: Salesperson/Broker application and attach the applicable supporting documentation.
Disclosure requirements
There has been a change to information previously disclosed to RECO. When and how do I notify RECO?
You must notify the Registrar’s office within five days after the change takes place (s. 28 (1) of TRESA) and set out the nature of the change. To report a change to information previously disclosed to RECO, complete the Notice of Change: Disclosure Amendment form here: Notice of Change – Disclosure Amendment Form. The form must be fully completed and signed by you and your Broker of Record or Branch Manager. Depending on the disclosure, RECO may request additional information or supporting documentation.
Learn more about disclosure requirements.
I’ve opened a Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC). What does RECO need from me?
Email prec@reco.on.ca with your name, RECO registration number, the legal name of the PREC, and the PREC’s address for service. Articles of Incorporation are not required.
Documents, receipts, and background checks
How do I get a copy of my certificate?
Log in to your MyWeb account. If you are currently registered, a copy of your certificate is available on your Dashboard under the Registration section.
How can I get a copy of my receipts?
Log in to your MyWeb account. Insurance, education, and registration receipts are available through your Dashboard.
How can I obtain a history of my employment?
Email registration@reco.on.ca with your name, RECO registration number, the reason for the request, and where the history should be sent. The fee for an employment history starts at $25.
How do I apply for a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check?
Triton is presently the exclusive provider for Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks required by RECO, and RECO has secured a preferred rate. Individuals should not apply directly through Triton Canada’s website, as doing so may result in additional non-refundable costs.
Individuals who must provide a check as part of a registration or renewal application will be directed to the platform through RECO’s MyWeb dashboard as part of the application process.
If a check is required as a condition of renewal, the online platform is available starting 60 days before the registration expiry date. Allow enough time to complete the process so your ability to trade in real estate is not affected.
The results will be provided to both the individual and RECO by email. Once the results are received, the individual can continue the application through MyWeb.
Other questions
I am having employment or commission issues with my brokerage. Can RECO help?
Employment matters, including commission-related disputes, are not within RECO’s jurisdiction. If you are unable to resolve the matter with your Broker of Record, we recommend you seek legal advice about any available civil options through the courts, arbitration, or other methods of possible resolution.