The Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) announces a new online licensing process for all applicants for a real estate license. Applicants will now be able to apply and pay for their professional license through the KREC website https://krec.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

“Our priority for the Public Protection Cabinet (PPC), which includes the Real Estate Commission, is to provide exceptional service to everyone who contacts our agencies,” said Secretary K. Gail Russell. “Our goal at KREC is to provide the most efficient business processes, including applications, which will benefit all customers.”

In addition, Secretary Russell states online licensing reduces staff time in processing applications and decreases turn-around time between application and issuance of a license.

Harold E. Corder, executive director of the Kentucky Real Estate Authority (KREA), reminds real estate license applicants that a national criminal background check is required by state law before taking the licensure examination.

“Our agency accepts national criminal background checks from two agencies, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),” said Corder. “The price of a KSP report is $33.25 and has a one-to-two week turn-around time, depending on the time of the year. The price of an FBI report is $18 with an estimated one-week turn-around. KSP sends the report directly to the Commission and the FBI sends the report to the individual.” Both formats are accepted with online applications.

Besides applying for a license online, current licensees may utilize the online services portal to renew their license, update personal contact information, place a license into inactive status, verify a license, and view continuing education history and requirements. Principal brokers can also complete those functions, plus view and print licenses, accept or release a licensee, and view contact information.