Working in Colorado’s booming real estate industry just became more efficient and effective thanks to eLicense, a new online license management launched this week by the Colorado Division of Real Estate, part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
Mailing in written applications, using checks for payment, or waiting for a license to arrive is now history. Today, approximately 55,000 licensed real estate industry professionals in Colorado can use eLicense to submit their applications online, update their accounts, renew or reinstate their license, and print their licenses on demand.
The eLicense system also creates efficiencies for Division of Real Estate staff. For example, the division receives approximately 10,000 transfer and change applications a year for real estate brokers alone. These transfers and changes can now be completed by the licensee at their convenience.
In addition, the system’s database allows the general public to get instant information on licensees, such as disciplinary actions, and use the system to file a complaint.
“Modernizing licensing processes through technologies like eLicense helps relieve some of the regulatory burdens on our licensed industry professionals,” said DORA Executive Director Joe Neguse. “This allows them to spend less time worrying about keeping their licenses up to date and more time on their businesses.”
“Plus, the public database serves an invaluable resource for consumers to get more empowered and informed. Taking just five minutes to research licensees before using their services could save consumers from unnecessary problems later,” he noted.
“We’re excited to offer such a comprehensive, streamlined tool for licensees to manage everything they need to stay in compliance,” said Division of Real Estate Director Marcia Waters. “At the same time, consumers can use the database to find out if their real estate broker, mortgage loan originator or other professional’s licenses are up to date, view disciplinary actions, as well as file a complaint with us — all online.”
The Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) partnered with DORA for eLicense and worked diligently to ensure the project rolled out smoothly for everyone using the system. “This improvement is part of our goal at OIT to use technology to make life easier for our citizens,” said Suma Nallapati, Secretary of Technology and Chief Information Officer for Colorado. “We look forward to partnering on many more projects with DORA to streamline other processes for the ease of Colorado residents.”
“I commend both the Division of Real Estate and OIT for making eLicense a reality,” stated Neguse.
The Division of Real Estate offers online tutorials and regular communications to licensees on eLicense to help with the transition. Visit dora.colorado.gov/dre for links to tutorials, set up a new account if you are a licensee, or to search for a licensed professional.