Which of the following best describes an inactive license?

An inactive license is characterized as a valid license that the holder is not currently using for professional purposes. This designation often arises when a licensee has chosen to step away from active practice in their field, such as surveying or real estate, but still maintains their licensure status. Inactive licenses typically enable individuals to retain their qualifications and may allow them to return to active status more easily in the future, without having to go through the re-licensing process from scratch.

The other options do not accurately convey the meaning of an inactive license. Engaging in real estate transactions indicates an active license, while an expired license signifies a lapse in validity due to non-renewal. A new license typically refers to one that has not yet been put into active status but does not capture the essence of being inactive when a valid license is still held.