A real estate license is a state-issued credential that allows you to perform regulated real estate work in a particular state. Updated, the United States has no single national licensing agency. Each state sets its own education requirements, fees, exam rules and license titles.
California, Florida and Texas illustrate the differences. Each requires applicants to be at least 18, but the education, application and licensing processes are not the same.
Use your state regulator's website for the current requirements. The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials, or ARELLO, maintains a directory of state real estate regulatory agencies.
Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
| Step | What you usually need to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose a state | Apply in the state where you plan to perform licensed real estate activities |
| 2. Check eligibility | Meet age, education, identity and character requirements |
| 3. Complete pre-license education | Take courses from a state-approved real estate school |
| 4. Submit an application | Apply to the state licensing authority and pay the required fees |
| 5. Complete fingerprints | Submit fingerprints or a background check if required |
| 6. Pass the exam | Pass the state licensing examination |
| 7. Find a sponsoring broker | Affiliate with a licensed broker where required |
| 8. Activate the license | Complete activation or sponsorship requirements before practicing |
| 9. Complete post-license education | Finish required post-license or continuing education courses |
1. Choose the State Where You Want to Work
Choose the state where you plan to conduct real estate business. No single license allows you to practice throughout the United States.
An entry-level license may be called a:
- Real estate salesperson
- Real estate sales agent
- Real estate sales associate
- Real estate agent
These titles generally refer to a professional who works under the supervision of a licensed broker. A broker license is usually a more advanced credential with additional education and experience requirements.
Check the state regulator's requirements before enrolling in a real estate course. A course approved in one state may not qualify you for licensing in another.
2. Check the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Most states review some combination of the following:
- Minimum age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Social Security number or other approved identification
- Legal authorization to work, where applicable
- Honesty, trustworthiness and criminal history
- Required education
California requires salesperson applicants to be at least 18 and honest and truthful. Florida requires applicants to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent and possess a Social Security number. Texas requires sales agent applicants to be at least 18 and meet its standards for honesty, trustworthiness and integrity.
A criminal record does not always lead to an automatic denial. Disclose the required information accurately, and contact the regulator before paying for courses if you have concerns about prior convictions, disciplinary actions or licensing problems.
Texas, for example, allows applicants with eligibility concerns to request a Fitness Determination.
3. Complete an Approved Real Estate Course
Complete your state's required pre-licensing education before taking the licensing exam or receiving a license.
Education requirements differ by state:
| State | Entry-level education example |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 40 hours |
| Florida | 63 classroom hours |
| New York | 77 hours |
| California | Three required college-level courses |
| Texas | 180 classroom hours |
These figures apply to specific entry-level licenses and may change. Massachusetts requires 40 hours of salesperson education, Florida requires a 63-hour sales associate course, New York requires 77 hours of salesperson education, California requires three qualifying college-level courses, and Texas requires 180 classroom hours for a sales agent applicant.
How to Choose a Real Estate School
Choose a school that:
- Appears on your state's approved provider list.
- Offers the course required for your license type.
- Explains whether the course is online, in person or hybrid.
- Includes the required school examination, if applicable.
- Provides a certificate or transcript accepted by the state regulator.
- Lists tuition, materials, exam preparation and refund policies.
A school's claim that it is "nationally recognized" is not enough. Confirm its approval directly with the state licensing authority.
4. Submit Your License Application and Fingerprints
Submit your application through the state regulator's website or application system after completing the required education.
Depending on the state, the application may require:
- Application fee
- Proof of education
- Government-issued identification
- Social Security number
- Fingerprints
- Background-check authorization
- Disclosures about criminal or disciplinary history
- Photograph or digital identity verification
Texas requires fingerprints for a background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety. California requires Live Scan fingerprints for license applicants, and Florida requires electronic fingerprints.
The application and exam can occur in different orders. Some states require you to apply before scheduling the exam. Others allow you to take the exam first and submit the license application afterward. Follow the sequence listed by your state regulator.
5. Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam
The licensing exam tests material covered in your pre-license course. Exam rules differ by state and may include separate state and general real estate sections.
For example:
- Texas applicants take state and national examination sections administered through Pearson VUE.
- New York's salesperson examination is based on the 77-hour pre-licensing curriculum.
- California's salesperson examination tests real estate principles, practice, agency, contracts, finance, appraisal and related law.
- Florida requires a passing score of at least 75 on the sales associate examination.
How to Prepare for the Exam
Use this study process:
- Complete every required course assignment.
- Review your state's official exam content outline.
- Study definitions, calculations, contracts, agency duties and licensing law.
- Take timed practice tests.
- Review incorrect answers instead of memorizing only the correct ones.
- Schedule the exam soon after finishing the course.
Most exams cover contracts, agency relationships, property ownership, financing, fair housing, disclosures, appraisal concepts and state license law.
6. Find a Sponsoring Broker
Many states require new licensees to work under a licensed broker before performing real estate activities.
Texas requires a sales agent to be sponsored by a licensed broker to perform real estate services. New York requires a salesperson to be sponsored by a New York licensed real estate broker. California's salesperson license permits licensed activity under the supervision of a responsible broker.
When comparing brokerages, ask about:
- Commission split
- Monthly desk or technology fees
- Transaction fees
- Training and mentorship
- Lead distribution
- Marketing support
- Contract and legal support
- Errors and omissions insurance
- Office, team or franchise fees
- Minimum production requirements
Interview several brokers before choosing one. A high commission split may come with fees or limited support, so compare the full arrangement.
Real Estate Agent Versus Realtor
A state regulator issues a real estate license. "Realtor" is a membership designation associated with the National Association of Realtors and its local associations. You can hold a real estate license without being a Realtor.
7. Activate the License Before Practicing
Passing the exam does not always mean you can immediately represent clients.
A state may issue the license as inactive until you complete sponsorship or activation requirements. Florida requires a new sales associate to activate the license, while Texas issues an inactive sales agent license until sponsorship is completed.
Do not advertise, negotiate transactions, show property as a licensed professional or provide other regulated services until your license status allows it.
8. Complete Post-License and Continuing Education
Initial licensing is only the beginning of the education requirements. States commonly require post-license education before the first renewal and continuing education for later renewals.
Florida requires sales associates to complete a 45-hour post-licensing course before the initial license expires. California requires first-time salesperson renewals to include 45 hours of approved continuing education in subjects such as ethics, agency, trust fund handling, risk management, fair housing and implicit bias.
Record your renewal deadline as soon as you receive your license. Missing a renewal or post-license deadline can make the license inactive or require additional steps to restore active status.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License?
The total cost depends on the state, school and services you choose. Common expenses include:
- Pre-licensing course tuition
- Textbooks or online materials
- License application fee
- Examination fee
- Fingerprinting and background-check fee
- License fee
- Optional exam-preparation products
- Business startup costs after licensing
California lists separate examination, salesperson license and fingerprint fees. Its current combined salesperson examination and license fee is listed as $450 before the fingerprint fee.
Brokerage expenses begin after licensing. They may include association dues, multiple listing service fees, insurance, signs, marketing, transaction fees and technology charges.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
The timeline depends mainly on the following:
- Required education hours
- Course schedule
- Application processing time
- Fingerprint processing
- Exam availability
- Whether you pass on the first attempt
- How quickly you find a sponsoring broker
A short education requirement does not guarantee a faster license. Application backlogs, incomplete documents and background-check delays can add time.
Final Checklist
Before applying, confirm that you have:
- Selected the correct state and license type
- Reviewed the official regulator's requirements
- Chosen an approved education provider
- Completed the required course hours
- Saved your certificate or transcript
- Submitted the license application
- Completed fingerprints or background screening
- Scheduled and passed the exam
- Selected a sponsoring broker, if required
- Activated the license
- Recorded your renewal and continuing-education deadlines
Start with the state regulator rather than the school. That is the source that determines which course, exam, application and activation steps will count toward your license.