Ultimate Real Estate License Requirements Guide (all 50 States)
In this guide, we will discuss the specific state requirements needed to get your real estate license. These real estate license requirements include pre-licensing hours, fees, registration, and more.
Before you jump into either a brick-and-mortar real estate school or get your real estate license with an online school, it’s a great idea to review the licensing requirement is in your state. You’ll now have a better idea of what to expect and avoid unwanted surprises.
Before we get into each state’s real estate license requirements there are a few conditions that apply to all 50 states:
- You need to be at least 18 years old.
- A United States Social Security number will be required.
- You need to have a high school diploma or GED.
Select Your State In Our Table of Contents Below To Learn The Step-by-Step Real Estate License Requirements In Your State:
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Real Estate License Requirements
- Take a Real Estate Pre-Licencing Course
- Submit Your Application & Schedule Your State’s Exam
- Pass Your States Final Real Estate Licensing Exam
- Find a Sponsoring Real Estate Broker
- Activate Your New Real Estate License
To become a real estate agent, you will need to obtain a real estate license. The requirements for obtaining a real estate license vary from state to state, but generally speaking, you will need to complete a pre-licensing course and pass a state-administered exam.
Once you have obtained your real estate license, you will need to maintain it by completing continuing education courses regularly. The specific requirements for continuing education also vary from state to state, but most states require real estate agents to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education every year to keep their license active.
If you are thinking about becoming a real estate agent, be sure to research the real estate license requirements in your state and make sure you are prepared to meet them.
The requirements may seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation, you can easily become a real estate agent and start building your career in this exciting field.
Once you have your license, there are a few additional steps you’ll want to do right away including setting access to your local MLS, getting an electronic e-key to enter properties, and probably getting some electronic lockboxes!
You will have to renew your real estate license with some post-licensing course hours and some continuing education requirements. We discuss both those topics in our guide to Learning Real Estate.
About The Author: This article was researched and published by Tim Schroeder. As a husband and wife real estate team residing in Florida, Tim Schroeder brings deep expertise with over 8 years of experience as a licensed real estate agent.
Deb and Tim Schroeder have earned numerous real estate industry awards and recognitions. They have been recognized by Orlando Magazine as a “Top 100 Real Estate Professional” as well as earned Top Producer Designations with the Orlando Realtor Association for 6 years straight.