2026 Edition · All 50 States
How to Get a Real Estate License
Six steps from zero to active license — plus pre-license hours, exam questions, and fees for every U.S. state.
The 6-step process
Same six steps in every state. Hours, fees, and provider differ.
Meet basic requirements
Most states require you to be at least 18 (a few require 19), have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check. U.S. citizenship is not required in most states; legal residency typically is.
Complete pre-license education
Pre-license hours range from 30 (Kansas) to 180 (Texas). The course must be approved by your state real estate commission. You can complete it online in most states.
Pass the licensing exam
Your state uses either PSI, Pearson VUE, or AMP. The exam has a national portion and a state-specific portion. Passing scores are typically 70-75%. Most states allow unlimited retakes (with a wait period and re-fee).
Pass the background check
Submit fingerprints (electronic or ink card) for an FBI/state criminal background check. Most felony convictions require disclosure but do not automatically disqualify; the commission reviews case-by-case.
Find a sponsoring broker
Almost every state requires a salesperson (or entry-level Broker, in CO/IL/NM/OR/SD/WA) to be sponsored by an active broker before the license becomes active. Interview multiple brokers to compare commission split, training, and culture.
Submit your license application
Pay the state license fee, submit your application through the state commission portal, attach your exam score and broker affiliation, and your license typically activates within 5-15 business days.
Requirements by state
Click any state to see its specific pre-license hours, exam, fees, and timeline.
Fees and exam structures change periodically. Always verify the current requirements directly with your state real estate commission before you enroll. See /state-requirements for board contact links.
Keep going
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license?
Most states take 2-6 months from start to active license. The biggest variable is pre-license hours: Kansas (30 hrs) can be done in a month; Texas (180 hrs) takes 4-6 months for most students studying part-time. Add 1-2 weeks for exam scheduling and 5-15 business days for the state to issue your license after you pass.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license?
Total all-in cost typically runs $400-$1,200. Pre-license course: $200-$600 depending on state and provider. State exam fee: $15 (NY) to $138 (WA). State license fee: $50 (MO/AR/SC) to $565 (CT). Background check / fingerprinting: $30-$80. Errors & Omissions insurance (required in many states): $150-$400/year. Optional but recommended: exam prep ($59-$199).
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license?
No. Every U.S. state requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent, but no state requires a bachelor’s degree to get a salesperson or entry-level broker license. The pre-license course (60-180 hours depending on state) is the only formal education requirement.
What is the real estate licensing exam like?
A computer-based, multiple-choice exam administered by PSI, Pearson VUE, or AMP at testing centers. Total questions range from 75 (NY) to 195 (AZ). Time limits range from 90 minutes to 4 hours. The exam is split into a national section and a state-specific section; some states (NV, WA, CA) require passing each section independently. You receive your pass/fail result on screen immediately.
Do I need a sponsoring broker before I can apply?
In most states, yes. Sponsoring broker affiliation is required at application in: TX, NY, FL, CA, GA, NC, AL, AK, CT, DE, HI, KY, LA, MD, MO (most), MS, MT, NE, NJ, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI. A few states (e.g., CO, IL) allow you to obtain an inactive license first and then affiliate. We recommend interviewing 3-5 brokers before signing.
Can I complete the pre-license course online?
Yes — every U.S. state allows online pre-license education through approved providers, though a few states require the final exam (different from the state licensing exam) to be proctored in-person or via online proctoring. Online self-paced courses typically cost less than live classroom courses and let you finish on your schedule.
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