Making the decision to become a real estate agent is a significant career shift. People come into the real estate industry from many walks of life and from various jobs and careers. Everyone has their own reasons for choosing real estate as their desired future career. However, persons seeking to enter the real estate industry frequently ask, “What are the requirements to become a real estate agent?”
It all depends on where an individual wants to work in real estate. To become a real estate agent, it’s required a state license. Each state regulates its own real estate license requirements, and each state’s processes are slightly different. When it comes to getting started in real estate, there are a few basic requirements that are almost the same. Let’s explore together with RealEstate-Prep!
Is It Right To Become a Real Estate Agent?
Making sure that real estate is right for you is the first step in this process. Every day as a real estate salesperson is spent working for you. This means handling your own office management, prospecting leads, paperwork, managing contacts, developing relationships, and dealing with buyers and sellers.
A real estate agent’s salary range is determined by the number of properties sold and the commission % earned on those sales. The performance-based commission is the name for this type of compensation. The average real estate agent makes around $62,990 per year, according to the US Department of Labor (2020).
Reach out to local real estate agents and brokers and ask them about their daily activities, and about real estate as a long-term career. A full-time career as a real estate agent cannot be treated as a hobby. It requires full devotion.
A real estate agent can be a very rewarding career. If you still don’t know if you should get a real estate license, you can read more about Real Estate License Benefits.
Requirements To Get a Real Estate License By State
Alabama
Requirements
- You must be 19 years old at least to apply
- You must be a United States citizen (or have federal government documentation confirming permanent residency)
- You must be a resident of Alabama (or must agree to provisions provided on request)
- You must not be convicted of any felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
- You must be a graduate of high school or equivalent
- You must not have had a real estate license or application rejected or revoked in any U.S. State within the past two years
Process
- Complete the 60 Hours Pre-Licensing Education Online
- Pass the Alabama Licensing Exam
- Select a Sponsoring Broker
- Complete Your Application
- Complete the Online Post-Licensing Course
Take Alabama real estate practice questions now!
Alaska
Requirements
- You must be 19 years old at least to apply
- You must not be under indictment for forgery, extortion, theft, conspiracy to defraud creditors or fraud
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
Process
- Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education in Alaska real estate
- Pass the Alaska real estate salesperson exam
- Obtain sponsorship from a real estate broker in Alaska
- Obtain errors and omissions insurance
- Submit an application for an Alaska real estate salesperson license
- Complete 30 hours of post-licensing education
Take Alaska real estate practice exam questions now!
Arizona
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must be an Arizona resident
- You must have a Social Security number
- You must not have any criminal records (even though you can still get a real estate license if you do, it will depend on the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE)
Process
- Complete 6 hours of Contract Writing course and 90 hours of real estate pre-licensing courses
- Pass the Arizona real estate exam
- Obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card (FCC)
- Submit an application for a real estate license from the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE)
- Find a brokerage to work for
Take Arizona real estate practice exam questions now!
Arkansas
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
Process
- Complete the required 60-hour pre-licensing course
- Submit your application
- Pass the Arkansas real estate licensing exam
- Complete a background check
- Complete 18 hours of post-licensing education that are required
Take Arkansas real estate practice exam questions now!
California
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
- You must not have a criminal record (if any, you can still get a real estate license but the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) will make the final decision
Process
- Complete a 135-hour real estate pre-licensing course
- Submit an application for the California real estate exam
- Pass the California real estate exam
- Get fingerprinted
- Find a sponsoring broker
- Submit an application for your real estate license from the Department of Real Estate (DRE)
Colorado
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
Process
- Complete the required 168-hour pre-licensing education from a required provider
- Pass the Colorado real estate licensing exam
- Get a background check and submit the required fingerprints.
- Secure an Errors and Omissions
Take Colorado real estate practice exam questions now!
Connecticut
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
Process
- Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education at a required organization or school
- Submit an application to the PSI for the exam eligibility
- Pass the licensing exam
- Complete your application
- Find a sponsoring broker
Take Connecticut real estate practice exam questions now!
Delaware
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete a required 99 hours of pre-licensing education
- You need to pass the Delaware Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam
- Choose a Delaware sponsoring broker
- Complete your application for the real estate
Take Delaware real estate practice exam questions now!
Florida
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must have a Social Security Number from the United States
Process
- Complete 63 Hours of Approved Education
- Pass the Course Final Exam
- Submit Fingerprints
- Complete the Licensing Application
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam
Georgia
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete a 75-hour salesperson pre-licensing course
- Pass a background check
- Pass the Georgia real estate exam
- Find a sponsoring broker
- Submit an application for a real estate license
Hawaii
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must be a United States citizen, a national, or a legal alien
- You must have a Social Security Number
- You must have a reputation of good character or a record of competency, truthfulness, honesty, fair dealing, and financial integrity.
Process
- Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education from a required organization or school
- For application purposes, sign up for an account with eHawaii
- Pass the licensure exam
- Complete and submit your licensing application
- Find a sponsoring broker
Idaho
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass the 90-hour Idaho real estate pre-licensing course
- Complete the background check and get fingerprinted
- Submit your application
- Get sponsored by a broker
Take Idaho real estate practice exam questions now!
Illinois
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must have a valid Social Security Number
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete the required 75-hour pre-licensing education from an approved provider
- Submit an application for the Illinois real estate license final exam
- Pass the real estate license final exam in Illinois
- Find a sponsoring broker
- Complete your application
Take Illinois real estate practice exam questions now!
Indiana
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete the required 90-hour pre-licensing education from an approved provider
- Pass the final licensing exam
- Find a managing broker
- Submit an application for a license
- Complete the required post-licensing education
Iowa
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must not have been denied a real estate license in the past 12 months
- You must not have had a license revoked in Iowa or any other US state in the past two years
Process
- Take and pass an approved 60-hour pre-license course
- Complete the background check
- Pass the real estate licensure exam
- Find employment with a brokerage firm
- Complete the additional courses required
- Submit an application for a license
Take Iowa real estate practice exam questions now!
Kansas
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete 60 hours of required pre-licensing education
- Complete the background check requirement
- Pass the Kansas real estate licensing exam
- Get a sponsoring broker
- Complete your application
Kentucky
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 96-hour pre-licensing course
- Complete a background check
- Pass the final Kentucky real estate exam
- Submit your application
- Complete the required post-licensing course
Take Kentucky real estate practice exam questions now!
Louisiana
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 90-hour real estate pre-licensing course
- Complete a background check
- Pass the final Louisiana real estate exam
- Submit your application
- Get sponsorship from a broker
- Complete a post-licensing course
Maine
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 55-hour pre-licensing course
- Pass the final Maine real estate exam
- Get a background check
- Submit your application
- Get sponsored by a broker
Take Maine real estate practice exam questions now!
Maryland
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 60-hour pre-licensing course
- Pass the final Maryland real estate exam
- Get a background check
- Submit your application
- Get sponsored by a broker
Massachusetts
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 40-hour pre-licensing course
- Obtain approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
- Pass the final Massachusetts licensing exam
- Get sponsored by a broker
Take Massachusetts real estate practice exam questions now!
Michigan
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must have a Social Security Number
Process
- Take and pass an approved 40-hour pre-licensing real estate course
- Submit your application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Pass the final Michigan real estate licensing exam
- Get sponsored by a broker
Minnesota
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete 90 hours of required pre-licensing courses
- Pass the final Minnesota real estate exam
- Get sponsored by a broker
- Submit your application and background check
Take Minnesota real estate practice exam questions now!
Mississippi
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a resident of Mississippi
Process
- Complete 60 hours of an approved pre-licensing course
- Obtain sponsorship with an active Mississippi broker
- Submit an application for a real estate agent license
- Pass the Mississippi real estate exam
- Complete 30 hours of post-licensing education
Missouri
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete 72 hours of required pre-licensing education
- Pass the Missouri real estate exam
- Complete the background check
- Submit an application for a license
- Choose a sponsoring broker
Take Missouri real estate practice exam questions now!
Montana
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete 70 hours of approved Montana pre-licensing education
- Pass the Montana real estate exam.
- Obtain employment from a sponsoring broker
- Submit your application to the Commission
Nebraska
Requirements
- You must be 19 years old at least to apply.
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 66 hours of real estate pre-licensing courses
- Submit a real estate salesperson license application
- Complete a background check
- Pass the Nebraska real estate exam
- Complete license issuance
Take Nebraska real estate practice exam questions now!
Nevada
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 120 hours of the pre-licensing course
- Submit your fingerprints for a background check
- Pass the final Nevada real estate exam
- Submit a real estate license application to the Nevada Real Estate Division
New Hampshire
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 40 hours of the pre-licensing course
- Pass the final New Hampshire real estate exam
- Submit an application to the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission
- Get sponsored by a broker
Take New Hampshire real estate practice exam questions now!
New Jersey
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved75-hours o pre-licensing course
- Pass the final New Jersey real estate exam
- Submit an application to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission
- Get sponsored by a broker
New Mexico
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 90 hours of pre-licensing courses
- Pass the final New Mexico real estate exam
- Submit your fingerprints for a background check
- Get a sponsoring qualifying broker
- Get Errors and Omission insurance
- Submit an application to the New Mexico Real Estate Commission
Take New Mexico real estate practice exam questions now!
New York
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- Have no felony convictions
Process
- Take and pass an approved 75-hour of the pre-licensing course
- Pass the final New York real estate exam
- Obtain sponsorship from a broker
- Submit an application to the New York Real Estate Commission
North Carolina
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
Process
- Take and pass an approved 75-hour pre-licensing course
- Submit an application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission
- Pass the North Carolina real estate exam
- Get sponsored by a broker-in-charge
- Complete a real estate post-licensing course
Take North Carolina real estate practice exam questions now!
North Dakota
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Take and pass an approved 90 hour of the pre-licensing course
- Submit application and criminal history record
- Pass the North Dakota real estate exam
- Get sponsored by a broker
- Submit final license application
Ohio
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must hold a record for good moral character
- You must not be convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude
- You must not have violated civil rights laws concerning real estate in the past 2 years
Process
- Complete a required 120 hours of real estate pre-licensing education
- Find a sponsoring broker
- Submit Ohio real estate license application
- Pass the Ohio real estate exam
Oklahoma
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must be considered a person of good moral character by the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission
Process
- Complete the required 90 hours of pre-licensing education
- Submit real estate application
- Pass the Oklahoma real estate exam
- Find a sponsoring broker
Oregon
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Submit an application for your Oregon license
- Complete 150 hours of required pre-licensing education
- Take the Oregon broker licensing exam
- Have your fingerprints taken
- Obtain a principal broker sponsor
Take Oregon real estate practice exam questions now!
Pennsylvania
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must have a letter of good moral standing
Process
- Complete the required 75 hours of pre-licensing education
- Pass the Pennsylvania real estate exam
- Get a sponsoring broker
- Complete the Pennsylvania Salesperson Application
Rhode Island
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete the required 45 hours of pre-licensing education
- Complete a 3-hour lead paint course
- Pass the Rhode Island real estate exam
- Obtain a Criminal History Record (CHR)
- Get sponsored by a Principal Broker
- Submit an application for a real estate license
Take Rhode Island real estate practice exam questions now!
South Carolina
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete the required 90 hours of pre-licensing education
- Submit an application for your real estate license
- Pass the South Carolina real estate exam
- Get sponsored by a broker
- Finalize your license application
South Dakota
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete the required 116 hours of pre-licensing education
- Pass the South Dakota real estate exam
- Complete a background check
- Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
- Submit an application for a real estate license
- Gain broker sponsorship
Take South Dakota real estate practice exam questions now!
Tennessee
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must be a resident of Tennessee for 45 days at least
Process
- Complete the required 90 hours of pre-licensing education
- Pass the Tennessee real estate exam
- Complete a background check
- Get a sponsoring broker
- Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
- Submit an application for a real estate license
Texas
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be an American citizen or a legal alien
- You must be a legal resident of Texas
- You must meet TREC’s qualifications of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness
Process
- Take 180 hours of pre-licensing education
- Complete a background check
- Submit your application to TREC
- Pass the real estate exam
- Get sponsorship from a broker and get your license!
Take Texas real estate practice exam questions now!
Utah
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must not have committed a crime or a misdemeanor involving fraud, misrepresentation, theft, or dishonesty in the past 5 years
Process
- Complete 120 hours of accredited pre-licensing education
- Pass the Utah real estate sales agent exam
- Submit an application to the Utah Division of Real Estate
- Obtain sponsorship from a broker
Vermont
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
- You must be a resident of Vermont
Process
- Complete 40 hours of accredited pre-licensing education
- Pass the Vermont real estate exam
- Obtain sponsorship from a broker
- Submit real estate agent application
- Complete a real estate post-licensing course
Take Vermont real estate practice exam questions now!
Virginia
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete 60 hours of accredited pre-licensing education
- Pass the Virginia real estate salesperson exam
- Complete fingerprint requirements
- Obtain sponsorship from a broker
- Submit real
- estate agent application
Washington
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Register with AMP/PSI
- Complete 90 hours of accredited pre-licensing education
- Pass the Washington real estate exam
- Complete a background check
- Find a sponsoring managing broker
- Submit real estate agent application
Take Washington real estate practice exam questions now!
West Virginia
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete 90 hours of accredited pre-licensing education
- Find a licensed sponsoring broker
- Complete a background check
- Submit a real estate license application
- Pass the West Virginia final real estate exam
Wisconsin
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete a 720-hour real estate pre-licensing course
- Pass the Wisconsin real estate exam
- Find a sponsoring broker
- Submit your license application
Take Wiscosin real estate practice exam questions now!
Wyoming
Requirements
- You must be 18 years old at least to apply for the exam
- You must be a legal alien or a United States citizen
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification (GED certification)
Process
- Complete the 54-hour real estate pre-licensing education
- Pass the Wyoming real estate exam
- Complete a background check
- Obtain Errors & Omissions Insurance
- Find a broker sponsorship
- Complete your real estate license application
FAQs 
Can you get a Florida real estate license if you don’t live there?
Yes. If you already have a real estate agent license in your home state, you may be qualified to apply for a license in another state even if you don’t live there.
Real estate license reciprocity agreements exist between some states. This means that if you have a license in your home state, you can easily apply for a reciprocal license in another state (most of the requirements, such as taking real estate courses, will no longer be necessary).
Can I use my California real estate license in other states?
Yes. You can hold real estate licenses from multiple states at the same time because of reciprocity agreements between states.
Can I get a Florida real estate license if I live in another state?
Yes. This is dependent on the state’s real estate portability regulations.
Some states have agreements that allow license holders to work in other states without having to obtain a license from the other state.
When it comes to real estate portability, there are three types of states.
- Agents in cooperative states are free to practice real estate in both states.
- Out-state agents are not allowed to work in physical location states. The out-state agent can help buyers, but it must be remote work.
- Finally, no out-state agents are permitted to work within Turf state borders. In some states, you must have a state license to practice real estate. Examples of turf states are Nebraska, Kentucky, New Jersey, Missouri, Utah, and Pennsylvania.
Can a felon be a real estate agent?
To obtain a license in most states, you must have a clean record. Not all states are as strict as others, however.
What is the easiest real estate exam State?
Massachusetts and Michigan are the easiest states to acquire a real estate license in.
In both of these states, only 40 hours of pre-licensing education are required.
New Hampshire, Alaska, and Vermont also only require 40 hours. However, unlike Massachusetts and Michigan, Alaska and New Hampshire require post-licensing education, while Vermont does not allow for fully online learning (only traditional or Zoom classes).
>>Read more: How Hard Is The Real Estate Exam?
What is the hardest real estate exam State?
Texas is widely considered to be the most difficult state to obtain a real estate license.
This is due to the fact that their 180-hour required pre-licensing course is the longest in the country. Every two years, Texas real estate agents must complete 18 hours of .continued education
Colorado is another state with long pre-licensing educational requirements, requiring 168 hours before you can receive your license.
How do you become a real estate agent?
The process for becoming a real estate agent varies by state (see chart above).
However, there are a few steps that are the same in almost state
Meet your state’s minimum requirements.
- Complete an approved real estate education
- Take and pass the real estate license exam for your state
- Submit your fingerprints or complete a background check
- Get sponsorship from a licensed broker
- Submit an application for a real estate license from the real estate commission in your state
How much does it cost to get your real estate license in California?
The state of California costs a $60 exam fee and a $245 licensing fee to become a real estate salesperson. Pre-licensing course tuition, which can range from $125 to $700 depending on the package and provider, is another cost.
Conclusion
And there you know all the real estate license requirements by state. We hope this article has answered any concerns you may have had.
Don’t forget to take our free Real Estate practice exam to get familiarized with the format as well as the questions of the actual exam to strengthen your knowledge and skills, as a result, enhancing your chance to pass the Real Estate exam with a high score on your first attempt. Good luck to you!
