How to Get Your Real Estate License: A Complete State-by-State Guide for 2025
Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Elizabeth Nolan
Starting a career in real estate is an exciting journey that offers flexibility, unlimited earning potential, and the opportunity to help families achieve their homeownership dreams. Whether you’re looking to switch careers or add a new skillset to your professional toolkit, getting your real estate license is a structured process that’s more accessible than you might think.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining your real estate license, including state-specific requirements, costs, and insider tips to help you succeed. Don’t forget to download our ‘New Agent Checklist’ below!
Understanding Real Estate Licensing
Real estate licenses are regulated at the state level, which means requirements can vary significantly depending on where you plan to practice. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, each state sets its own educational prerequisites, examination standards, and continuing education requirements.
The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) maintains licensing authorities for each state and territory, making it the go-to resource for understanding specific state requirements. While every state has its own unique process, there are common steps you’ll need to follow regardless of where you’re located.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin your real estate education journey, you’ll need to meet some fundamental requirements:
Age Requirements
Most states require applicants to be at least 18 years old, though some states like Alaska require you to be 19. A few states allow aspiring agents as young as 16 or 17 to begin pre-licensing coursework, even if they can’t obtain their full license until they reach the minimum age.
Education Prerequisites
Typically, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. The good news? Unlike many professional careers, real estate doesn’t require a college degree in most states. Your dedication and willingness to learn matter more than your formal educational background.
Background Considerations
Most states require background checks and have character requirements. Felony convictions may affect your eligibility, though the specifics vary by state. Many states evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis, particularly if significant time has passed since any conviction.
Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
This is where state requirements begin to differ considerably.
Understanding the Range: From 40 to 180 Hours
Easiest States (40 Hours): Massachusetts and Michigan require just 40 hours of pre-licensing education, making them among the quickest paths to licensure. Alaska, New Hampshire, and Vermont also require only 40 hours, though Alaska and New Hampshire add post-licensing education requirements.
Moderate Requirements (60-100 Hours): Most states fall into this range. For example:
- Maryland: 60 hours
- Florida: 63 hours
- Georgia: 75 hours
- California: 135 hours
Most Demanding (150+ Hours):
- Texas leads the nation with 180 hours of required pre-licensing education
- Colorado requires 168 hours
- Virginia requires 60 hours for salespersons but 180 hours for brokers
Course Delivery Options
Modern real estate education offers flexibility:
- Online courses: Self-paced learning that fits your schedule
- In-person classroom: Traditional setting with direct instructor interaction
- Hybrid options: Combining online modules with occasional in-person sessions
Make sure any program you choose is approved by your state’s real estate commission. Most reputable schools will prominently display their state approval status.
Related article: Real Estate Continuing Education Classes: The Latest Guide
What You’ll Learn
Pre-licensing courses typically cover:
- Real estate principles and practices
- Property ownership and transfer
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Real estate financing
- Fair housing laws and ethics
- State-specific regulations
- Appraisal basics
- Property disclosures
Step 3: Pass the State Real Estate Exam
After completing your pre-licensing education, you’ll need to pass your state’s licensing examination.
Exam Structure
Most state exams consist of two parts:
- National portion: Tests general real estate knowledge and principles
- State-specific portion: Covers your state’s particular laws, regulations, and practices
Exams typically include 100-180 multiple-choice questions, with time limits ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Passing scores usually fall between 70-75%, though this varies by state.
Exam Preparation Strategies
- Take practice tests: Familiarize yourself with the question format and identify weak areas
- Study state-specific materials: Many candidates pass the national portion but struggle with state questions
- Join study groups: Connecting with other aspiring agents provides moral support and shared knowledge
- Consider exam prep courses: While not required, these can boost your confidence and success rate
- Schedule strategically: Take your exam when you’re well-rested and have adequate preparation time
If You Don’t Pass
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t pass on your first attempt—many successful agents needed multiple tries. Most states allow you to retake the exam after a waiting period (often 24-72 hours) and with payment of an additional fee.
Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Here’s something many aspiring agents don’t realize: you cannot work independently right after getting your license. All newly licensed real estate salespersons must work under a licensed broker.
Brokers provide:
- Legal supervision: Ensuring your transactions comply with state laws
- Professional guidance: Mentorship as you learn the business
- Resources and tools: Access to MLS listings, transaction management systems, and marketing materials
- Training programs: Continued education beyond your initial licensing
- Brand recognition: The reputation of an established brokerage
Choosing the Right Broker: Consider
- Commission structure: Splits can range from 50/50 to 90/10 or more, depending on experience and services provided
- Training and support: New agents benefit from brokerages with robust training programs
- Company culture: You’ll be spending significant time with these people—make sure it’s a good fit
- Specialization: Some brokerages focus on residential, others on commercial or luxury properties
- Technology and leads: Does the brokerage provide lead generation support?
Related article: How to Choose the Right Real Estate Brokerage for Your Career
Step 5: Join Professional Organizations
While not legally required, joining the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) offers significant advantages:
Benefits of NAR Membership
- The REALTOR® designation: Only NAR members can use this trademarked term
- Access to MLS: Multiple Listing Service access through your broker
- Continuing education: Discounted courses and certifications
- Networking opportunities: State and local association events
- Legal resources: Forms, contracts, and legal guidance
- Advocacy: NAR actively lobbies for policies that benefit real estate professionals
- Market data: Research and statistics to share with clients
NAR has over 1.5 million members, making it the largest trade association in the United States. Membership typically requires joining at three levels: national (NAR), state, and local associations.
State-by-State Licensing Commonalities and Contrasts
Key Differences to Know
Education Hours: The range is dramatic—from 40 hours in Massachusetts to 180 in Texas. This significantly impacts your time investment and potential startup timeline.
Continuing Education: All states require some form of continuing education to maintain your license, but requirements vary:
- Texas: 18 hours every 2 years
- California: 45 hours every 4 years
- Florida: 14 hours every 2 years
- Maryland: 15 hours every 2 years
Post-Licensing Requirements: Some states require additional education after you pass your exam but before your license becomes permanent:
- Alabama: 30 hours within first year
- Virginia: 30 hours within first year
- Colorado: 72 hours within first year
Renewal Periods: License renewal cycles vary from annual to four-year periods, with most states requiring renewal every two years.
Reciprocity Agreements
If you’re considering practicing in multiple states, reciprocity agreements can ease the process. Some states offer:
Full Reciprocity: You may only need to take the state-specific portion of the exam Partial Reciprocity: Reduced education requirements for out-of-state licensees No Reciprocity: Full licensing requirements apply regardless of other state licenses
States like Missouri and Alabama offer generous reciprocity, while “turf states” like Kentucky and Nebraska require full licensing even for experienced out-of-state agents.
Understanding the Costs
Budget appropriately for these expected expenses:
Initial Licensing Costs
- Pre-licensing courses: $200-$1,000 (varies by state and provider)
- Exam fees: $100-$300
- License application: $50-$250
- Background check/fingerprinting: $50-$100
First-Year Business Costs
- Association dues (NAR, state, local): $200-$600
- Errors and omissions insurance: $500-$1,000 annually
- MLS fees: $300-$500 (often included with brokerage)
- Marketing materials: $500-$2,000 (business cards, website, photography)
- Continuing education: $100-$300
Total estimated first-year investment: $1,500-$4,500
Keep in mind these are startup costs. Many successful agents recoup this investment with their first one or two transactions.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
- Pre-licensing education: 2-6 months (depending on hours required and your pace)
- Exam scheduling and completion: 1-4 weeks
- License application processing: 1-2 weeks
- Finding a broker: Varies, but ideally start this process during your education
Total timeline: Most aspiring agents can complete the licensing process in 3-6 months from start to finish.
Maintaining Your License: Continuing Education
Your real estate license isn’t a “set it and forget it” credential. All states require continuing education to ensure agents stay current with:
- Changes in real estate law
- Fair housing updates
- Emerging technology and practices
- Ethical standards
Requirements range from 8-48 hours per renewal period. These courses are typically available online, making them convenient to complete around your work schedule.
According to NAR’s education resources, members must also complete ethics training of at least 2.5 hours every three years, regardless of state requirements.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Income Instability in Your First Year
Challenge: Commission-based income means no guaranteed paycheck Solution: Build a financial cushion of 6-12 months of living expenses before transitioning full-time. Consider starting part-time while maintaining other income.
Building Your Client Base
Challenge: No clients on day one Solution: Start networking immediately—tell everyone you know about your new career. Leverage social media, attend community events, and consider geographic farming (focusing on a specific neighborhood).
Learning Complex Regulations
Challenge: Real estate law is intricate and varies by locality Solution: Your broker should provide training. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and consult with your broker on complex situations. Join new agent forums and study groups.
Market Competition
Challenge: Many agents compete for the same clients Solution: Develop a niche or specialty. Perhaps you focus on first-time homebuyers, military families, or specific neighborhoods. Differentiation is key.
Success Strategies for New Real Estate Agents
- Treat it like a business from day one: Set office hours, create systems, and track your activities
- Invest in education beyond the minimum: Consider designations like GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) or ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)
- Build genuine relationships: Real estate is fundamentally a relationship business
- Master your local market: Know neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and market trends
- Embrace technology: CRM systems, virtual tours, and social media are essential modern tools
- Be patient but persistent: Most agents take 6-12 months to gain traction
Next Steps: Getting Started Today
- Research your state’s specific requirements at your state’s real estate commission website or through ARELLO’s resources
- Choose an approved pre-licensing education provider that fits your learning style and schedule
- Create a study plan that allows you to complete coursework while maintaining other responsibilities
- Budget for your licensing costs and first-year business expenses
- Begin networking with local real estate professionals to learn about brokerages in your area
- Schedule your exam as soon as you complete your pre-licensing education
Final Thoughts
Obtaining your real estate license is an achievable goal that opens doors to a rewarding and potentially lucrative career. While requirements vary significantly from state to state—from Massachusetts’ 40-hour minimum to Texas’ 180-hour requirement—the fundamental process remains similar across the country.
Your real estate license is just the beginning of your journey. Success in this industry comes from continuous learning, building authentic relationships, adapting to market changes, and providing exceptional service to every client. The flexibility to control your own schedule, the unlimited earning potential, and the satisfaction of helping people through major life transitions make the investment of time and money worthwhile for thousands of new agents every year.
Remember that the real estate market is dynamic and local regulations change. Always verify current requirements with your state’s real estate commission and consider consulting with experienced agents in your area. The path to your real estate license may have some challenges, but with dedication and the right preparation, you’ll be helping clients achieve their real estate goals before you know it.
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Disclaimer: Real estate licensing requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with your state’s real estate commission or licensing authority. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
