District of Columbia Real Estate Agent License
Complete requirements guide for District of Columbia
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 60 hours of DC Real Estate Commission-approved pre-licensing education on real estate fundamentals and laws.
Required Courses (60 hours total):
- • Real Estate Law
- • Types of Interest and Ownership
- • Legal Descriptions and Titles
- • Liens, Taxes, and Encumbrances
- • Listing, Advertising, and Appraisal
- • Real Estate Finance and Closings
- • Professional Code of Ethics
Must be a high school graduate or hold equivalency certificate.
State Examination
Exam Name
District of Columbia Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
National portion: 80 questions; State portion: 30 questions
Passing Score
75% on each section
Exam Fee
$69
Retake Policy: $69 fee per retake attempt
Background Check
Type: Criminal background check
Sponsoring Broker
Must work under a licensed DC real estate broker
Fee Breakdown
| Examination Fee | $69 |
| Application Fee | $65 |
| License Fee | $170 |
| Total Fees | $364 |
Exam $69 + Application $65 + License $170 + Guaranty Fund $60 = $364
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$0
CE Required
15 hours
Online Renewal
Yes
15 hours including: 3-hour DC Fair Housing, 3-hour DC Ethics, 3-hour DC Legislative Update, 3 hours Property Management, 3 hours Broker Supervision. Renews every odd year.
License Reciprocity
DC does not have reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state licensees must meet all DC requirements.
District of Columbia Real Estate Commission
- Official Website
- (202) 442-4320
- Apply Online
Helpful Tools
Upgrade to Broker
Requires 2 years as licensed salesperson (active license immediately preceding application), 135 hours pre-licensing education, and 3-hour Fair Housing course
- • 2 years experience required
- • 135 additional education hours
- • Broker exam required
Last verified: 2026-01-12