RE Guide
Licensing

How to Get Your Real Estate License in 2026

Getting a real estate license takes 4-12 weeks and costs $400-1,000 total, including pre-licensing courses ($200-500), exam fees ($75-150), and application fees ($100-300). Requirements vary by state: education ranges from 40 hours (Louisiana, South Dakota) to 180 hours (Texas).

Step 1: Meet your state’s basic requirements

Before you begin, make sure you meet your state’s basic eligibility requirements:

  • Age: Most states require you to be at least 18 or 19 years old
  • Residency: Some states require residency or legal work authorization
  • Background: A clean criminal record helps, though many states evaluate on a case-by-case basis

Step 2: Complete pre-licensing education

Every state requires pre-licensing education before you can take the licensing exam. The number of hours varies significantly:

  • Lowest: States like Louisiana and South Dakota require 40-60 hours
  • Highest: Texas requires 180 hours, California requires 135 hours
  • Average: Most states fall between 60-90 hours

You can complete these courses through:

  • Community colleges
  • Real estate schools
  • Online education providers (most popular)

Choose an NMLS-approved or state-approved provider to ensure your coursework counts.

Step 3: Pass the state licensing exam

The real estate exam typically has two parts:

  1. National portion: Covers general real estate principles, practices, and law
  2. State portion: Covers your specific state’s laws and regulations

Most states require a passing score of 70-75%. The exam is computerized and you’ll know your results immediately.

Exam Tips

  • Study consistently over 2-4 weeks
  • Take practice exams to identify weak areas
  • Focus on vocabulary and key concepts
  • Get a good night’s sleep before the exam

Step 4: Complete background check

Most states require fingerprinting and a criminal background check. This typically costs $40-75 and takes 1-2 weeks to process.

Step 5: Find a sponsoring broker

You cannot practice real estate independently with a salesperson license. You must work under a licensed broker who will:

  • Supervise your transactions
  • Provide training and mentorship
  • Handle escrow and trust accounts
  • Take responsibility for your actions

Research brokerages before committing. Consider their:

  • Commission splits
  • Training programs
  • Office culture
  • Technology and support

Step 6: Submit your license application

Once you’ve passed the exam and found a broker, submit your application to the state real estate commission. Include:

  • Exam score report
  • Background check clearance
  • Application fee (typically $100-300)
  • Broker sponsorship documentation

How long does it take and what does it cost?

Timeline: 4-12 weeks from start to licensed

Typical Costs:

  • Pre-licensing courses: $200-500
  • Exam fee: $75-150
  • License application: $100-300
  • Background check: $40-75
  • Total: $400-1,000

What comes next after getting licensed?

After receiving your license:

  1. Complete any post-licensing education requirements
  2. Join your local real estate association
  3. Consider NAR membership to use the “Realtor” title
  4. Start building your client base

Ready to get started? Use our state-by-state guides to find exact requirements for your location.