How to Get a Real Estate License in the US: Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Agents

Are you dreaming of becoming a real estate agent but are not sure where to start? Getting your real estate license is the first big step toward launching your career. In the United States, each state requires prospective agents to earn a real estate license before they can legally help clients buy or sell property.

Don’t worry if you have no prior experience – this guide will walk you through how to get a real estate license, step by step, in a friendly and professional tone.

We’ll cover state-specific requirements, pre-licensing education, the real estate exam, background checks, and finding a sponsoring broker.

How to Get a Real Estate License

Let’s dive in and get you closer to becoming a real estate agent!

1. Check Your State’s Licensing Requirements

Real estate licensing is handled at the state level, and requirements vary by state. Your first step is to find out what your state’s real estate commission or department requires for a new salesperson (agent) license. Every state has an official licensing authority – for example, the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) oversees licenses in California, while the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) handles Texas licenses. Visit your state’s real estate commission website for the most accurate info and application forms. Here are some common eligibility requirements to look for:

• Minimum Age: Most states require you to be at least 18 years old. A few states have a slightly higher age requirement (19 in Alabama, or 21 for brokers in some states). Check your state’s rule, but 18 is the typical minimum for sales agents.

• Education: Many states require a high school diploma or GED, but not all do. For example, Alabama expects a high school diploma, while California does not mandate a diploma (just that you’re 18+). Be sure to confirm if your state has an education prerequisite.

• Legal Background: You’ll need a valid Social Security number or taxpayer ID in most cases, and you must be legally allowed to work in the U.S. States also expect you to have an honest record (more on the background check later), so things like felony convictions can be an issue. Minor traffic tickets won’t matter, but crimes related to fraud or theft might bar you from getting a license in some states.

• State-Specific Forms: Each state may have specific applications or “intent to take exam” forms. For instance, some require you to submit an exam application before you can schedule the test. Start by locating the “Licensing” or “Become an Agent” section on your state’s official site and reviewing the steps.

Pro Tip: Bookmark your state’s real estate commission website. It’s the authoritative source for requirements, applications, and updates on laws. For example, the California DRE site and the Texas TREC site publish detailed steps and FAQs for applicants. When in doubt, always refer to your state’s official instructions.

2. Complete the Required Pre-Licensing Education

Once you know you meet the basic eligibility, the next step is to complete your state’s required pre-licensing education. This is a mandatory course or set of courses that teach you the fundamentals of real estate – think of it as real estate school. Key points about pre-licensing education:

• State-Mandated Course Hours: Every state dictates a minimum number of study hours or course credits you must complete before taking the real estate exam. The required hours can range widely. For example, California requires 135 hours of coursework (usually three college-level courses), Texas requires 180 hours (the highest in the nation), while Florida only requires 63 hours. Many other states fall somewhere in between (commonly around 60–90 hours). Be sure to check your state’s exact education requirements.

• Approved Schools: You typically must take the courses from a state-approved provider (either in person or online). Some states allow certain college courses or a degree in real estate to count towards this requirement, but most people will enrol in a dedicated real estate pre-license course. Look for reputable real estate schools or community college programs listed on your state commission’s site.

• Course Content: Pre-licensing classes cover the important real estate terminology, laws, and practices you’ll need to know. This includes topics like real estate principles, property ownership, contracts, agency law, real estate finance, fair housing and ethics, and more. For example, you’ll learn about how property transfers work, your obligations to clients, how mortgages operate, and state-specific regulations you must follow.

• Course Exams: Most pre-license courses have their own final exam that you must pass to get credit. Don’t worry – these course tests prepare you for the state exam. Once you pass the class, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate! You’ll likely need to submit proof of your completed education when you apply for the licensing exam or for the license itself.

• Timeframe: Depending on your schedule, completing the education can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. On average, many people finish in 2–3 months when studying part-time. Pace yourself, take good notes, and ask questions if you’re in an interactive class. If it’s online self-study, be disciplined about covering a bit each day.

Did You Know? Most states require pre-licensing education and won’t let you sit for the exam until you complete it. There are a few exceptions (for example, attorneys or people with certain college real estate degrees might skip the courses in some states), but these are rare. In general, plan on taking the classes – it’s where you build your knowledge base for the career.

3. Apply for and Pass the Real Estate Exam

With your coursework done, it’s time to tackle the real estate licensing exam – the hurdle that every aspiring agent must clear. The exam might sound intimidating, but with study and preparation, you can do it! Here’s how to go about it:

• Exam Application: First, you’ll need to register for the exam. Usually, this involves applying to your state’s real estate board or its exam vendor. Some states have you apply directly to the commission, while others use third-party testing services (like Pearson VUE, PSI, etc.) to handle scheduling. Often, you’ll pay an exam fee at this stage (commonly around $50–$100, varying by state).

• Exam Format: The real estate exam is typically multiple-choice and divided into two portions – a national portion and a state-specific portion. The national part tests general real estate principles and practices common to all states (things like property law, contracts, financing, agency, ethics, and basic real estate math). The state portion covers laws and regulations unique to your state (for example, state-specific license law, disclosures, and fair housing rules particular to your state). For instance, the Texas salesperson exam has 125 questions in total, covering both national and Texas laws, whereas a state like New York has 75 questions with a similar split.

• Passing Score: Each state sets its own passing score, but it’s often around 70-75%. That means you need to get about 70-75% of the questions correct to pass. Some states grade each section separately (you might need, say, 70% on both the national and state sections). For example, Florida requires 75% to pass its exam. Many other states use 70% as the benchmark. The test isn’t easy – only about 60% of test-takers pass on the first try on average – but if you study diligently, you’ll improve your odds. Be sure to review your course materials and perhaps take practice exams beforehand.

• Exam Day: On exam day, you’ll need to bring a valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) and your exam admission letter or notice. Arrive early at the testing centre to allow time for check-in. You’ll likely be fingerprinted or photographed at the centre for security. The exam is usually timed (often around 2–3 hours, depending on the number of questions). Take a deep breath, read each question carefully, and use your best test-taking strategies (eliminate obviously wrong answers, watch your time, etc.).

• If You Don’t Pass: Don’t be discouraged! Many people have to take the exam more than once. States usually allow retakes, though you may have to wait a little while and pay the exam fee again. Some states limit the number of attempts in a period or require extra study after multiple failures. For example, Texas lets you attempt the exam three times before requiring additional education. Use a failed attempt as a learning experience – you’ll get a diagnostic report showing which areas you fell short in, so you can focus your studies on those topics for next time.

Study Tip: Consider investing in a real estate exam prep course or practice exams if possible. These can closely simulate the actual test and help you become familiar with the question style. Also, focus on key topics like agency relationships, contract law, and property valuation – these often carry a lot of weight on the exam. With the right preparation, you’ll be celebrating a passing score in no time!

4. Complete Your Background Check and License Application

Passing the exam is a huge accomplishment, but you’re not quite licensed yet. You’ll have to go through a background check and submit a formal application for your license. States want to ensure that new real estate professionals meet standards of honesty and trustworthiness (after all, you’ll be handling clients’ financial transactions and personal information). Here’s what to expect:

• Fingerprinting: Most states require license applicants to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. This usually means you’ll get fingerprinted via a live scan or at a law enforcement agency, and the prints will be sent to state police and the FBI for review. For example, California mandates that any real estate license applicant submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice and the FBI, and the license won’t be issued until the background report is cleared. Texas similarly requires all applicants to provide fingerprints for a criminal history check. Check your state’s instructions on how and when to do this – some states let you do it before you apply for the exam, others have you do it after you pass the exam but before license issuance.

• Character Questions: The license application will include a series of background questions. Expect things like: “Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanour?” (traffic tickets usually excluded), “Have you ever had a professional license disciplined or revoked?”, etc. Always answer honestly. A past conviction does not automatically disqualify you in many states, but lying about it will if it comes up on your record. If you do have a criminal record, you might need to provide additional documentation or go through a review process. Some states even allow you to request a preliminary determination of your fitness to be licensed before you spend time and money on classes (Texas calls this a “Fitness Determination”). When in doubt, disclose and provide any required explanations – state commissions appreciate honesty and will consider the nature of any incident.

• Application Forms & Fees: To actually get your license issued, you’ll file a salesperson license application. In many cases, upon passing the exam, you’ll receive the license application paperwork or a link to an online application. Fill this out completely, pay the required license fee, and include any necessary documents (like your education certificates, exam passing verification, fingerprints, etc.). License fees for new agents range from around $50 to $25,0, depending on the state.

• Processing Time: Once you submit your application and complete the background check, you’ll wait for the state to process everything. This can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the state’s volume and whether your background check clears quickly. Many states now post application status updates online, so you can track where you are in the process. Do not conduct any real estate business until your license is officially issued! You’ll typically receive an email confirmation or be able to see your name on the online license lookup when you’re approved.

5. Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License

Congratulations on passing your exam and meeting the requirements! There’s one more crucial step before you can start working as an agent: you must find a licensed real estate broker to sponsor you. In real estate, brokers are the experienced professionals who can work independently and supervise others, while salespersons (agents) must work under a broker’s oversight. As a new agent, you can’t practice solo – your license needs to be “hung” under a broker’s license. Here’s how to go about choosing a broker and why it matters:

• Why You Need a Broker: Legally, a new salesperson’s license is often issued in an “inactive” status until you have a broker sponsor. You cannot start selling or listing homes until your license is active under a broker. The broker will mentor you, provide you with branding and resources, and ensure you follow the law in transactions. Think of it as an apprenticeship – you get to learn the ropes from a brokerage team. Every state except a rare few requires this relationship (some states call new agents “broker associates” but still require a supervising broker). So, you’ll need to secure a broker to work with before you truly begin your career.

• When to Start Looking: You can actually start talking to brokerage companies while you’re finishing your classes or after you pass the exam – you don’t have to wait for the license in hand. In fact, many new agents line up a broker so they can move quickly once the license is issued. Some states even ask for your broker’s info on the license application itself. For instance, you might submit a Sponsoring Broker Form along with your license application so that the state activates you under that broker immediately upon approval.

• How to Choose a Sponsoring Broker: Not all brokerages are the same, so take the time to find a good fit. Consider interviewing with multiple offices (think of it like job interviews – because it is, in a way). Here are a few factors to consider:

  • Training & Support: Does the brokerage offer a training program for newbies, ongoing education, or mentorship? For someone with no experience, this can be invaluable.

  • Company Culture: Visit the office. Do the existing agents and staff seem supportive and positive? You’ll perform better in a place where you feel comfortable asking questions.

  • Commission Split & Fees: Real estate agents are typically independent contractors who earn commissions. Ask about the commission split (what percentage of each sale you keep vs. what goes to the brokerage) and any desk fees or monthly fees. A brokerage that provides leads or lots of support may charge a higher split, whereas a no-frills brokerage might let you keep more of your commission. Compare the packages.

  • Brand and Market Niche: Is it a big national franchise or a local boutique firm? Do they specialise in residential homes, commercial real estate, luxury properties, etc.? If you have a particular interest (say, you eventually want to do commercial deals), aligning with the right type of brokerage can help.

  • Broker Availability: Your sponsoring broker (or office manager) should be accessible to answer your questions and help with transactions, especially in your first year. You want someone who will be a true mentor, not just a name on your license.

• Activate Your License: Once you’ve chosen a broker who agrees to take you on, you’ll formalise that relationship so the state knows about it. This might involve your broker signing your license application or you submitting a broker sponsorship request through the state’s licensing system. After this is processed, your license status will be updated to “active” and you’ll officially be able to call yourself a real estate salesperson or sales associate (the exact title varies by state, but it means you’re an agent under a broker). Now you can start helping clients buy and sell homes – exciting!

Networking Tip: Don’t be afraid to reach out to local real estate agents or attend career nights at brokerages while you’re in the licensing process. Let them know you’re getting your license and are exploring brokerages. Agents can share what they like about their company culture or give advice for someone just starting out. Making connections early can help you find the right sponsoring broker and even your first opportunities in the field.

6. Launch Your New Career (Next Steps After Licensing)

By completing the steps above – meeting your state’s requirements, finishing pre-licensing education, passing the real estate exam, clearing your background check, and finding a broker – you’ll have earned your real estate license.

Pat yourself on the back! This is a big achievement, especially with no prior experience. You’ve shown you have the dedication and knowledge to enter the real estate industry.

A few final things to keep in mind as you become a real estate agent:

• Continuing Education: Learning isn’t over once you get the license. States require ongoing education to keep your license active. Often, you’ll need to take a post-licensing course within the first year or so (for example, new agents in some states must take an additional 20–30 hours of post-license training). Plus, you’ll have continuing education (CE) requirements every license renewal period (commonly every 2 years). These courses help you stay up-to-date on law changes and sharpen your skills. Mark your calendar for any post-license classes and know your renewal date.

• Joining REALTOR® Associations: Once licensed, you might consider joining your local Association of REALTORS® (which also gives you membership in the state Association and National Association of REALTORS®). This is optional, but it allows you to call yourself a REALTOR® (a trademark for those association members) and gives access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), networking opportunities, and additional training. Many brokers will encourage or require you to join if they are REALTOR®-affiliated.

• Building Your Business: Real estate is an entrepreneurial business. Now that you’re licensed, focus on building your client base and learning the practical aspects of helping buyers and sellers. Use the training from your broker, find a mentor if possible, and continue to soak up knowledge. Understand that the first year is often the toughest – you’re learning and might not have many deals right away – but with persistence, you can succeed. Work on a marketing plan, let friends and family know you’re an agent, and maybe partner with experienced agents on deals to gain experience.

• Ethics and Professionalism: As a new licensee, always keep in mind that trust and integrity are key in real estate. You’ve gone through background checks and education for a reason – to ensure you serve the public ethically. Always follow the Code of Ethics (if you’re a REALTOR®) and your state laws about agency and disclosures. Doing the right thing for your clients will build your reputation fast.

In summary, obtaining your real estate license involves a series of clear steps: checking state requirements, completing pre-license education, passing the state exam, undergoing a background check, and choosing a broker to work under. It may feel like a lot, but thousands of people successfully navigate this process every year. Take it one step at a time.

Before you know it, you’ll be handing your first set of keys to a happy homebuyer or putting up your first “Sold” sign on a house. That journey all starts with getting your license – and now you know exactly how to get there. Good luck on your path to becoming a licensed real estate agent in the U.S., and welcome to the exciting world of real estate!