Real estate license and insurance requirements by state

Real estate license and insurance requirements by state

Jessica Crosby
By Jessica Crosby
Sep 26, 2024
1 min read
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Becoming a real estate agent can be a lucrative and fulfilling career choice — but you must first fulfill your real estate license requirements.

Getting a real estate agent license is a mixture of education and certification, and the specific requirements vary by state. Business insurance is often a requirement before you can launch your career.

Jump ahead to learn more about:

Salesperson vs. real estate broker 

Your state may distinguish between a real estate broker, who may own a real estate agency and a real estate salesperson or agent. When researching real estate license requirements, look at the details for the real estate broker license only if that is your intention. Often, salespersons or agents are required to have a license before taking the step towards becoming a broker.

Real estate agent general requirements

Obtaining a real estate license isn’t just about getting the right education and paying a fee. Some states require that you meet other criteria as well. 

For example, in Ohio, you must be honest, truthful and free of felony convictions. In addition, Ohio mandates that you be sponsored by a broker while getting your real estate license. So, before becoming a real estate agent, reviewing the stipulations in your region is smart.

1. Real estate agent education: pre-licensing course

You must take courses in different subject areas relevant to your work as a real estate agent. The state licensing body sets these course requirements.

Using Ohio again as an example, the requirements are 120 hours of coursework, including 40 hours of Real Estate Principles; 40 hours of Ohio Real Estate Law; 20 hours of Real Estate Appraisal and 20 hours of Real Estate Finance.

You may take your coursework online or in person, but only some educational programs will qualify as real estate license courses. Most states have rules about the institutions and courses that count towards pre-licensing requirements.

2. Passing the licensing exam

Once you have completed your course, you’ll have to sit for — and pass — a state licensing exam. There will be a fee to sit this exam.

The exam generally consists of multiple-choice questions covering federal real estate law, general real estate principles and state law. 

Not everyone will pass the licensing exam the first time. Usually, you can rewrite the exam within a specific time frame — for example, two years — before retaking the pre-licensing course.

3. Real estate agent insurance

Many states require error and omissions (E&O) insurance to obtain a real estate license. This coverage helps protect real estate agents if they are accused of making a professional mistake (whether they did or not) that causes financial harm to a client.

E&O is also a common requirement if you need or want to be associated with a brokerage firm and is often bundled with general liability insurance.

4. Get your real estate agent license

Once you have completed your course and passed your exam, you apply for your real estate license. Contact the state licensing board, fill out a license application and pay the appropriate fee.

In addition to verifying your education, the board may also ensure you meet other requirements, such as being of good character, having no felony convictions and possessing a high school diploma. Check your licensing authority for local requirements.

5. Maintaining your license

Once you have your real estate license, you must renew it — typically every year. In addition to paying fees, you may have to complete continuing education requirements. That means you never really leave school — even if you have been practicing with a residential or commercial real estate license for some time. You need to stay up-to-date with courses relevant to your industry.

Alabama real estate license requirements

The requirements for an Alabama real estate license are: 

  • Be 19 years or older
  • Show proof of residency in the U.S. as a citizen or permanent resident alien
  • Show proof of high school graduation
  • Not be a convicted felony or a “crime involving moral turpitude”
  • No revoked license in other states within two years
  • Completing 60 hours of pre-license classes
  • Pass the licensing exam within six months of completing coursework

Alabama real estate professional insurance requirements

Alabama has no real estate professional insurance requirements, but many brokerages will require errors and omissions insurance.  

Alabama real estate license reciprocity

You can get a reciprocal real estate license as long as you fulfill the following requirements:

  • Complete a six-hour course on Alabama real estate law
  • Pass a corresponding exam
  • Submit an application showing your license history from your previous state

Alaska real estate license requirements

The requirements for getting your real estate license in Alaska are:

  • Complete 40 hours of real estate coursework
  • Pass an exam and apply for the license within six months
  • Not be under indictment for a felony that affects your ability to practice real estate, including “forgery, theft, extortion, conspiracy to defraud creditors or fraud.” If this is the case, seven years must pass before you can apply for a real estate license in Alaska
  • Be at least 19 years old and work with a broker

Alaska real estate professional insurance requirements

To be a real estate agent in Alaska, you are required to get errors and omissions insurance

Alaska real estate license reciprocity

You must provide documentation from another state to gain a reciprocal real estate license in Alaska. Additionally, you must pass an Alaskan real estate exam. 

Arizona real estate license requirements

Here are the Arizona real estate license requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Complete 90 hours of coursework at an approved Arizona real estate school, which includes a contract writing course
  • Complete fingerprint screening
  • Disclose disciplinary actions including criminal activity and misdemeanors
  • Pay applicable fees

Arizona real estate professional insurance requirements

In Arizona, you are not required to get errors and omissions insurance. 

Arizona real estate license reciprocity

According to the Arizona Department of Real Estate, you can use your existing real estate license to get a reciprocal one in Arizona. Here are the requirements:

  • Be an Arizona resident
  • Have a license in another state for at least one year
  • Complete approved real estate education in the other state
  • Pass a real estate license examination in another state
  • Have no license or certificate revoked or voluntarily surrendered in any other state or country.
  • Have no pending complaint, allegation, or investigation.

Arkansas real estate license requirements

In Arkansas, you need to do the following to obtain an Arkansas real estate license:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Complete 60 hours of coursework
  • Submit an application which includes a background check
  • Pass the Arkansas real estate exam, and apply within 90 days of passing

Arkansas real estate professional insurance requirements

Arkansas does not require errors and omissions coverage, but your employing brokerage may require it. 

Arkansas real estate license reciprocity

Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with fifteen states — your Arkansas real estate license transfers to other states (and vice versa). 

California real estate license requirements

In California, you are required to have the following to gain a real estate license:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • You must be a resident of California, or you must go through an alternative out-of-state process
  • No prior convictions
  • Have a minimum of two years of full-time licensed salesperson experience within the last five years, two years of unlicensed equivalent experience or a four-year degree with a major/minor in real estate
  • Complete coursework and pass an exam

California real estate professional insurance requirements

No insurance requirements exist for real estate agents in California, but organizations and brokerage firms you work for may require it. 

California real estate license reciprocity

California does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states. You must complete an out-of-state application

Colorado real estate license requirements

In Colorado, these are the requirements for becoming a real estate agent:

  • Do coursework at an approved school
  • Pass exam
  • Complete background check
  • Submit application

Colorado real estate professional insurance requirements

Errors and omissions insurance is required in Colorado

Colorado real estate license reciprocity

You can get a Colorado real estate license with limited requirements if you already have an active license from a different state. 

Connecticut real estate license requirements

You need to fulfill the following requirements to obtain a real estate license:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Complete a 60-hour real estate course
  • Pass a real estate exam and pay exam fees
  • Apply and pay fees

Connecticut real estate professional insurance requirements

E&O insurance is not required in Connecticut. 

Connecticut real estate license reciprocity

Connecticut has reciprocity agreements with 12 other states. 

Delaware real estate license requirements

Delaware real estate license requirements are as follows:

  • Complete 12 credit hours of coursework
  • Pass a Delaware real estate exam

Delaware real estate professional insurance requirements

Delaware does not require its real estate agents to have insurance. 

Delaware real estate license reciprocity

Delaware has limited requirements for out-of-state license holders. You just have to submit your application and test scores. 

Florida real estate license requirements

Here are the license requirements for getting your Florida real estate license:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have a high school diploma
  • Complete 63 hours in education, but you may bypass this if you hold a four-year degree
  • Pass an exam
  • Pass a fingerprinting screening
  • Complete an application

Florida real estate professional insurance requirements

In Florida, you are not required to carry errors and omissions insurance, but other agencies you interact with may require it. 

Florida real estate license reciprocity

Florida has reciprocity with the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island and West Virginia.

Georgia real estate license requirements

In Georgia, the license requirements for real estate agents are as follows:

  • Complete a background check
  • Must be 18 years or older and have the equivalent of a high school degree
  • Complete 75 hours of real estate courses or complete a college equivalency
  • Pass an exam

Georgia real estate professional insurance requirements

Georgia doesn’t have a professional liability insurance requirement, but considering coverage is still a good idea. 

Georgia real estate license reciprocity

Georgia offers reciprocity with all states. 

Hawaii real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements to be a real estate agent in Hawaii:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Pass a reputation screening and exam
  • Submit an application

Hawaii real estate professional insurance requirements

You are not required to have professional real estate insurance in Hawaii. 

Hawaii real estate license reciprocity

You may apply for a Hawaiian real estate license if you already hold another state’s existing real estate license. 

Idaho real estate license requirements

To get a real estate license in Idaho, you need to:

  • Take a pre-licensing class
  • Pass the licensing exam
  • Get a background check with fingerprinting

Idaho real estate professional insurance requirements

Idaho requires errors and omission insurance

Idaho real estate license reciprocity

Idaho has no reciprocity agreements. 

Illinois real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements for getting your Illinois real estate license:

  • Complete 75 required hours of coursework
  • Pass the state and national exam
  • Get sponsored by a brokerage
  • Complete an IDFPR online application

Illinois real estate professional insurance requirements

There are no requirements for insurance for real estate agents in Illinois. However, you can manage risk with E&O and commercial liability insurance. 

Illinois real estate license reciprocity

Illinois has reciprocity with Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Indiana real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements for the Indiana real estate license

  • Completed application with a $60 application fee
  • Positive response documentation related to criminal or misdemeanor charges
  • Course completion documentation
  • Exam results
  • Sponsoring brokerage

Indiana real estate professional insurance requirements

Indiana does not require insurance, but brokerages often require errors and omissions insurance. 

Indiana real estate license reciprocity

You can submit your out-of-state license to see if you can receive reciprocity. If approved, you only have to take the Indiana exam portion.

Iowa real estate license requirements

In Iowa, you must satisfy the following requirements:

  • You must be 18 years or older
  • Pass a criminal history check
  • Complete 60-hour course
  • Pass an exam

Iowa real estate professional insurance requirements

Iowa requires errors and omission insurance

Iowa real estate license reciprocity

Iowa has a real estate license reciprocity with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and North Dakota. 

Kansas real estate license requirements

The Kansas real estate license requirements are:

  • Have a high school diploma (or equal)
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have proof of completion for 60 hours of coursework
  • Complete application to the KREC
  • Pass the real estate exam
  • Join a Kansas real estate brokerage

Kansas real estate professional insurance requirements

Kansas does not require errors and omissions insurance, but your brokerage may have its own insurance requirements. 

Kansas real estate license reciprocity

Kansas does not have a reciprocity agreement with other states.

Kentucky real estate license requirements

In Kentucky, the requirements for real estate agent include:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be at least 18
  • Complete pre-license courses
  • Complete criminal background check
  • Application due within 60 days of passing the exam

Kentucky real estate professional insurance requirements

To hold a Kentucky real estate license, you must have errors and omission insurance

Kentucky real estate license reciprocity

Kentucky has a reciprocity agreement with Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and Illinois. 

Louisiana real estate license requirements

The Louisiana real estate license requirements include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of 90 hours of real estate education
  • Submitted application
  • Pass a real estate exam
  • Proof of errors and omissions insurance

Louisiana real estate professional insurance requirements

Louisiana requires real estate agents to obtain errors and omission insurance

Louisiana real estate license reciprocity

Louisiana has reciprocity with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. 

Maine real estate license requirements

The requirements for a real estate license in Maine are as follows:

  • Pay an application fee of $100
  • Complete a criminal records check
  • Complete an application
  • Complete a sales agent course with a passing exam score
  • Have a high diploma or equivalent

Maine real estate professional insurance requirements

There are no insurance requirements for real estate professionals in Maine, but brokerages may require you to get errors and omissions insurance. 

Maine real estate license reciprocity

You can earn reciprocity by passing a portion of the exam related to Maine law. 

Maryland real estate license requirements

In Maryland, you can become a real estate agent by doing the following:

  • Be 18 years old and be of good character
  • Complete 60 hours of coursework
  • Be part of a brokerage
  • Pass an exam

Maryland real estate professional insurance requirements

Maryland does not require errors and omission insurance for realtors, but other authorities, such as employers and brokers, may require it. 

Maryland real estate license reciprocity

Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania and Oklahoma.

Massachusetts real estate license requirements

Massachusetts has the following requirements for real estate licenses:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • 40 hours of real estate courses
  • Complete a Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Educational Certificate form 
  • Get 3 candidate endorsements (salesperson license)
  • Have at least 3 years of experience working for an active Massachusetts broker (broker license)
  • Hold a current Massachusetts salesperson license (broker license)
  • Have a notarized $5,000 surety bond (broker license)
  • Pass the licensing exams

Massachusetts real estate professional insurance requirements

You are not required to have E&O insurance.

Massachusetts real estate license reciprocity

The following states have reciprocity agreements in Massachusetts: Connecticut, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Nebraska, Tennessee, Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Michigan real estate license requirements

You’re required to do the following to become a Michigan real estate agent:

  • Complete an online application
  • Pay a license fee
  • Complete a good moral character statement
  • Be over 18
  • Have 40 hours of prelicensure education
  • Pass an exam
  • Have brokerage sponsorship

Michigan real estate professional insurance requirements

The state of Michigan has no insurance requirements for real estate agents, but because you are required to be part of a brokerage, your employer may require it. 

Michigan real estate license reciprocity

Michigan does not have reciprocity with other states.

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Minnesota real estate license requirements

In Minnesota, you can qualify for a real estate salesperson license if you:

  • Complete required real estate education courses
  • Pass exam
  • Become associated with a licensed real estate broker

Minnesota real estate professional insurance requirements

Minnesota does not require errors and omissions coverage, but most brokerages will require this with associated real estate agents. 

Minnesota real estate license reciprocity

Minnesota reciprocates with Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma. If you are moving from a different state, you must complete 13 hours of coursework and pass an exam. 

Mississippi real estate license requirements

To get a Mississippi real estate license, you’ll need to:

  • Be a Mississippi resident who is at least 18 years old
  • Complete 60 hours of MREC courses
  • Pass the state exam
  • Work under a licensed broker
  • Complete continuing education

Mississippi real estate professional insurance requirements

Errors and omission insurance is required to practice real estate in Mississippi. 

Mississippi real estate license reciprocity

According to Mississippi law, you can get a real estate license in Mississippi if you have held a license for a year or more in another state. 

Missouri real estate license requirements

In Missouri, you must do the following to obtain a real estate license:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • 48-hour salesperson course
  • Pass the real estate exam
  • Complete a criminal background check

Missouri real estate professional insurance requirements

Missouri real estate agents do not have insurance requirements. 

Missouri real estate license reciprocity

If you hold a real estate license from another state, you can take the Missouri portion of the coursework and exam to qualify for a license. 

Montana real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements for getting your real estate license in Montana:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have completed two years of high school
  • Must have 70 credit hours of coursework in real estate
  • Pass the real estate exam
  • Employed with a broker
  • Proof of professional liability and errors and omissions insurance

Montana real estate professional insurance requirements

You must show evidence of professional liability and errors and omission insurance in Montana. 

Montana real estate license reciprocity

If you have a license from a different state, you must pass the Montana portion of the real estate exam.

Nebraska real estate license requirements

The Nebraska requirements for a real estate license include:

  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Submit passing score from real estate exam
  • Show proof of errors and omissions of insurance coverage
  • Must be 19 years old or older and a high school graduate
  • Complete 60 hours of pre-license education

Nebraska real estate professional insurance requirements

Nebraska requires E&O coverage for realtors. 

Nebraska real estate license reciprocity

According to the Nebraska Real Estate License Act, as long as your real estate license from another state is in good standing, you can qualify for a Nebraska real estate license. 

Nevada real estate license requirements

Here are the Nevada real estate license requirements:

  • Complete application form
  • Submit fingerprint check
  • Pass state and national real estate exam
  • Pay $140 fee
  • Complete a total of 120 hours of education

Nevada real estate professional insurance requirements

Nevada has no insurance requirements for real estate agents, but other organizations you work with may require it. 

Nevada real estate license reciprocity

The following states qualify for a reciprocal license in Nevada: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and West Virginia.

New Hampshire real estate license requirements

The New Hampshire real estate license requirements include the following:

  • 40 hours of pre-licensure course
  • Pass the real estate exam 
  • Complete a background check and an attestation of character
  • Submit application
  • Pay fees

New Hampshire real estate professional insurance requirements

You are not required to show proof of insurance to become a real estate agent in New Hampshire. 

New Hampshire real estate license reciprocity

Must complete an application and pass the New Hampshire portion of the exam. 

New Jersey real estate license requirements

In New Jersey, you need the following to get a real estate license: 

  • You must be 18 years or older and have the equivalent of a high school degree
  • Complete 75 hours of real estate education
  • Pass the New Jersey real estate exam
  • Get a sponsoring broker
  • Submit an application

New Jersey real estate professional insurance requirements

You are not required to have E&O coverage in New Jersey, but your employer/ brokerage will require it. 

New Jersey real estate license reciprocity

New Jersey does not have any reciprocity agreements with other states. 

New Mexico real estate license requirements

Here are the qualifications for becoming a New Mexico real estate agent

  • 90 hours of pre-license education
  • Pass a real estate exam
  • Submit application
  • Be a legal U.S. resident and be at least 18
  • Pass a fingerprinting exam

New Mexico real estate professional insurance requirements

New Mexico requires real estate agents to obtain errors and omission coverage

New Mexico real estate license reciprocity

New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with Massachusetts, Louisiana and Georgia. 

New York real estate license requirements

In New York, you fulfill the following requirements to become a real estate agent:

  • Submit an application and fees
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Complete 72 hours of real estate education
  • Pass the New York salesperson exam
  • Have sponsorship from a New York State real estate broker
  • Have a government ID like a driver’s license

New York real estate professional insurance requirements

New York does not have a specific insurance policy for real estate agents. However, your sponsoring brokerage may have a requirement. 

New York real estate license reciprocity

New York does not have reciprocity with other states, but you may submit a written waiver request for consideration. 

North Carolina real estate license requirements

In North Carolina, you can do the following to satisfy your real estate license requirements:

  • Complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course
  • Submit application with application fee
  • Pass the North Carolina real estate exam

The commission determines whether the applicant possesses the requisite “character” for licensure.

North Carolina real estate professional insurance requirements

Insurance is not required, but you may need coverage for employment with a broker. 

North Carolina real estate license reciprocity

The requirements for getting a North Carolina real estate license are simplified if you already have one from another state. North Carolina provides license holders with several options. One includes passing the North Carolina portion of the exam. 

North Dakota real estate license requirements

The North Dakota real estate licensing requirements are as follows:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Complete a 90-hour salesperson course
  • Complete a credit check and criminal history check
  • No problems with real estate license in the last two years
  • Pass state and national exams

North Dakota real estate professional insurance requirements

You must submit proof of errors and omissions insurance if you have an active license in North Dakota

North Dakota real estate license reciprocity

North Dakota has reciprocity agreements with Minnesota, Iowa and Georgia. 

Ohio real estate license requirements

In Ohio, you need to fulfill the following requirements before becoming a licensed real estate agent:

  • Be at least 18 and a citizen of the U.S.
  • Proof of no convictions or other dishonorable acts
  • Have the sponsorship of an Ohio broker
  • Complete 120 hours of prelicensure courses
  • Submit a completed application

Ohio real estate professional insurance requirements

Ohio does not require insurance, but your sponsoring broker will likely require insurance for errors and omissions. 

Ohio real estate license reciprocity

Ohio has shortened requirements if you already hold a license from another state. You can view the application for out-of-state applicants here

Oklahoma real estate license requirements

Here are the Oklahoma real estate license requirements:

  • Complete 90-hour prelicensure education
  • Complete background check
  • Pass the real estate exam
  • Submit application

Oklahoma real estate professional insurance requirements

Oklahoma does not require errors and omissions insurance, but organizations you associate with, like brokers and banks, do. 

Oklahoma real estate license reciprocity

Oklahoma has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Oregon real estate license requirements

The Oregon real estate license requirements are as follows:

  • Must be 18 years old and have the equivalent of a high school diploma
  • Apply for a license
  • Complete 150 hours of coursework
  • Pass fingerprint check
  • Pass licensing exam
  • Gain sponsorship from a principal broker

Oregon real estate professional insurance requirements

Oregon does not require insurance for real estate agents, but because you are required to work with a broker, they may require coverage. 

Oregon real estate license reciprocity

Oregon has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Georgia, Nebraska and South Dakota. 

Pennsylvania real estate license requirements

Here are the Pennsylvania real estate license requirements:

  • Must have a high school degree and be 18 years old
  • Complete 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework
  • Pass the Pennsylvania and national real estate exams

Pennsylvania real estate professional insurance requirements

Errors and omission coverage is not required for a real estate agent in Pennsylvania, but many licensed brokers will require insurance. 

Pennsylvania real estate license reciprocity

If you have an active license from another state, you must pass the Pennsylvania portion of the real estate exam. 

Rhode Island real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements for becoming a real estate agent in Rhode Island:

  • Pay $165 in fees
  • Complete application
  • Provide a certificate of completion of the 45 hours of pre-licensing courses
  • Complete a lead poisoning training
  • Complete a criminal background check that includes a letter of good standing

Rhode Island real estate professional insurance requirements

Rhode Island requires errors and omissions insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000.

Rhode Island real estate license reciprocity

Rhode Island has reciprocity agreements with Connecticut, Massachusetts and Florida.

South Carolina real estate license requirements

The requirements to become a real estate agent in South Carolina are as follows:

  • Be at least 18 years old and have the equivalent of a high school diploma
  • Complete 90 hours of real estate coursework 
  • Complete background check with fingerprints
  • Pass state and national exams
  • Complete application

South Carolina real estate professional insurance requirements

You are not required to have insurance coverage. However, you are required to be associated with a brokerage. Many brokers will require errors and omissions insurance. 

South Carolina real estate license reciprocity

South Carolina reciprocates with Georgia and North Carolina.

South Dakota real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements for a real estate license in South Dakota: 

  • Must be at least 18, a high school graduate, and a U.S. citizen
  • Complete a 116-hour pre-licensing course
  • Pass the exam
  • Submit an application

South Dakota real estate professional insurance requirements

All active license holders in South Dakota must have insurance for errors and omissions. 

South Dakota real estate license reciprocity

If your real estate license is in good standing, you can complete an application for a South Dakota license. 

Tennessee real estate license requirements

Here’s what is required to be a real estate agent in Tennessee:

  • Complete 90 hours of real estate education
  • PSI Exam application
  • Proof of high school graduation
  • Proof of errors and omissions insurance policy
  • Pay fees
  • Electronic fingerprinting

Tennessee real estate professional insurance requirements

Tennessee requires errors and omissions insurance coverage for real estate agents. 

Tennessee real estate license reciprocity

You must pass the Tennessee portion of the real estate exam and submit proof of license from your other state. 

Texas real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements for becoming a Texas real estate agent:

  • Lawful US resident or citizen
  • 18 years or older
  • Considered honest and trustworthy by TREC
  • File application
  • Get fingerprint and background check
  • Complete 180 hours of real estate education
  • Pass exam
  • Gain sponsorship of a Texas broker

Texas real estate professional insurance requirements

You do not have to get insurance coverage for your real estate license. However, most sponsoring brokers will require at least errors and omissions insurance. 

Texas real estate license reciprocity

Texas does not have reciprocity with any state. 

Utah real estate license requirements

Here are the Utah real estate license requirements:

  • Meet qualifications for honesty and integrity
  • Be at least 18 with a social security number and high school diploma
  • Take 120 hours of pre-licensing courses
  • Pass agent exam

Utah real estate professional insurance requirements

Utah does not require E&O insurance, but your employing broker may require it. 

Utah real estate license reciprocity

Utah has reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Mississippi and Alberta, Canada. 

Vermont real estate license requirements

The requirements to become a Vermont real estate agent include:

  • Taking a 40-hour pre-licensing course
  • Pass a national and state exam
  • Affiliate with a broker 

Vermont real estate professional insurance requirements

Errors and omissions coverage is not required in Vermont. But being affiliated with a broker is, and many offices require this coverage. 

Vermont real estate license reciprocity

All applicants must take the state exam. 

Virginia real estate license requirements

In Virginia, you must satisfy the following requirements to become a real estate salesperson: 

  • Complete 60 hours of pre-license education
  • Pass the Virginia and national exams
  • Get fingerprints taken and a background check
  • Mail application

Virginia real estate professional insurance requirements

You’re not required to have insurance coverage, but you may need E&O insurance if you work for a broker. 

Virginia real estate license reciprocity

If you have an active license from another state, you must complete pre-license education and pass the Virginia portion of the exam.

Washington real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements for becoming a real estate agent in Washington:

  • Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma
  • Complete 90 hours of real estate education courses
  • Pass the real estate exam
  • Submit fingerprints and application 

Washington real estate professional insurance requirements

You’re not required to have errors and omission insurance in Washington, but your associate broker may require it. 

Washington real estate license reciprocity

Washington does not offer reciprocity. However, you can take the state portion of the exam if you have an active license from another state. 

West Virginia real estate license requirements

In West Virginia, you need to do the following to become a real estate agent:

  • Be 18 years or older with a high school diploma
  • Have good, moral character
  • Complete a background check
  • Submit application
  • Pass exam
  • Have a sponsoring broker

West Virginia real estate professional insurance requirements

There are no insurance requirements for West Virginia real estate agents, but sponsoring brokers often require E&O insurance. 

West Virginia real estate license reciprocity

West Virginia does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.

Wisconsin real estate license requirements

Here are the requirements for a Wisconsin real estate license:

  • Complete 72 hours of real estate education
  • Pass the real estate exam
  • Submit application

Wisconsin real estate professional insurance requirements

You do not need E&O coverage, but many brokers will require real estate agents to hold this policy. 

Wisconsin real estate license reciprocity

Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements with Illinois and Indiana. 

Wyoming real estate license requirements

Wyoming requires its real estate agent applicants to do the following:

  • Complete fingerprint check
  • Pass three real estate courses
  • Pass the real estate exam
  • Submit an application

Wyoming real estate professional insurance requirements

Wyoming real estate agents must have and show proof of errors and omissions insurance

Wyoming real estate license reciprocity

Wyoming does not offer reciprocity with other states.

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This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.

Jessica Crosby
About the author

Jessica spent over a decade working in education before moving into content marketing. She has worked on content marketing campaigns in the edtech, real estate, and personal finance sectors. She has a passion for working with companies that take the time to educate their customers. When she’s not working, she’s probably outside with her two kids.

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