How Do I Receive an Active Real Estate License?
For most states once all the application documents are submitted and the fee paid, the real estate commission will mark the application as complete. You will be typically approved for an inactive status. To change it to active, you must be hired by a real estate broker (also called a sponsoring broker). They will access the state's online system to approve your hiring, changing your status to active.
These details vary per state so please ensure to check out these requirements by clicking on your state in the list below.
Choose the answer by state?
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Alabama
How to activate real estate license in Alabama?
After you’ve completed your pre-license course, state exam, temporary application process, and 30-hour post-licensing course, you’ll be ready for the Alabama salesperson permanent application.
Once these documents are submitted and the fee paid, the AREC will issue you an active permanent license to your qualifying broker. You can’t hold an active license without being hired by an Alabama real estate broker.
Alaska
How do i receive an active real estate license in Alaska?
Your initial Alaska real estate salesperson license will be issued on an active status. You received this license by meeting all of the steps for licensing, including being employed by an Alaska licensed broker.
Arizona
How to activate real estate license in Arizona?
Once all the Arizona salesperson application documents are submitted and the fee paid, the ADRE will mark the application as complete, and you will be approved on inactive status. To change it to active, you must be hired by an Arizona real estate broker. They will access the ADRE online system to approve your hiring, changing your status to active.
California
How do I receive an active real estate license in California?
Complete 135 hours of pre-license education and undergo a criminal background check. Then, you can take the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam and find a practicing licensed broker in the state to supervise you. Now, submit your license application to the DRE along with proof of course completion so that they may issue you an active real estate license.
Colorado
How to activate real estate license in Colorado?
You need to have an employing broker, proof of current or continuous E&O insurance, and completed the background check for an active real estate license. Once the CDRE reviews the documents with your license application, it will determine if you qualify for an active license.
Delaware
How do i receive an active real estate license in Delaware?
Active Delaware real estate salespersons have passed the state licensing exam, met the basic licensing requirements, taken the required education, and been hired by a Delaware licensed broker. They maintain their continuing education and renew their license on time.
Florida
How do I receive an active real estate license in Florida?
Candidates must complete 63 hours of pre-licensing education and submit their fingerprints for a background check. Then, submit a form to the Florida DBPR for approval to take the state exam. Your broker will need to sign your license activation application. Once submitted, you will be issued an active license and will be ready to legally perform real estate services in Florida.
Georgia
How do I receive an active real estate license in Georgia?
To get an active Georgia real estate license, applicants need to complete 75 hours of pre-license education and undergo a criminal background check. Within 6 months of completing your coursework, you’ll need to take the Georgia Real Estate License at a PSI testing center. Finally, find a practicing broker to sponsor you. Once you’ve met these requirements, you can complete the licensing application and receive an active real estate license.
Hawaii
How do i receive an active real estate license in Hawaii?
You receive an active Hawaii real estate salesperson's license by meeting all of the license requirements and working under the supervision of a Hawaii licensed broker. It's up to you to keep your license in good standing.
Idaho
How do i receive an active real estate license in Idaho?
Your hiring broker must go to online services and activate your license. So initially, you can receive your license without working for a broker, but it will not be an active license.
Illinois
How to activate real estate license in Illinois?
You receive an active Illinois real estate broker license by completing all the steps required by the IREC. This includes completing pre-license education, passing the state exam, and meeting the general requirements. You must have a managing broker who will supervise your work. If at any time you do not have a managing broker, your license status will be moved to inactive or suspended.
Indiana
How do i receive an active real estate license in Indiana?
You need to have a sponsoring broker, have passed the State Exam, and completed the 90-hour broker pre-license course to qualify for an active real estate license.
Iowa
How do i receive an active real estate license in Lowa?
You meet the requirements for an active Iowa salesperson's license by being at least 18 years of age, taking the required education classes, passing the state exam, finding E & O insurance, and being hired by a sponsoring broker.
Kansas
How to activate real estate license in Kansas?
You receive an active Kansas real estate salesperson license by meeting all of the licensing requirements set by the Kansas Real Estate Commission. This includes working under the supervision of a Kansas licensed real estate broker.
Kentucky
How do i receive an active real estate license in Kentucky?
You must meet all of the Kentucky licensing requirements and work under the supervision of a Kentucky License broker to receive and maintain an active Kentucky real estate salesperson license.
Louisiana
How to activate real estate license in Louisiana?
You need to have a sponsoring broker, proof of current or continuous E&O insurance, and complete the background check. If you have these ready, you’ll turn in the Initial Real Estate License Application-Part B to receive an active real estate license. Once the LREC reviews the documents with your license application, it will determine if you qualify for an active license.
Maine
How do i receive an active real estate license in Maine?
It is highly recommended to NOT get an inactive sales agent license. If you still want to be inactive, you need to fill out a change of license application and pay a $20 fee.
Maryland
How to activate real estate license in Maryland?
You must meet all of the requirements set by the Maryland Real Estate Commission, such as completing 60 hours of pre-license education and passing the state exam, plus pay your real estate license fee. All salespersons must work under the supervision of an employee licensed broker.
Massachusetts
How do i receive an active real estate license in Massachusetts?
You receive an active Massachusetts Real Estate salesperson license by meeting all of the licensing requirements. This includes completing the pre-license education, submitting a license application, passing the state's background check review, and passing the state licensing exam.
Michigan
How do I receive an active real estate license in Michigan?
After completing the required 40 hours of approved pre-licensing education and clearing the background check, find an active Michigan sponsoring broker to name on your real estate application. Then you can appear for the Michigan Real Estate Licensing exam and receive your active license. Remember, even if you pass the exam, the Department won’t be able to issue your license without information regarding your Employing Broker.
Mississippi
How to activate real estate license in Mississippi?
Your Mississippi salesperson license will automatically be issued on active status once you have met all of the steps in the licensing process. Your initial license will not be issued on inactive status.
Missouri
How to activate real estate license in Missouri?
All real estate licenses in Missouri are issued as active licenses. Missouri real estate licenses remain in an active status until the license holder proactively chooses to place the license in an inactive status.
Montana
How to activate real estate license in Montana?
You receive an active real estate license by meeting all the licensing requirements. That includes working on the supervision of an endorsed real estate broker and maintaining your continuing education hours.
Nebraska
How do i receive an active real estate license in Nebraska?
You have 30 days after passing the state licensing exam to submit your license issuance form. You'll need to include the license issuance fee in the signature of your employing broker.
Nevada
How do i receive an active real estate license in Nevada?
Follow all the steps outlined in the Nevada real estate salesperson application. If approved, you will automatically be on active status. There is no option to apply for an inactive license with your initial application.
New Hampshire
How do i receive an active real estate license in New Hampshire?
You will automatically receive an active New Hampshire real estate salesperson license once you complete all of the licensing steps. New Hampshire does not issue you an initial license on inactive status. So, you will need to take the pre-license course, pass the state exam, pass the criminal record check, and be hired by a New Hampshire broker.
New Jersey
How do i receive an active real estate license in New Jersey?
You earn an active New Jersey real estate salesperson license by meeting all of the right criteria. This includes passing the state licensing exam and working under the supervision of a managing broker. A managing broker must always supervise you if you hold a salesperson license.
New Mexico
How to activate real estate license in New Mexico?
For the New Mexico Real Estate Commission to issue you an active broker license, you must have been hired by a supervisory qualifying broker. This individual must fill out the section on your broker license application designated for their information.
New York
How do I receive an active real estate license in New York?
It is required to complete 75 years of mandatory coursework and undergo a criminal background check to get an active real estate license in New York. After completing the pre-licensing education, you’ll need to find an active practicing New York broker to sponsor you. Then you can take the state exam and officially apply for your license through your eAccessNY account.
North Carolina
How do I receive an active real estate license in North Carolina?
Applicants need to complete the 75 hours of the necessary pre-licensing education. Then, submit an application on the North Carolina Real Estate Commission website for a licensing exam and wait for approval of exam eligibility based on your background check. Last but not least, it’s essential to find a sponsoring broker in order to receive an active license.
North Dakota
How do i receive an active real estate license in North Dakota?
You initially receive an active North Dakota salesperson license by completing the prerequisite licensing steps and having your hiring broker submit a license activation request. If you have been holding an inactive license, you can return to active status by completing the transfer or activate license request form and paying a $50 fee.
Ohio
How do i receive an active real estate license in Ohio?
To receive an active Ohio real estate salesperson license, you must follow all of the steps to receive a new salesperson license. You must pass your fingerprinting, be supervised by an Ohio license broker, has the state exam, and show you have good character.
Oklahoma
How do i receive an active real estate license in Oklahoma?
You will receive an active Oklahoma real estate salesperson license once you meet all of the requirements for licensure and have been activated by a managing broker. You must continue to work under the supervision of an Oklahoma license broker to stay on active status.
Oregon
How do i receive an active real estate license in Oregon?
After you have passed your background check and state exam, you must have a Principal broker add you to their business license and request your license be activated. This usually takes 1-2 days.
Pennsylvania
How do I receive an active real estate license in Pennsylvania?
After meeting the necessary 75 hour pre-licensing educational requirements, you can submit an application to take the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson exam. You can then take up to 3 years from the date of the exam to complete your real estate salesperson application. Make sure that your application includes details of your chosen sponsoring broker, who must be an active and current Pennsylvania broker.
Rhode Island
How do i receive an active real estate license in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Real Estate salespersons must work under the supervision of a licensed broker to maintain an active real estate license. Once you have met the education requirements, passed the state licensing exam, been hired by a broker, and secured errors and omissions insurance, you can file your application.
South Carolina
How do I receive an active real estate license in South Carolina?
Once you’ve completed the pre-licensing coursework, submit an application to take the state licensing exam. After your application is approved, you’ll be able to sit for the exam administered by PSI. Finally, locate an active broker to sponsor and mentor you. Now that you’ve met the licensing requirements, you can finalize your online application.
South Dakota
How do i receive an active real estate license in South Dakota?
You need to be hired by an South Dakota qualifying broker. This broker requests your license from the SDREC. They can also fill in the broker information section on your initial application.
Tennessee
How do I receive an active real estate license in Tennessee?
After meeting the basic pre-licensing requirements, you can apply to take the Tennessee real estate affiliate broker exam, administered by PSI. After giving the exam, you should get your photo taken at the test center and submit your fingerprints for a background check. Additionally, applicants need to provide proof that they have an errors and omissions insurance policy. Then, find an active sponsoring broker and complete your application.
Texas
How to activate real estate license in Texas?
In order to get an active real estate license, you will have to complete a sponsorship request with the help of your sponsoring broker.
This can be done online using TREC’s Online Licensing Service. Once your sponsoring broker accepts your request, TREC will issue you an active license.
You can also submit the sponsoring request by mailing in a Sales Agent Sponsorship form. Your sponsoring broker will have to fill out section 2 of this form. In addition, TREC charges a $30 paper filing fee for all requests made via mail.
Utah
How do i receive an active real estate license in Utah?
You must meet all of the sales agent license requirements, including the pre-license education and passing the sales exam. You must complete the background check and affiliate with a Utah licensed principal broker.
Vermont
How do i receive an active real estate license in Vermont?
You are issued an active Vermont real estate salesperson license once all the licensing conditions have been met. This includes passing the national and state portions of the licensing exam, being hired by a Vermont license broker, and taking 40 hours of pre-license education.
Virginia
How to activate real estate license in Virginia?
If you have a sponsoring broker when it comes time to submit your Virginia Salesperson License Application, the Real Estate Board will issue you an active real estate license.
You must complete sections 12 & 13 of the application, and have your sponsoring broker complete section 18.
Once your application is approved, the Board will mail your active license to your sponsoring broker's office.
Washington
How do I receive an active real estate license in Washington?
Getting a Washington real estate license involves meeting requirements such as being over 18 years of age, completing the 90-hour pre-license course, finding a sponsoring broker who is actively practicing, and taking the state licensing exam. While completing your coursework, students need to register through the PSI/AMP student portal. This submits all necessary coursework completion information and allows you to register for an exam date.
West Virginia
How to activate real estate license in West Virginia?
Once you meet the licensing requirements and as long as you work under the supervision of a licensed West Virginia broker, you will have an active real estate license. The requirements include taking the pre-license education and passing the state licensing exam.
Wisconsin
How do I receive an active real estate license in Wisconsin?
To receive an active real estate license, you’ll need to complete the 72-hour pre-license course approved by the Wisconsin DSPS and comply with a background check. After clearing the state licensing exam and successfully listing a sponsoring broker to mentor you, you’re all set to receive your license.
Wyoming
How to activate real estate license in Wyoming?
You receive an active Wyoming real estate salesperson by meeting the licensing requirements. These include passing the state licensing exam, taking pre-licensing education, and being hired by a Wyoming licensed broker. After your application is approved and you pay the licensing fee, you’ll receive an active license.
