What is the cheapest way to get a real estate license?

Fixed government fees for an Arizona salesperson license total $202, consisting of $75 for the exam, $60 for the original license ($50 license fee plus $10 Real Estate Recovery Fund), and $67 for the Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Pre-licensing education costs vary by school, typically ranging from approximately $350 to $900 or more across ADRE-approved providers, with online self-paced courses generally at the lower end of that range. Total cost to obtain a salesperson license generally runs from approximately $550 to $1,500 or more, depending on the education package selected.

Sources: ADRE — Fee Schedule.

The fixed mandatory fees to obtain an Arkansas salesperson license total $236.25: a $50 application fee, $36.25 background check fee (paid to the Arkansas State Police), $75 exam fee, $50 license fee, and $25 recovery fund fee. The largest variable cost is the 60-hour pre-licensing course, and tuition varies by provider across the market. Because the state does not regulate course pricing, the total out-of-pocket cost depends on which AREC-approved school you select.

Sources: Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) — Official FAQ, Fee Notice, and Arkansas Real Estate License Law (April 2026 edition); Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC); AREC — Education.

The fixed DRE fees to obtain a salesperson license total $499: $100 for the examination, $350 for the original license, and $49 for fingerprint processing, all effective July 1, 2024. Pre-license education costs vary by provider and format, with the three required 45-hour courses generally ranging from around $150 to $500. California community colleges offer DRE-approved real estate courses, and self-paced online or e-book formats typically cost less than livestream or premium packages. Submitting the combined exam and license application (RE 435) rather than applying separately can also reduce processing time.

Sources: California Department of Real Estate (DRE) — Fee Schedule RE 206 (Rev 7/26) and dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Fees.html; California DRE (dre.ca.gov) — Fingerprint Requirements and Fees pages; US Realty Training background check guide; CA DRE — Salesperson Requirements; CA DRE — License Fees.

The Colorado Division of Real Estate charges fixed fees that every applicant must pay: a $83 broker application fee and a $44.95 examination fee for the first attempt. Additional required costs include a fingerprint-based background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which must be in place before a license can go active. The largest variable cost is the 168-hour pre-licensing education, and prices differ across the state's approved providers, so choosing a lower-priced school is the main way to reduce total out-of-pocket cost.

Sources: CO DRE — Broker Applications, Documents and Fees; Colorado DRE — Broker License Application Requirements.

The regulatory costs are fixed at $80 for the application, $59 for the PSI exam, and $590 for license activation. The only variable cost is the 60-hour pre-licensing course, which multiple state-approved providers offer at different price points and delivery formats. The Department of Consumer Protection maintains a searchable database of approved schools and courses that candidates can use to compare options.

Sources: CT DCP — RE Salesperson Initial Exam.

The fixed costs for a Delaware salesperson license are a $149 application fee, a $25 Guaranty Fund fee, and an $88 exam fee paid to Pearson VUE, totaling $262 in state and exam fees. The required 99-hour pre-licensing course is the main variable cost, and tuition differs among the providers on the state's approved-education list. All state fees are non-refundable and processed through the DELPROS online system.

Sources: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Real Estate Fee Schedule; Delaware DPR — RE Salesperson.

The fixed costs of obtaining a Florida real estate license include the $83.75 DBPR application fee, the $36.75 Pearson VUE exam fee, and fingerprinting at approximately $50 to $80. The 63-hour pre-licensing course is the variable component, with online self-paced formats generally costing less than in-person or livestream options. Applicants may submit the DBPR application before completing the pre-licensing course to overlap the processing time with coursework.

Sources: Florida Realtors — License Guide; Pearson VUE — Exam Publication PDF (Candidate Fact Sheet); DBPR (myfloridalicense.com) Fingerprinting page; corroborated by Florida Realtors; FL DBPR — RE Education Requirements.

The required government fees are fixed regardless of provider: a $170 license fee (or $145 if paid through the Commission's online system, which offers a $25 discount compared to non-online payment), a background check of $39.99 to $51.99 through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service, and a per-attempt examination fee paid to PSI. Pre-licensing course tuition is the main variable cost, with basic online self-paced courses generally costing less than in-person or premium packages that include exam prep tools and additional materials. Paying the license fee through the Commission's online system saves $25 compared to paying by mail or other non-online methods.

Sources: GA Admin Code — GREC Rules 520-1 (Licensure and Brokerage); Georgia Bureau of Investigation — GCIC Fees (Effective January 1, 2025).

The fixed costs to obtain an Illinois broker license are a $58 exam fee per attempt paid to PSI, an initial license application fee paid to IDFPR, and a fingerprint background check through a state-licensed vendor whose fee varies. The 75-hour pre-license education requirement (60 hours of topics plus 15 hours of interactive applied principles) must be completed through an IDFPR-approved provider, and course prices differ across providers and formats, making education the largest variable cost. No single provider's pricing is set or endorsed by the state, so the total out-of-pocket cost depends on which approved school and course format the applicant chooses.

Sources: PSI — IL Exam Candidate Bulletin; IDFPR – Real Estate Broker 75-Hour Pre-License Curriculum (Official Document).

The fixed costs to obtain an Indiana real estate broker license are a $55 exam fee paid to Pearson VUE, a $60 license application fee paid to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, and a $38.20 background check fee. The 90-hour pre-licensing course is the largest variable cost, and Indiana does not regulate course tuition, so prices differ across providers. Applicants can compare options on the state's approved-education list to find a course that fits their budget.

Sources: Pearson VUE — Indiana Real Estate Candidate Handbook (March 2025); Indiana PLA — Real Estate Licensing Information; Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) — Criminal Background Checks page.

Kansas salesperson license fees paid to the Kansas Real Estate Commission total $210, comprising a $15 application fee, a $70 background and fingerprint fee, and a $125 license fee. A separate $70 exam fee is paid directly to Pearson VUE. The only variable cost is pre-license course tuition, which differs by provider and format; all courses must be taken through a school on the state's approved-education list. Effective July 1, 2025, all fees related to original licensure are waived for qualifying military spouses under 2025 HB 2280.

Sources: KREC — Kansas Real Estate Commission FAQ.

The mandatory upfront costs to obtain a Mississippi salesperson license include a $100 application fee paid to MREC and a $75 exam fee paid to PSI, which covers both the national and state portions. Pre-licensing course tuition is the largest variable cost and differs by approved provider. A fingerprint-based background check is currently free, increasing to $25 on October 1, 2026. Errors and omissions insurance is required for active licensees, with the group policy premium at or below the statutory cap of $250 per 12-month period. A 30-hour post-license course must also be completed within 12 months of licensure.

Sources: MREC Rules and Regulations (Rev 02-21-2025); Mississippi Real Estate License Law (2024 Revised), Section 73-35-7(d); MREC Resident Broker License Application (Rev 07-2024); House Bill 1212 (2020); Mississippi License Law (Rev 07-01-2026); MREC PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.

The fixed state costs include the $140 salesperson application fee paid to the Nevada Real Estate Division and a fingerprinting background check fee of approximately $40. The 120-hour pre-licensing education requirement is the largest variable cost, and prices differ substantially among NRED-approved schools. Some approved schools offer pre-licensing courses at no cost, which is the most direct way to minimize total expense. The cheapest path is to select a low-cost or free education provider while budgeting for the fixed application, fingerprinting, and exam fees.

Sources: Nevada RED — Form 501 (Licensing Requirements); Nevada RED — Form 580 (Renewal Application); Nevada RED — Salesperson License Requirements.

The fixed regulatory costs to obtain a New Jersey salesperson license are the $45 exam fee paid to PSI, the $66.05 fingerprinting and background check fee paid to IDEMIA, and the $160 initial license application fee. The only variable cost is the 75-hour pre-licensing course, which varies by school and format. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance maintains an official list of approved schools offering in-person, live remote, and online options.

Sources: NAR — Membership Dues Information; New Jersey Real Estate Commission / NJ Department of Banking and Insurance (official state regulator page); NJ DOBI — Real Estate License Fees; NJ DOBI — Requirements for Licensure as a NJ Real Estate Salesperson or Broker.

The fixed state costs for a New York real estate salesperson license total $80, comprising a $15 written exam fee and a $65 application fee. The 77-hour pre-licensing course represents the largest variable cost, and prices vary widely by provider and format, with online self-paced courses generally costing less than in-person options. Most students pay between $400 and $900 total when combining course tuition with the fixed state fees.

Sources: New York Department of State (DOS) — fixed fees; cross-referenced with multiple education providers (HousingWire, LearnCycle, Colibri, US Realty Training); NY Department of State — Become a Real Estate Salesperson; NY DOS — Become a Real Estate Salesperson.

The mandatory regulatory fees for a North Carolina real estate license are fixed: a $105 application fee to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, a $63 comprehensive exam fee (or $53 for a single section) paid to Pearson, and a criminal record report with costs that vary based on residency history. The cost that varies most by provider is the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course, which is offered in person, via live online instruction, and as self-paced online programs, with tuition set by each Commission-certified education provider. The Commission does not regulate course tuition.

Sources: NCREC — Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina (April 2026 edition).

The required fees to obtain a North Dakota real estate salesperson license include a $150 application fee, an $11.25 credit history fee, a $40 fingerprinting analysis fee paid to the ND Attorney General, an exam fee set by and paid to PSI, a $20 one-time Recovery Fund payment, and $187 per calendar year for E&O insurance through Rice Insurance. Pre-licensing course fees are set independently by NDREC-approved schools and vary by delivery format, with online self-paced options generally costing less than in-person or hybrid courses. All applications must be submitted online through NDREC's online services portal at services.realestatend.org, as paper applications are not accepted.

Sources: NDREC — How to Apply; North Dakota Real Estate Commission — How to Apply.

The fixed costs to obtain an Ohio salesperson license include an $81 application fee, a $63 exam fee paid to PSI, and a background check that typically costs $50 to $100 depending on the WebCheck provider. Pre-licensing education is the largest variable expense: Ohio requires 100 hours across four courses, and the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing does not set education pricing, so tuition varies by approved provider. A 20-hour post-licensing course is also required within the first year of licensure.

Sources: Ohio COM — Salesperson License Requirements; Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing — PSI Candidate Information Bulletin; Ohio Board of Pharmacy (official state regulator); corroborated by Ohio Attorney General WebCheck Community Listing; Ohio Admin. Code — RE Rule 1301:5-7-02 (Continuing Education Requirements); Ohio REPL — Broker License Requirements.

Oklahoma's fixed regulatory fees to obtain a Provisional Sales Associate license total $280: a $35 application processing fee, $60 background check, $75 exam fee (state and national portions combined with the two-for-one discount), and $110 license issuance fee (active, includes education fee), all per the OREC fee schedule effective November 1, 2024. Pre-licensing education is the only variable cost, and tuition varies by provider, so choosing a lower-cost approved education provider reduces the overall total. The 90-hour pre-license course is the largest variable expense in the process.

Sources: OREC — Licensing Fee Schedule 2022; OREC — Licensing & Exam FAQs; OREC — Nov 2024 Fee Schedule.

The fixed costs for an Oregon broker license are a $300 nonrefundable application fee paid through eLicense, a $75 exam fee per attempt paid to PSI, and a $56.25 fingerprinting fee paid at the PSI test center. Pre-license education from an Agency-approved school is required at 150 hours, and costs vary by provider and format, with online self-paced courses generally costing less than community college or hybrid formats. Passing both exam sections on the first attempt avoids additional $75 exam fees, since each retake requires a new registration payment. The Oregon Real Estate Agency maintains a list of approved pre-license schools on its website so applicants can compare options.

Sources: Oregon REA — Get Broker License; PSI — Oregon Real Estate Exam Candidate Information Bulletin.

The largest variable cost in obtaining a South Carolina real estate license is pre-licensing education, which varies by provider and format. Selecting a lower-cost education provider and passing the exam on the first attempt are the most effective ways to reduce total cost. Fixed costs include a $63 exam fee paid to PSI, fingerprinting and background check fees, and application and licensure fees. The Commission publishes its list of approved education providers under Document 140 on the Pre-Licensing page.

Sources: PSI Services LLC — South Carolina Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin.

The fixed regulatory costs for a South Dakota broker associate license include a $225 application fee and a $50 fingerprint and background check fee payable to DCI. Exam fees are payable to PSI at registration, and active licensees must carry errors and omissions insurance. Pre-licensing education is the only variable cost, with online, hybrid, and classroom formats available on the SD DLR approved-education list; tuition differs by provider and format.

Sources: SD DLR — Real Estate Fees; South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — Real Estate Commission (official application forms, Rev. 06/2026).

The fixed regulatory costs to obtain a Texas sales agent license are the TREC original application at $206, the Pearson VUE sales exam at $43, and the fingerprint fee at $37 paid to IDEMIA. Pre-licensing education is the only variable cost, and prices differ by provider and delivery format. TREC maintains a searchable database of approved qualifying education providers on its website where applicants can compare delivery methods and course offerings.

Sources: TREC Fee Schedule Effective December 15, 2025.

The fixed regulatory costs to obtain a Utah sales agent license are the $69 exam fee paid to Pearson VUE and the $154 application fee paid to the Utah Division of Real Estate. Pre-licensing course costs vary by provider on the state's approved-education list, and some approved schools offer tuition at no cost. Because only the exam and application fees are fixed, the largest variable is the pre-licensing course tuition, so selecting a lower-cost approved school is the main way to reduce total expense.

Sources: Pearson VUE — Candidate Bulletin PDF (Utah Real Estate Candidate Handbook); Utah Commerce — RE Fee Schedule.

Government-set fees for a Washington broker license include a $210 exam fee and a $233 original license fee, which includes a mandatory $20 research fee. A fingerprint background check is also required, with fees set by the vendor. Pre-licensing education costs vary by provider and format, with online self-paced courses generally costing less than in-person or livestream options.

Sources: WA DOL — Real Estate Broker Fees.

The total cost to get licensed in Wyoming generally runs $1,200 to $1,500, with pre-licensing education being the most variable component. Fixed costs include $141 per exam portion, fingerprint card processing, and errors and omissions insurance. Online self-paced pre-licensing courses typically cost less than in-person instruction, and taking courses locally avoids travel expenses. The total estimate depends on whether courses are taken locally or require travel to another community.

Sources: Teton Board of Realtors — So You Want To Be A Real Estate Agent.