What ongoing fees are associated with being a real estate agent?

Ongoing fees for a California real estate agent include NAR national dues of $156 per year plus a $45 special assessment (totaling $201), state association dues of $342 per year (2026 C.A.R. figure), and local association dues that vary by region. MLS access fees also vary by association, ranging from approximately $480 to $650 per year. License renewal is required every four years and costs $350 on time or $525 if renewed late, plus 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education. Brokerage fees, such as desk fees or commission splits, depend on the brokerage model and are separate from association and licensing costs.

Sources: NAR — How to Become a Realtor; California DRE — Fee Changes Advisory (July 1, 2024); NAR — Membership Dues Info; CDAR — Annual Billing; OC Realtors — MLS-Only Salesperson; California Department of Real Estate (DRE) — Fee Schedule RE 206 (Rev 7/26) and dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Fees.html; CA DRE — License Fees; CA DRE — Salesperson Requirements.

Massachusetts real estate license renewal costs $103 for a salesperson and $142 for a broker every 2 years on the licensee's birthday, and a $57 late fee applies if the renewal is received after the expiration date. Each renewal term also requires 12 hours of continuing education to maintain active status. Additional ongoing costs that vary by provider include MLS access, errors and omissions insurance, and optional REALTOR® association dues, which at the national level total $201 for 2027.

Sources: Mass.gov — RE License Exam Guide; MA DPL — Real Estate License Fees; Mass.gov — Renew RE License; NAR — Membership Dues Info.

Missouri real estate licenses must be renewed every two years, with renewal fees that vary by license type. Each renewal cycle requires 12 hours of continuing education, including at least 3 hours of an MREC-designated core course, and late renewals incur additional delinquent fees. For 2027, NAR members pay national dues of $156 per year plus a $45 special assessment. Additional costs vary by brokerage and local association, including MLS access, lockbox fees, and errors and omissions insurance.

Sources: MO DPR — Real Estate (Landing Page); NAR — How to Become a Realtor.

New Hampshire salespersons pay a $99 license renewal fee every two years, and brokers pay $121. Active renewal requires 15 hours of continuing education per cycle: one 3-hour core course and 12 elective hours. Optional NAR membership costs $201 per year in national dues as of 2027 ($156 in dues plus a $45 Consumer Advertising Campaign assessment). Additional expenses such as MLS access, errors and omissions insurance, and local association dues vary by provider and brokerage.

Sources: NH OPLC — Real Estate License Fees; NH OPLC — Real Estate Education Requirements; NAR — Membership Dues Information.

New Jersey salespersons pay a $100 renewal fee every two years, and a $200 late fee applies if the 12 required continuing education credits are not completed by the April 30 deadline. National Association of REALTORS® dues are $156 per year plus a $45 special assessment for the Consumer Advertising Campaign, and New Jersey Multiple Listing Service membership costs $250 per year for an agent. Additional costs include local association dues, continuing education courses, and errors and omissions insurance, all of which vary by provider and location.

Sources: NJ DOBI — Real Estate License Fees; NJ DOBI — Real Estate Licensing and Education Hub; NAR — Membership Dues Information.

New York real estate licensees must pay a $65 renewal fee every two years and complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education each renewal cycle. Additional costs depend on brokerage arrangements, which may include commission splits, desk fees, or technology fees. REALTOR® membership is optional and carries national dues of $156 plus a $45 special assessment per year as of 2027, and MLS access fees vary by region and local association.

Sources: NY Department of State — Become a Real Estate Salesperson; NY DOS — Real Estate Salesperson FAQ; NAR — Membership Dues Info.

North Carolina real estate licensees must pay a $50 annual renewal fee by June 30 each year, and complete 8 hours of continuing education (4-hour Update course plus 4-hour elective) by June 10, with course fees set by the sponsoring provider. Provisional Brokers must also complete 90 hours of Postlicensing education within 18 months of initial licensure to remove provisional status. Optional costs include REALTOR® association membership dues, MLS access fees, and errors and omissions insurance, none of which are required by the Commission.

Sources: NCREC — General Brochure (Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina, March 2024).