Broker and real estate agent licensing in Utah

The Utah Division of Real Estate (DRE) governs licensing for real estate professionals statewide. The path to becoming a broker and real estate agent starts with a sales agent license. The process involves five stages: meeting eligibility requirements, completing coursework at a certified school, passing the state licensing exam, submitting an application with fingerprints, and activating the license under a sponsoring broker.

Utah real estate licensing requirements

Utah's licensing qualifications are established in Utah Code Annotated 61-2f-203^[1], which requires applicants to demonstrate honesty, integrity, truthfulness, reputation, and competency. Administrative Rule R162-2f-201^[1] provides detail on how an applicant's criminal history and other relevant factors affect qualification. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but the DRE reviews each case individually.

All applications are submitted through the DRE's My License One^[2] online system, which requires a UtahID account. The UtahID account must use the same email address on file with the Division to avoid processing delays.

Complete your pre-licensing education

Pre-licensing education from a state-certified school is the first substantive step after confirming eligibility. The Utah DRE's approved pre-license school list^[3] includes 14 providers offering live instruction, and many also provide online course formats.

Your real estate pre licensing course completion certificate must be presented each time you take the exam and submitted with your license application, according to the Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook^[4]. The certificate is valid for one year from the completion date. You must complete both the exam and the licensing process within that one-year window, or retake the pre-license education.

Register for and take the licensing exam

The licensing exam is administered by Pearson VUE^[5] under contract with the state.

Reservations are made online through Pearson VUE, and walk-in testing is not available. Utah test centers are located in Bountiful, Cedar City, Draper, Logan, Moab, Ogden, Orem, Richfield, Roosevelt, and St. George. Candidates must present two forms of current, valid, signature-bearing identification.

If you pass one section and fail the other, you retake only the failed section within 6 months. After 6 months, both sections must be retaken. There is no limit on attempts, and each retake requires a separate reservation fee.

You must pass the exam within one year of completing your pre-licensing education and submit your license application within 90 days of passing both sections, per the Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook^[4].

Practice tests and study materials

Submit your license application and complete fingerprinting

After passing the exam, you submit your license application through the My License One^[2] system using your UtahID account. The new sales agent application fee is $154, per the Utah DRE fee schedule^[6]. All documents must be in PDF format before uploading.

After the DRE receives your application, they email fingerprint instructions and authorization forms within 1 to 2 business days. Fingerprints are required for all applicants. The DRE states a 30-day turnaround for new sales agent applications as of August 2026, according to the Utah DRE Sales Agent licensing page^[1].

Fingerprinting can be completed at Pearson VUE test centers in Bountiful, Draper, Ogden, and Orem, or through private vendors using two FD-258 fingerprint cards. The Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook^[4] states that the Pearson VUE digital fingerprinting fee is separate from the fingerprint fee paid to the Utah DRE, but the handbook contains conflicting amounts for this fee. Candidates should verify the charge directly with Pearson VUE when scheduling.

Activate your license with a sponsoring broker

The activation request fee is $15, per the Utah DRE fee schedule^[6]. Once your application is approved, your sponsoring broker submits the activation through the My License One system.

Renew your license and complete continuing education

License renewal is handled through the online My License One portal at the end of each renewal cycle. On-time renewal opens 45 days before the expiration date and closes at 11:59 p.m. on the expiration date, per the Utah DRE^[7].

First renewal and late penalties

At first renewal, new sales agents must complete a 12-hour New Agent Course in addition to the standard CE requirements. All CE must be completed by the 15th of the renewal month for on-time renewal. If a license expires, renewal within the first 30 days requires a $50 late fee. Between 31 days and 12 months, a $100 reinstatement fee applies. After 12 months, the DRE processes the application as a new license.

Advance to broker or earn the REALTOR® designation

After gaining experience as a sales agent, two optional pathways are available: upgrading to a broker license or joining the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to use the REALTOR® designation. These are distinct credentials with separate requirements.

A broker license requires additional education, documented experience, and a separate exam. The broker new application fee is $160, and the broker exam passing score is 75 on both portions, compared to 70 for sales agents. The Utah DRE broker licensing page^[8] provides full details on experience and education requirements.

Becoming a real estate agent

The REALTOR® designation is a membership credential, not a state license. Only NAR members can call themselves a REALTOR® or use the trademark.

Transfer a license from another state

Utah has reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Mississippi, and Alberta, Canada, per the Utah DRE reciprocity page^[9]. Applicants from these states may qualify for streamlined licensing. Applicants from non-reciprocity states may request a waiver of some education and/or national exam requirements, though waivers are not granted if the license has expired, is inactive, or is not in good standing. All reciprocity applications must be submitted online.

What to do next

Start by reviewing the Utah DRE Sales Agent licensing page^[1] for the most up-to-date requirements and processing times. Then choose a state-approved real estate school from the DRE's approved school list^[3] and begin your coursework. Create a UtahID account with the same email address you plan to use for your application, so you are ready to submit through My License One as soon as you pass the exam.