Your Complete Guide to Real Estate Reciprocity

By Ciprian Morariu Published: March 8, 2022

Are you a currently licensed real estate professional seeking a license in another state? You may be available to take advantage of a reciprocal licensing agreement. This will simplify the licensing process and help you expand where you can do business. Learn about real estate reciprocity and the specific requirements based on each state.

What is real estate reciprocity?

Real estate reciprocity is when states negotiate an agreement to simplify the licensing process for current real estate license holders. The state recognizes you’ve taken real estate education, met some licensing requirements, and may have experience transacting real estate. A reciprocal agreement lets you “fast-track” the application process.

Rules of reciprocity in real estate and requirements regarding it vary between the states. Some states have full reciprocity, while others offer partial reciprocity. Some recognize specific states, while others do not acknowledge any prior licensing history.

What can you do with reciprocity?

A reciprocal real estate license gives you the opportunity to transfer or hold a real estate license in other states. In many cases, the process allows you to skip some or all of the general licensure requirements.

Why would I want a reciprocal real estate license?

The most obvious scenario is you are moving from your current state to a new state. If you plan to continue as a real estate professional, you’ll need a real estate license in your new state. Reciprocal licensing acknowledges your experience and simplifies the process so you can resume your real estate career.

In some cases, you may live in an area straddling state lines. Holding a license in both states enables you to serve a greater client base.

Let’s say you are not moving, but want to expand your real estate business. A reciprocal license enables you to scale by moving into new areas.

What’s the difference between reciprocity and portability?

Real estate reciprocity is how licensed real estate agents receive a license in another state without fulfilling all the licensing requirements. Real estate portability allows licensed out-of-state agents to conduct a transaction following local laws. Just as not all states have a reciprocal agreement, not all states have portability.

If you need to conduct multiple transactions in a state, applying for a reciprocal license is likely the better way to go. If you’re planning to do a single transaction on behalf of a client, portability may suffice.

Portability comes in three classifications.

Cooperative: you can practice real estate in both states, but you will need a co-brokerage agreement with a local brokerage in your client’s target market before you can assist with the transaction. You’ll still get paid without holding an in-state real estate license.
Physical Location: you can assist remotely with the purchase or sale, but you can’t enter the state to represent your client.
Turf: No one with an outside real estate license can conduct business in their market.

Learn about the reciprocal and portability status for each state:

Alabama

Reciprocal states: All, but with conditions

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Alabama reciprocal license applicants will need to:

Take a 6-hour course in Alabama real estate law as specified in Rule 790‐X‐1‐.18.
Pass the Alabama portion of the licensing exam.

The Alabama license application is given to you after passing the licensing exam. You’ll need to submit an official Certificate of Licensure from your currently licensed state. It must have been issued within 120 days of the Alabama Real Estate Commission receiving the reciprocal license application.

Alaska

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Alaska does not have reciprocity, but it does offer a license by endorsement process if you are currently licensed in another state. To do so:

Submit the real estate salesperson application by endorsement.
Provide a license to history from the jurisdictions you hold a real estate license.
Submit proof of real estate education equal to the 40 hours required in Alaska. These hours must have been completed within the 24 months before the date of application.
Include a statement that real estate has been your principal occupation for the immediate six months before the application.
Pass the state portion of the Alaska real estate exam.
Take a six-hour course on Alaska real estate law.

Finally, provide proof of Alaska E&O insurance coverage and be hired by an Alaska licensed broker.

Arizona

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Arizona does not provide reciprocity to any other state. There is a pathway for out-of-state license recognition.

You’ll have to be an Arizona state resident and have been licensed in another state for at least a year. You may avoid the 90-hour pre-license course requirement by providing evidence of your prior license, allowing you to skip the preliminary training program. You must have passed the other state’s licensing exam and not have had your license revoked in any other jurisdiction.

If you meet these requirements, then your steps are to:

Get a certified license history from your other state. PearsonVUE requires this to schedule your exam.
Pass the state licensing exam. You’ll need to do this to receive a salesperson application.
Apply within one year of passing the state exam.
Take the six-hour Contract Writing Course.
Submit proof of Arizona residence.
Submit a certified license history from other states.
A valid DPS issued AZ fingerprint clearance card.
Make an Arizona Residency Attestation.
Include the Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form (LI-214/244).
Be hired by an AZ licensed broker.

Arkansas

Reciprocal states: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Note you may still need to take the Arkansas law portion of the state licensing exam. Your reciprocity depends on your level of licensure and how you received your initial license.

To process the application, the Arkansas Real Estate Commission needs:

Completed application to take the real estate examination.
Proof of age.
If you are required to take the exam, your application fee will be $86.25. Make a cashier’s check or money order payable to “AREC”.
If you are not required to take the exam, your fee for a salesperson license will be $161.25. Make a cashier's check or money order payable to “AREC.”
Completed Fingerprint Card.
License histories from all states where you have a real estate license or have had a real estate license.

California

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

California does not offer reciprocity with any other state. Even if you are licensed in another state, you will have to go through the same process for California real estate license as every other applicant.

Colorado

Reciprocal states: All, with conditions

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Colorado offers reciprocity across states, but the pathway of your next steps depends on your license status and how long you’ve been active as a real estate professional.

All license applicants need to complete the required fingerprint background check, pass the state portion of the Colorado real estate broker’s exam, and provide a certified license history dated within 90 days of your application.

If you have an expired license or less than two years’ experience, you need to take additional hours of education, which breaks down as follows:

48 hours, Colorado Contracts & Regulations
8 hours, Trust Accounts & Recordkeeping
8 hours, Current Legal Issues
24 hours, Real Estate Closings
32 hours, Practical Applications

You’ll need to pass the national and state portion of the licensing exam.

Connecticut

Reciprocal states: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

To qualify for license reciprocity, you need to:

Have an active license in good standing in a recognized reciprocal state
Passed a written examination in the reciprocal state at the time of obtaining your license
Be hired by a sponsoring broker with an “active” Connecticut broker license

If you are applying from Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio or you did not take a written examination in a reciprocal state, you are required to take the state portion of the Connecticut Real Estate Examination.

What you will do is complete a notarized salesperson license application, submit a certificate of license history directly from the reciprocal state, and license histories from any other state you were issued a license from. Pay the $385 licensing fee. The DCP will either send you an examination postcard or the next steps for your reciprocal license.

Delaware

Reciprocal states: All

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Delaware allows current license holders to apply for reciprocity if they have a good standing license from any US jurisdiction, including territories and the District of Columbia.

All applications are submitted using the state’s online system DELPROS. First, you must create a DELPROS user account. You have six (6) months to submit your application once you begin.

You’ll need to upload into the DELPROS system and application:

The Statement of Broker of Record signed by the broker of record for the office you are working in.
A passing score from the Delaware law portion of the licensing exam

If you have been licensed less than three continuous years, you’ll also need:

A copy of the certificate received when you completed the Delaware law portion of the salesperson’s pre-licensing course, OR
A copy of the certificate received when you completed another jurisdiction’s pre-licensing salesperson’s course of at least 99 hours

If you have been licensed for three or more continuous years, you can meet one of the above requirements or submit with your license history a completed, signed Sales or Lease Transaction Listing form(s) listing 20 sales or lease transactions that you completed during the past three years.

Request a Certificate of Licensure History from every jurisdiction you hold a license. It must be sent directly to the Commission office and dated within 30 days of the application.

Florida

Reciprocal states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, West Virginia

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

If you hold a real estate license from a state with a mutual recognition agreement with Florida, you still need to meet the minimum age requirement, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a Social Security number.

You are exempt from the 63-hour pre-license education requirement. All you need to do is take the 40-question Florida laws section of the state exam. You will need a grade of 30 points or higher to pass.

As part of the mutual licensing application, be ready to provide a certificate of license history from one of these states. Your license information is needed for the Florida real estate sales associate license application.

You cannot be a Florida resident when you are making your reciprocity application. The exemptions do not apply if you earned a license in one of these ten states through licensing reciprocity with another state.

Georgia

Reciprocal states: All states except Florida

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Georgia allows current license holders to apply for a Georgia real estate license as long as:

You have passed the state real estate exam in your currently licensed state.
You currently hold an active and good standing real estate license.

If you meet these requirements, then you can submit an Application for Reciprocity License.

You’ll need to have the following documents for the application:

A notarized Lawful Presence Verification form
A non-refundable $170 fee
A certified copy of the licensing history from the Licensing Board of your residing state
A criminal history report or a Georgia Criminal Information Center Report (GCIC)
A certified copy of any disciplinary actions taken against your license.

Once you secure a Georgia real estate license through reciprocity, you are required to complete the 25-hour post-license course within the first year of licensure. You can either take the 25-hour Georgia post-license course or an equivalent course from your local state. If you don’t fulfill this requirement, your license lapse.

Remember, if you hold an active Georgia real estate license, you must complete at least 36 hours of approved continuing education within the four-year renewal period.

If you are applying for reciprocity using a Florida license, you must take and pass the Georgia Supplement Exam.

You can learn more about the Georgia Supplement Exam in the PSI Georgia Candidate Handbook.

Hawaii

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

While Hawaii does not have a reciprocal agreement with any state, you can qualify for equivalency to the pre-license education or equivalency to the uniform examination. You can apply for both, and both do have separate application processes.

If you choose the pre-licensing education equivalency pathway, you will need to submit a Hawaii salesperson license application form, pay a $50 non-refundable fee, and include a completed “Verification of License” form. The applicant completes Part 1 while Part 2 is submitted to your out-of-state licensing agency.

If you choose to apply for equivalency to the licensing examination, you must have successfully completed the Hawaii pre-license course or applied for equivalency to the pre-license education course. You must be a United States citizen, United States national, or an authorized alien, have a high school diploma, and be at least 18 years of age to sit for the exam.

Include a completed “Verification of License” form. The applicant completes Part 1 while Part 2 is submitted to your out-of-state licensing agency. You’ll also need proof of licensing education or the equivalency certificate. The application fee is $50.

Idaho

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

If you are actively licensed in another state, you can qualify for a waiver of the national portion of the Idaho licensing exam and/or pre-license education.

You’ll need to:

Submit a certified license history from your primary state of licensure.
Send your certified license history to the Idaho real estate commission with a completed exam waiver request form.
Schedule an exam appointment to take the Idaho portion of the exam.
Be fingerprinted following the IREC’s directions.
Purchase errors and omissions insurance coverage for Idaho.
Submit your salesperson application with your certified license history.

Illinois

Reciprocal states: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

If you hold a license in a reciprocal state, you need to have a certified license history from each state of licensure.

You will need to take and pass the Illinois state section of the licensing exam.

Your license must be sponsored by an active broker or managing broker with an Illinois license.

Submit a reciprocal license application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The licensing fee is $125.

Indiana

Reciprocal states: Illinois

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Active Illinois license holders will need an official license verification from Illinois. You also need an Indiana license sponsoring broker. Once you have the license verification and a hiring broker, complete the broker application form.

Iowa

Reciprocal states: Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, or North Dakota

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Before you can apply for a reciprocal license, you must be from one of the states listed above and be in good standing in that state. You also need to have received your original license from one of those states.

Your process will start with a state and criminal history background check run through the Iowa Real Estate Commission.

Submit your certificate of license history that shows your method of licensure and the real estate company that holds your license.

Purchase errors and omissions insurance that covers Iowa.

Once the Iowa Real Estate Commission receives your background check, you can submit your application and attach your original certificate of license history and your proof of insurance coverage.

Kansas

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Kansas does not offer reciprocity with other states, but you can use your active license to waive half of the required pre-licensing education and the national portion of the state licensing exam.

Salespersons still need to take the 30-hour Kansas Practice Course and pass the state portion of the licensing exam. Take and pass the course first. Create an account with the state’s testing vendor, Pearson VUE, and file a “Client Exam Waiver.” Once your waiver is approved, you can schedule your exam.

All other steps in the licensing process must be followed, such as the background check and application.

Kentucky

Reciprocal states: Florida, Ohio, West Virginia, and Tennessee

Portability: Turf

Reciprocal process:

If you are a licensed Florida, Ohio, West Virginia, or Tennessee real estate sales associate, you can get your license through reciprocity. You must have been actively licensed in that jurisdiction for at least one year before applying for reciprocity.

You’ll need to complete a 40-hour reciprocal license law course from a Kentucky-approved education provider, submit your fingerprints for a national criminal record check, and take a reciprocal licensing exam.

After passing the exam, you’ll receive a paper application and a link to the application via email. Submit with the application your certified license history from every state you’ve been a real estate agent. You also need errors and omissions insurance coverage for Kentucky and the $130 license fee.

You also still need to complete the 48 hours of post-license education courses within the first two years of earning your Kentucky license.

Louisiana

Reciprocal states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Louisiana offers license-for-license reciprocal status. You are issued the same license type you have in your resident state.

Please note Louisiana requires you to remain a legal resident of the state you lived at the time of the issuance of your reciprocal license. Once you move out of the reciprocal state, you are no longer considered a reciprocal licensee. You’ll need to meet Louisiana licensing laws regarding continuing education.

To apply:

Order a certified license history from your current resident state and any other state you have previously been licensed.
Send Salesperson License Part A and Part B with your license history to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.
Order your background check from the LREC website.
Submit proof of E&O coverage for Louisiana.

Maine

Reciprocal states: All

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Any real estate professional holding a current and active real estate license in any other state can earn a Maine real estate license after meeting certain requirements. Your qualifications are:

Be at least 18 years old at the time of license application.
Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

If you meet these basic requirements, the steps to earn your reciprocal license are:

Submit a license application.
Include a certification of licensure from any state a license has been held.
Pass the Maine Law portion of the real estate exam.
Pay the $121 application and criminal records check fee.

Maryland

Reciprocal states: Pennsylvania, Oklahoma

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Pennsylvania and Oklahoma license holders need to review the specific terms of the reciprocal agreement to make sure you meet the guidelines for your state. These generally include:

You earned your FIRST license from Pennsylvania or Oklahoma.
The license is current and active.
A letter from a Maryland sponsoring broker with your application.
The broker’s principal place of business CAN NOT be in Maryland.

Both applications will require you to hold a current license and to submit a certified license history.

Pennsylvania license holders will be excused from the exams and continuing education.

Oklahoma license holders must pass the state portion of the exam, but are excused from continuing education.

Reciprocal licenses are good for two years.

Massachusetts

Reciprocal states: All, with conditions

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Massachusetts allows reciprocity if the current state or jurisdiction has real estate brokering laws similar to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Applications for Massachusetts licensing through reciprocity must be submitted online through the Division Of Professional Licensure ePLACE portal.

Be ready to upload these supporting documents:

Your current and active state's certified letter of good standing.
A notarized criminal offender record information authorization form.
A recent color photograph in a passport-style headshot.
Any other official letters or certificates of standings for each professional license held in any other jurisdiction.

All license history letters or certificates must have been issued 90 days before your application submission.

Massachusetts real estate application and license fees are prorated based on the applicant's date of birth. The board takes about ten days to review and approve an application. A letter is mailed to your address and the approved license is added to the state database within 24-48 hours of issuance.

Michigan

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Current license holders need to obtain their license the same way as any non-licensee. This means:

Taking the 40-hour Michigan pre-license course.
Applying for your Michigan real estate license.
Passing the Michigan state licensing exam.

You are required to submit a signed and notarized Consent to Service of Process form.

Minnesota

Reciprocal states: Full–Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. Partial-Wisconsin

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Non-residents with active real estate licenses in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma must contact and associate with a Minnesota-licensed real estate broker to submit their application. Only Minnesota brokers can submit a non-resident application.

You must email a letter of certification no older than 90 days showing you are currently licensed in that state. The license fee will be $130.

Wisconsin-based license holders need to take a 13-hour Wisconsin to Minnesota Reciprocal pre-licensure course. Use the PULSE Portal to find a course. Your course completion certificate is good for one year.

Next, you’ll need to schedule and pass the state portion of the salesperson exam.

Finally, you need to contact and associate with a Minnesota-licensed real estate broker to submit the license application. Email a letter of certification no older than 90 days showing you are currently licensed in that state.

Mississippi

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Mississippi’s Real Estate Commission does not offer formal reciprocity, but you may be able to receive credit for your experience. It requires you to contact them BEFORE you submit a license application. The reciprocity requirements vary from state to state, and they do not list them on their website.

Generally speaking, all applicants will need:

A certified license history from every state you have been licensed in, issued within 60 days of your notarized application.
Errors and omissions insurance coverage for Mississippi.
The application fee.
To send the original application.

Missouri

Reciprocal states: All

Portability: Turf

Reciprocal process:

Missouri technically offers reciprocity with all other states, if the applicant currently holds a valid and current real estate license and follows these requirements:

Complete the MREP – the Missouri Real Estate Practice Course (24 classroom hours) before applying for licensure.
Pass the law portion of the Missouri State real estate exam.
Submit a certified license history issued within the last three months.

Montana

Reciprocal states: All

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Montana will determine if your other state’s licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Montana’s. The state will accept an application from current and active license holders in other jurisdictions as long as:

You take and pass the Montana portion of the licensing exam.
You submit a license verification from every state you have held and currently hold a license.
Submit the license application.
Pay the $80 application fee.

Nebraska

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Turf

Reciprocal process:

Nebraska does not have reciprocity with any states. However, if you have moved to Nebraska and are now a state resident, it does offer a license recognition pathway.

If this applies to you, download the license recognition application and the license issuance checklist. Use that as a guide for completing the steps. You'll need to submit to a criminal background check and be fingerprinted.

All recognition applicants must take a 3-hour course specific to the Nebraska Real Estate License Act and Nebraska Revised Statutes. You’ll need Nebraska errors and omissions insurance and a passport-style photograph taken within the last year.

The license application fee is $135, and the license issuance fee is $80.

Nevada

Reciprocal states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

To apply through reciprocity, you need to submit application Form 549. Include with your application:

A certified license history dated within 90 days of your license application.
The results of your Nevada state exam taken within the last 12 months.
Fingerprint verification form from within the last six months.
The notarized Consent to Service of Process Form 656 for nonresidents.

The salesperson license fee is $140. The Nevada Real Estate Division accepts checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders.

New Hampshire

Reciprocal states: Varied

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission may offer partial reciprocity to Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Georgia. You must email [email protected] to inquire about New Hampshire’s reciprocity and licensure equivalency requirements. The steps vary based on the state you currently hold an active license. Depending on your state and situation, the NHREC may send you an equivalency packet.

New Jersey

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Turf

Reciprocal process:

New Jersey does not offer a license through reciprocity. Currently licensed real estate professionals must follow the same steps as a new real estate salesperson.

New Mexico

Reciprocal states: Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Georgia

Portability: Turf

Reciprocal process:

Licensed real estate professionals in Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Georgia are eligible to apply for a license through reciprocity. New Mexico has a new online licensing portal. You’ll need to create an account to submit an application. Under “requirements for licensure,” select “Yes” for reciprocity.

Order a certified license history from every state you have been licensed. You’ll be asked to upload this into the portal.

The portal will ask for your supervising broker information. You must work under a New Mexico licensed broker.

New York

Reciprocal states: Six states for the salesperson license: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

New York offers reciprocity depending on your license type and the state. See:

Arkansas - Broker license only
Colorado - Broker and associate broker licenses only
Connecticut - Broker and salesperson license
Georgia - Broker and salesperson license
Massachusetts - Broker license only
Mississippi - Broker license only
Oklahoma - Broker and salesperson license
Pennsylvania - Broker and salesperson license
West Virginia - Broker and salesperson license

To obtain your New York real estate license through reciprocity, you must meet these requirements:

You must hold a current real estate license in your home state.
You must be sponsored by your home-state broker, who must also hold a current New York broker's license.
Submit a completed Real Estate Salesperson Application.
Pay the $55 license application fee.
Submit an irrevocable consent form.

North Carolina

Reciprocal states: All, with conditions

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Out-of-state current license holders that have been on active status within the previous three (3) years and that hold a license equivalent to NC's provisional or "full" broker license have two paths in the reciprocity process.

You can waive the 75-hour North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course and the National section of the North Carolina real estate license examination. Then choose between:

Taking and passing the State section of the examination and be issued an NC real estate broker license in a status equivalent to the status in the other jurisdiction
Waive the State section of the examination, be issued an NC real estate broker license on provisional status, and take NC’s post-licensing education course.

Provisional brokers who applied for an NC license based on licensure in another jurisdiction and who opted not to take the state section of the license examination are NOT eligible for any waiver of post-licensing education.

Make sure to submit a criminal record report, certification of licensure from your home state, application fee, and an application.

North Dakota

Reciprocal states: Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

A reciprocal license applicant must be in good standing in their resident state. You must maintain a place of business in the state of residence. You need to submit:

An original Certificate of Licensure less than three months old.
A passing score of the state portion of the North Dakota licensing exam.
Proof of residency in your home state.
Have a criminal history ran by the North Dakota Office of the Attorney General.
Make a $20 one-time payment to the ND Real Estate Education, Research, and Recovery Fund.
The salesperson license application.

You will need to be covered by North Dakota errors and omissions insurance and licensed under an ND broker.

Ohio

Reciprocal states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Wyoming

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Reciprocal applicants will need to:

Be a legal resident of the state that holds a reciprocal agreement with Ohio.
Take a 40-hour Ohio real estate law course at an institute of higher education.
Submit a salesperson reciprocity exam application.
Submit a nonresident consent to process form.
Submit a letter of good standing from your current state.
Be fingerprinted for a background check within ten days of submitting an application.
Pass the Ohio portion of the real estate licensing exam.
Affiliate with an Ohio licensed broker.

Remember to take the 10-hour post-license course within a year of being issued your Ohio real estate license.

Oklahoma

Reciprocal states: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

Portability: Physical Location

Reciprocal process:

If you hold a license in one of these states, you qualify to take the Oklahoma-only exam. The steps are to:

Complete at least one hour each of continuing education in Oklahoma Broker Relationship Act, Oklahoma Code and Rules, and Oklahoma Contracts and Forms from an approved course provider.
Order a certified license history from your currently licensed state.
Submit the sales associate license application.

Once approved, the OREC will send you information about taking the state exam.

Oregon

Reciprocal states: Alabama, Alberta (CAN), Georgia, Nebraska, South Dakota

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

The Oregon Real Estate Agency has specific reciprocal licensing requirements for each individual state it has a reciprocal agreement with. You must contact the agency for information.

Pennsylvania

Reciprocal states: Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York

Portability: Turf

Reciprocal process:

To earn a Pennsylvania reciprocal license, you must maintain your principal office in one of the six reciprocal states. You must hold a current and active broker or salesperson's license in the state.

If your principal office moves from one of these six states to Pennsylvania, you must notify the PA Real Estate Commission within 30 days. Your license needs to update from a reciprocal license to a standard license.

If you apply for reciprocity, you do not have to complete the 75-hour Pennsylvania pre-license course or pass the state exam.

You must include the following documentation with your application:

A certified copy of your current real estate license.
A certified statement from the licensing body of your current state as to whether you have been the subject of any disciplinary proceeding and the details of those proceedings.
A verified statement that you are not subject to any current investigations under a licensing law or criminal law; that you have read and are familiar with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act, and that you agree to permit the disclosure of the record in any disciplinary proceedings involving any alleged misconduct.

It takes approximately 2-3 weeks to apply for and receive a reciprocal license with Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island

Reciprocal states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Candidates applying for a Rhode Island license using reciprocity will fill out the reciprocal real estate salesperson application. Your application will require you to have:

Proof of completing the required Lead Hazard Mitigation course
A criminal history record from the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General.
A letter of good standing from your home state licensing authority
A certificate of errors and omissions insurance for Rhode Island
The irrevocable Power of Attorney form

Florida reciprocal applicants will need to take the state portion of the licensing examination and submit their score report. Schedule the exam before submitting the application.

South Carolina

Reciprocal states: Georgia (full), All (partial)

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Full reciprocity is available for Georgia residents who qualified through written examination and who hold an active real estate license in Georgia.

Georgia licensees must pay the salesperson license fee of $50, provide a copy of their state ID showing proof of Georgia residency, a copy of their social security card, notarized verification of lawful presence, a certification of licensure history from the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and any other jurisdiction where they have held a license, and a criminal history explanation form, if applicable.

The Commission also recognizes the qualifications of other non-resident applicants already licensed in other jurisdictions. Although exempt from taking the national portion of the exam, these licensees must still take the South Carolina section of the real estate licensee exam.

If this is you, include with the application a certification of licensure from any other jurisdiction where a license was held within the past five years. To qualify, these licensees must have been actively licensed within six months of making your South Carolina application.

South Dakota

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

South Dakota doesn’t offer reciprocity with other states.

It does offer a pathway to recognize your experience. If you are actively licensed in another state, and you earned your license by passing that jurisdiction’s licensing exam, you can be waived from taking the national portion of the exam.

You’ll still need to follow the other licensing steps, such as:

Requesting fingerprint cards from the real estate commission
Passing the state portion of the exam
Procuring errors and omissions insurance for South Dakota
A certified license history dated within the last 30 days
Contacting the Secretary of State for authorization to conduct business in South Dakota

Tennessee

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

If you have a current real estate salesperson license or equivalent in another state, you start the Tennessee licensing process by submitting a special form and a certified license history from every state where you have ever been licensed for real estate.

You need to complete a worksheet about your prior licensing history and obtain a certified license history from states you have held a prior license. You’ll need to send this to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission who will review your licensing request. It will then notify you of your exam requirements.

Texas

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Texas does not have a reciprocity agreement with any state. All prospective licensees are required to complete the 180-hour Texas real estate pre-license course, submit a Texas license application, get fingerprinted, and pass the state exam.

However, if your real estate license is still active, you will not be required to take the national portion of the state exam. You will only be required to take the state law portion.

Utah

Reciprocal states: Georgia, Mississippi, and Alberta (CAN).

Portability: Turf

Reciprocal process:

Sales agent candidates eligible for reciprocity need to complete and sign the real estate reciprocity application. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Include with your application:

An original certified licensed history from your state no more than six months old.
Two fingerprint cards and a signed fingerprint waiver.
A social security verification form.
The non-refundable sales agent application fee of $157.
Complete the Certification of Legal Presence.

Vermont

Reciprocal states: None

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Vermont doesn’t have reciprocity with any state, but your experience may waive your examination requirement. You must be in good standing with your current jurisdiction and the exam must be substantially equal to Vermont’s.

Start the endorsement process steps by creating an online account with the Office of Professional Regulation. Submit a license application, certified license history, and your exam results.

Virginia

Reciprocal states: All, pending conditions met

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Virginia is one of the few states that offers full reciprocity with all other states, as long as you meet the following conditions:

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
You must have passed a state real estate licensing exam that is considered largely equivalent to the Virginia state licensing exam.
You must sign a statement verifying you read and understand Chapter 21 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
You must pass the state portion of the Virginia state licensing exam within 12 weeks of applying for your Virginia real estate license.
Your current real estate license must be in good standing and you should not have had a real estate license that was suspended, revoked, or surrendered in connection with any prior disciplinary action.
The pre-license course you completed to obtain your current real estate license must be largely equivalent to the 60-hour Virginia pre-license course requirement.
You must have a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and fair dealing, and be competent to engage in the business of a real estate salesperson in a manner to safeguard the interests of the public.
You must get your fingerprints taken.
You must disclose all prior felony convictions and any misdemeanor convictions within the past five years.

The Real Estate Board may still consider issuing you a Virginia real estate license if you do not meet requirements 7-10.

If you meet these requirements, your steps to apply for a license are as follows:

Schedule and pass the state portion of the Virginia real estate licensing exam.
Get fingerprinted at the PSI testing center.
Submit a Virginia Salesperson License Application with the following documents:
1. An original or certified transcript, education certification, certification of completion, license certification or other documentation certifying the completion of a real estate license course that is substantially similar to the 60-hour Virginia pre-license course.
2. An original Certificate of Licensure or Letter of Good Standing from your current state, dated within 60 days of your Virginia license application being submitted (required for all states where you are or have been licensed to practice real estate).
3. A Disciplinary Action Reporting Form if you ever had any disciplinary action taken against your current or past real estate license(s).
4. Payment for the $170 license application fee.

Washington

Reciprocal states: All, with conditions

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Anyone with a current real estate license with the same or greater capacity in another state may apply for a Washington real estate license as long as they have maintained their license in good standing, or were active and in good standing in the past six months.

To apply, set up a SecureAccess Washington Account. You will need to upload your license history from the other state.

After processing, you will receive an email instructing you on how to set up your real estate broker exam.

During the process, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints. If you live outside Washington, you will need to call Real Estate Regulatory at 360-664-6484 to arrange your fingerprinting for the background checks.

West Virginia

Reciprocal states: Ohio, Kentucky

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

Ohio and Kentucky residents need to contact the West Virginia Real Estate Commission for their specific requirements. You will need to pass the state portion of the licensing exam.

Other non-resident applicants can request licensure if they meet the requirements of W. Va. Code §30-40-15, completed pre-license education, and passed a comprehensive licensing exam in their home jurisdiction.

Wisconsin

Reciprocal states: Illinois, Indiana

Portability: Physical location

Reciprocal process:

You will need to:

Pass the Wisconsin salesperson exam.
Complete Form 3166 license application with the Wisconsin DSPS.
1. Include Form 813 if you are not a Wisconsin resident
2. Include your proof of an active salesperson license
Pay the $72 reciprocal licensing fee.

If you are not licensed in Indiana or Illinois but have been active within the last two years as a real estate salesperson, then you can obtain a license by endorsement.

Show proof of one of the following education requirements:
1. A 13-hour Sales Course On-Demand;
2. Ten semester hour credits in real estate or real estate law from an accredited institution of higher education.
Pass the Wisconsin-specific salesperson exam.
Complete Form 3166 license application with the Wisconsin DSPS:
1. Include Form 813 if you are not a Wisconsin resident;
2. Include your proof of an active salesperson license;
3. Include your passing score report for the salesperson exam;
4. Include proof you met the education requirement.
Pay the $72 credentialing fee.

Wyoming

Reciprocal states: All

Portability: Cooperative

Reciprocal process:

Wyoming doesn’t have reciprocity, but your active license can waive the national portion of the exam and some education. You will need to:

Submit two fingerprint cards
Pass the Wyoming Law Course
Pass the Salesperson II Course
Pass the state exam for salespersons