Real Estate License Requirements by State

Real estate salesperson licensing is the most uniform of the regulated professions: nearly every state requires pre-licensing education (typically 60-90 hours), a state exam, and a license under a sponsoring broker. Costs and renewal rules differ significantly. The exact hours, fees and exams are set by each state's board - here is the state-by-state breakdown, sourced from official licensing authorities.

Last updated August 7, 2026. Licensing rules change - confirm with the official board before applying.

National exam basics

Every state exam includes a national portion covering general real estate principles; the state portion covers state-specific law. Both are taken at the same sitting through an approved testing vendor.

Real Estate License requirements by state

Alabama60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Alaska40 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Arizona90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Arkansas60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…California135 classroom hours (3 college-level courses) …Colorado168 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing …Connecticut60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Delaware99 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…District of Columbia60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Florida63 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Georgia75 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Hawaii60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Idaho90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Illinois75 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Indiana90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Iowa60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Kansas60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Kentucky96 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Louisiana90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Maine60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Maryland60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Massachusetts40 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Michigan40 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Minnesota30 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Mississippi60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Missouri72 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Montana60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Nebraska72 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Nevada90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…New Hampshire40 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…New Jersey75 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…New Mexico60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…New York77 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…North Carolina75 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…North Dakota60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Ohio120 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing …Oklahoma90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Oregon150 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing …Pennsylvania75 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Rhode Island45 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…South Carolina60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…South Dakota60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Tennessee90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Texas180 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing …Utah120 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing …Vermont40 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Virginia60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Washington90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…West Virginia90 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Wisconsin72 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…Wyoming60 classroom hours of approved pre-licensing c…

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FAQ

How many hours of pre-licensing education do I need?

Most states require 60-90 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework, with outliers from 40 (some states) to 180 (Texas). Your hours must be completed at a state-approved school.

Is the real estate exam hard to pass?

National pass rates run 50-65% on first attempt. The exam is a multiple-choice test of national principles and state law; most states allow retakes with a waiting period.

Can I use my license in another state?

Many states grant license portability through reciprocity agreements or by accepting comparable education and exam credits, but most still require a state-specific component.

How often do I renew my real estate license?

Renewal cycles are typically every 1-2 years, with continuing education of 12-30 hours per cycle, usually including a 3-hour ethics requirement.