Expand Your License: State-by-State Licensing Resource

For Agents Thinking Beyond Illinois

Thinking about taking your real estate career into a new state? You’re in the right place. This resource was built to help Illinois-licensed agents, including brokers, leasing agents and managing brokers, understand what’s ahead before they start the process. Every state plays by its own rules, and this guide helps you know what questions to ask and exactly who to ask them. Click a region below to jump straight to that state’s section.

Great Plains & Midwestern States
New England/Northeastern United States
South & Southeastern United States
States Neighboring Illinois
States with Reciprocity Agreements for Illinois
Western United States

What Out-of-State Agents Need to Know About practicing real estate in Illinois

Planning to bring your real estate practice to Illinois? The path to getting licensed here looks a little different than it used to. Illinois transitioned from reciprocity to a licensure by endorsement model on January 1, 2026, meaning out-of-state agents must complete a few Illinois-specific requirements before they can practice in the state. The good news is the process is straightforward once you know the steps.
Steps for Illinois Real Estate Endorsement:

  • Eligibility: Must have an active license in good standing in another state or jurisdiction.
  • Education: Complete a 30-hour Broker Endorsement Course approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), focusing on Illinois-specific brokerage laws.
  • Examination: Pass the Illinois-specific state-only exam administered by PSI. This focuses on state laws, regulations and brokerage management.
  • Application & Documentation:
    • Complete the Real Estate Application for Licensure by Endorsement.
    • Provide a certified license history from your home state.
    • Complete a fingerprint-based background check.
    • Submit a Non-Resident Consent Form, if applicable.

States with Reciprocity Agreements for Illinois

Below are states with some form of reciprocity or mutual recognition for Illinois-licensed professions. Each box covers the licensing body and requirements for out-of-state licensees. For specific questions, contact that state’s licensing body directly.

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies – Division of Real Estate (DORA)

  • Contact:  dora_realestate_website@state.co.us | (303) 894-2166 | TTY: (303) 894-2683
  • License Types:
    • Broker
    • Employing Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Reciprocity Requirements:
    • Actively licensed in another U.S. state/territory.
    • Pass the state portion of the Colorado Real Estate Broker’s Exam.
    • Submit a fingerprint background check.
    • Provide a Certified License History (Certification of Licensure).

Source:  DORA – Broker License Application Requirements

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection(opens in a new tab) – Occupational and Professional Licensing Division

  • Contact:  dcp.licenseservices@ct.gov(opens in a new tab) | (860) 713-6100
  • Licensing Types:
    • Salesperson (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Reciprocity Requirements:
    • Active license in good standing in home state.
    • Pass state portion of Connecticut Real Estate Exam.
    • Provide Certified License History (Certification of Licensure) from IL, and for all other states in which applicant was ever issued a real estate license.
    • Pay appropriate fees for license applying for through reciprocity:
      • Salespersons: $670 (August 2024)
      • Broker:  $1270 (August 2024)

Source:  Connecticut Dept. of Consumer Protection – Real Estate Reciprocal Licensing

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation(opens in a new tab)

  • Contact:  Contact Us(opens in a new tab) for email | (850) 487-1395 | TTY: (800) 955-8771
  • License Types:
    • Sales Associate (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Mutual Recognition:  Florida does not technically have reciprocity.  Rather, the state has what is referred to there as Mutual Recognition.  
  • Requirements:
    • Must be at least 18 years old and hold either a high school diploma or equivalent.
    • Current and actively licensed in the state from which applicant is applying for mutual recognition from.
    • Applicant cannot be a resident of Florida at the time of application.
    • Must pass the Florida portion of the state’s real estate exam.
  • Florida has mutual recognition with 10 states (August 2024):  Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Source:  Florida Real Estate Commission – DRE:(opens in a new tab)  Mutual Recognition

Georgia Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  grecmail@grec.state.ga.us | (404) 656-3916
  • License Types:
    • Community Association Manager (CAM)
    • Salesperson (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Reciprocity Requirements:
    • Georgia offers reciprocity to licensed individuals from all states.  Regardless of where a (U.S. based) licensee is from, the same standards apply.
    • Must be current and actively licensed in the state applying from.
    • Complete and submit the Real Estate Reciprocal Application.
      • If looking to obtain a Georgia Broker’s license and open a company in the state, you must also submit an additional application for that company/office.

Source:  https://grec.state.ga.us/obtaining-a-license/real-estate/#salesperson

Indiana Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  pla5@pla.in.gov | (317) 232-2960
  • Licensing Types:
    • Broker
    • Managing Broker
  • Reciprocity Requirements
    • Indiana only offers license reciprocity to Illinois, and for only the Broker’s license.  Licensees from any other state are not offered reciprocity.
    • If current and actively licensed as a Broker in Illinois, you must first contact the Indiana Real Estate Commission to see if you qualify for reciprocity.  If so, you will then be allowed to apply, as well as pass the Indiana portion of the state licensing exam.
    • If you are not approved for reciprocity, applicants must complete the 90 hours of Indiana broker pre-license coursework, and pass the full Indiana licensing exam.

Sources:  Indiana Real Estate Commission,   Indiana Real Estate Institute.

Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing) (DIAL)

  • Contact:  realestatecommission@iowa.gov | (515) 725-9022, Ext. 8
  • License Types:
    • Salespersons (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Reciprocity Requirements:
    • Iowa does not have a specific reciprocity agreement with Illinois.  However, under Administrative Rule 5.3under Iowa law, out-of-state licensees applying for either of the equivalent Iowa license may qualify to sit for the Iowa portion only of the real estate examination, respective to the license type.
    • Current and actively licensed as the Iowa equivalent to the Salesperson (IL-Broker) or Broker (IL-Managing Broker).  The applicant’s license cannot have been inactive or expired for more than six months prior to passing the Iowa real estate exam.
    • Must submit a written request for authorization to sit for the exam, along with:
      • Certificate of License History (Certification of Licensure)
  • Source:  https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/licenses/other-professional-licensure/real-estate-licensees/re-reciprocity-licensing

Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC)

  • Contact:  KREC Staff E-Mail Directory | (502) 564-7760
  • License Types:
    • Sales Associate (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Reciprocity Requirements:
    • Sales Associate – must be actively licensed in Illinois as a broker for at least one year, prior to applying for Kentucky reciprocity.
    • Broker – must be actively licensed in Illinois as a managing broker or be eligible for a managing broker’s license for at least two years prior to applying for Kentucky reciprocity.
      • Complete the required forty-hour reciprocal license law course.
      • Submit a fingerprint background check.
      • Pass the reciprocal licensing exam through the third-party proctoring company.
      • Can apply either via paper form through application received upon passing the Kentucky licensing exam, or apply online via email received from KREC after passing the licensing exam.
      • Provide proof of completion of reciprocal course.
      • Provide proof of errors & omissions insurance.
      • Submit a certification of licensure.
      • Pay licensing fees.
  • Source:  https://krec.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=206

Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC)

  • Contact:  realestate.commission@nebraska.gov | (402) 471-2004
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • License by Recognition:
    • Nebraska does not rely on reciprocal agreements in order to recognize out-of-state licensees.  Under Nebraska law, active & current licensees in another state/territory may be issued an equivalent real estate license while they are a non-resident of Nebraska or upon moving to Nebraska from the jurisdiction they are actively licensed.  This is known as License by Recognition.
  • Requirements:
    • Submit required application and fee.
    • Complete a fingerprint background check.
    • Submit Certification of Licensure.
    • Take and complete a 3-hour course covering Nebraska Agency Statutes and License Law.
    • Obtain Errors and Omissions insurance.

Source:  https://nrec.nebraska.gov/additional-links/faqlicensees.html

Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services

  • Contact:  dsps@wisconsin.gov) | Support Ticket Form | (608) 266-2112 | TTY: (877) 617-1565
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
      • Illinois brokers and managing brokers with an active license are exempt from the education required to obtain the equivalent Wisconsin license.  If, however, the license is not active, but was active in the past two years prior to the date of application, you may apply to obtain a license by endorsement.
  • Reciprocity Requirements:
    • Pass the Wisconsin exam equivalent to the license you are applying for.
    • Submit a complete application, respective to equivalent license applying for.
      • Form 3166 (Salesperson)/Form 809 (Broker)
      • Passing score/certificate of exam.
      • Copy of active license from reciprocal state.
      • Form 813
      • License fee ($60) (August 2024)

Sources:  WI RE Salesperson;  WI RE Broker; Wisconsin REALTORS® Association

States Neighboring Illinois

These are states that border Illinois or are close neighbors. None of them have specific rules or carve-outs allowing an Illinois licensee to get licensed there

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Board of Real Estate

  • Contact:  BPLHelp@Michigan.gov | (517) 541-0199 | Fax: (517)241-9416
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Associate Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Requirements: Michigan does not offer reciprocity with any other state. Out-of-state applicants must meet the same education, experience, and examination requirements that in-state applicants must.
  • Salesperson:
    • Must be at least 18 yrs. of age
    • Must complete 40 hours of approved pre-license education, then pass the Michigan licensing exam administered by 3rd party proctor (PSI).
    • Must submit required documentation along with application and appropriate fees.
  • Associate Broker:
    • Must be at least 18 yrs. of age.
    • Must complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education. Some course credit is given for holding any of one of the following degrees:
      • Possession of a law degree is equivalent to 60 hours of the real estate education.
      • Possession of a master’s degree in business admin. or finance is also considered equivalent to 60 hours of the real estate education.
      • Possession of a bachelor’s degree in business or finance is considered equivalent to 30 hours of the real estate education.
    • Must have at least 3 years of full-time experience either in the real estate industry, or a field determined to be relevant to the industry.

Sources: michigan.gov/lara; MI RE Salesperson Licensing Guide; MI RE Broker Licensing Guide

Minnesota Department of Commerce

  • Contact:  licensing.commerce@state.mn.us(opens in a new tab) | 651-539-1500 (Main Office); 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota)
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Out-Of-State Licensing | Broker – Nonresident from a Non-Reciprocal State:
  • Out-Of-State Licensing | Salesperson – Nonresident from a Non-Reciprocal State:
    • The applicant must reside and hold an active license in a non-reciprocal state.
      • Complete pre-licensing education Course I, Course II, and Course III.
      • Pass the state portion of the salesperson exam.
      • Contact a Minnesota-licensed primary broker in order to submit an application for licensure on www.pulseportal.com). Only a Minnesota-licensed primary broker can submit an application for a nonresident salesperson’s license.
      • Email a Letter of Certification (no more than 90 days old) documenting that you are currently licensed as a salesperson in non-reciprocal state. 

Sources: https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/; https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/real-estate/applications.jsp

Missouri Division Of Professional Regulation – Real Estate Commission

  • Contact: realestate@pr.mo.gov | (573) 751-2628 | TTY: (800) 735-2966 | Voice Relay: (800) 735-2466
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Nonresident License Requirements:
    • Salesperson:
      • If applicant holds a current and active salesperson (or equivalent) license at time of application, they must:
        • Provide a certification of licensure/certified license history current within three months from the state where applying for licensure.
        • Submit for a criminal history background check.
        • Additionally, applicants must also:
          • Pass the state portion of the Missouri salesperson exam.
          • Take the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) Course.
          • Both of the above requirements must be met (can be completed in any order) prior to applying for licensure.
    • Broker:
      • If applicant holds a current and active salesperson (or equivalent) license at time of application, they must:
        • Provide a certification of licensure/certified license history current within three months from the state where applying for licensure.
        • Submit for a criminal history background check.
        • Been in active real estate practice for at least 24 of the last 30 months prior to application.
        • Additionally, applicants must also:
          • Take the 48-hour broker pre-examination course.
          • Take BOTH state and national portions of the Missouri broker exam.
          • Apply for licensure within six months after completing the 48-hour course.
      • If applicant holds a current and active broker (or equivalent) license at time of application, they must:
        • Been in active real estate practice for at least 24 of the last 30 months prior to application.
        • Provide a certification of licensure/certified license history current within three months from the state where applying for licensure.
        • Submit for a criminal history background check.
        • Additionally, applicants must also:
          • Take and pass only the state portion of Missouri exam.
          • 48-hour course is not required.
        • If licensed in a state that only issues only a single type of license (broker’s), Missouri will recognize it as a salesperson’s license.

Sources: Missouri Division of Professional Regulation; MO Examination and Licensure Eligibility Requirements; Nonresident Licensure Requirements

Ohio Department of Commerce – Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing

  • Contact: Contact Page (Web Form) | webreal@com.ohio.gov | (614) 466-4100
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Out of State Applicant Options: Ohio law offers out of state persons four different options, depending on which best suits the applicant, when seeking to obtain a real estate license.
    • Regardless of which scenario they fall under, applicants must satisfy these requirements:
      • Complete and submit application to be sponsored by an Ohio broker.
      • Pay application fee.
      • Complete a criminal background check
      • Provide letter of good standing/certification of licensure.
      • Complete a consent to service of process statement.
      • Pass state portion of Ohio real estate exam.
    • Option 1: Substantially Similar License or Government Certification
      • Applicant holds a similar or equivalent license in another state, or is from a state that does not issue a real estate sales license and they hold a government certification in the same profession or from one of the uniformed services.
      • License/certification has been held for at least one year prior to application.
      • Active and engaged in practice for at least one of the last five years.
    • Option 2: Private Certification
      • Applicant is from a state that does not issue a real estate sales license, and instead they hold a private certification in that profession.
      • Certification has been held for at least two years prior to application.
      • Actively engaged in practice for at least two of the past five years.
    • Option 3: Work Experience
      • Applicant is from a state that does not issue a real estate sales license or government certification, OR is in service of one of the uniformed services.
      • Actively engaged in practice of real estate for at least three of the past five years.
    • Option 4: Initial License Application
      • Applicant satisfies requirements under Ohio Revised Code, Section 4735.09.
      • In addition to the set of application requirements outlined above, this option also requires that applicants:
        • Be at least 18 yrs. of age.
        • Be a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted to the U.S.
        • Have not violated any civil rights laws regarding real estate within the past two years, as determined by a court of law.
        • Have not violated any rules of the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
        • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Sources: Ohio Dept. of Commerce; Out of State Salespersons Guide; Out of State Brokers Guide

Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance– Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  Customer Service Center | TREC.info@tn.gov | (615) 741-2241
  • License Types:
    • Affiliate Broker (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Out-Of-State Licensing Procedures:
    • Alternate Procedures for Licensing Real Estate Candidates Currently Licensed in Another Jurisdiction Seeking a Tennessee License
      • [Candidates] must pass the Tennessee portion of the licensing examination for the [equivalent] license from the state they are applying for.
      • Must send a worksheet which will assist you in determining your requirements for seeking a Tennessee real estate license. You must send TREC this completed worksheet and a “Certified License History” from all the states where you hold or have held a real estate license to TREC.info@tn.gov.
      • Documents required for a license include:
        • PSI Examination Application
        • Proof of errors & omissions insurance
        • Payment of fees due
        • Eligibility verification
        • Electronic fingerprinting

Sources:  Tennessee Real Estate Commission(opens in a new tab); https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/get.html

Great Plains & Midwestern States

Kansas Real Estate Commission(opens in a new tab)

  • Contact:  krec@ks.gov(opens in a new tab) (Licensing/General Inquiries) | kreceducation@ks.gov(opens in a new tab) (CE, Exam, and General Education-Related Inquiries) | (785) 296-3411
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Out-Of-State Licensing Requirements: Kansas does not have full reciprocity agreements with any other state, but does have partial reciprocity with a select few.  However, if currently and actively licensed in another state (Illinois), some of the course and exam requirements are reduced. Each license type has a checklist for applicants, linked below.
  • Salesperson(opens in a new tab):
    • Must complete the 30-hour “Kansas Practice Course.”
    • Take and pass the Kansas portion of the state licensing exam
    • Submit required documents such as: application, company affiliation (Kansas), applicable court documents, Certification of License History, fingerprints.
  • Broker(opens in a new tab):
    • Must complete two courses: the 30-hour “Broker Management” and a 4-hour “Kansas Law” course.
    • Take and pass the Kansas portion of the state licensing exam
    • Submit required documents such as: application, company affiliation (Kansas), applicable court documents, Certification of License History, fingerprints.
    • Additionally, applicants must submit the last three years of transactions with their application.

Sources: Kansas Real Estate Commission(opens in a new tab); Salesperson Prelicensing Checklist(opens in a new tab); Broker Prelicensing Checklist

Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Board of Realty Regulation

  • Contact: Licensing Questions – DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV ; (406) 444-6880 | Practice/General Questions – DLIBSDRRE@MT.GOV ; (406)-841-2360
  • License Types:
    • Real Estate Salesperson
    • Real Estate Broker
      • Supervising Broker Endorsement – This is an add-on to the RE Broker license in Montana, which enables the licensee to supervise licensed RE Salespersons.
  • Requirements: Out-of-State Licensee applicants must submit a full and complete application that also includes confirmation that includes completing the necessary hours that an in-state applicant would need to complete (70 hours – Salesperson; 60 hours – Broker)
  • Sources:  Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Boards(opens in a new tab); MT Board of Realty Regulation;

New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department – Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  RLDRealEstate.Comsn@rld.nm.gov (General Inbox) | rld.rehelpdesk@rld.nm.gov (Help Desk) | (505) 476-4622
  • License Types:
    • Associate Broker (IL-Broker)
    • Qualifying Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Requirements: New Mexico only has reciprocity with Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Georgia. Licensees from these states are granted exemptions with regard to the required education and examination.
    • Licensees from other states other than the three mentioned above can apply for a Prelicensure Education Waiver. This primarily applies for Associate Broker applicants.
    • Applicants for a Qualifying Broker license may be considered for equivalency application, but would still have to take the required Qualifying Broker prelicensure course, the “Brokerage Office Administration” course.

Sources:  New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department | NMRLD -Real Estate Commission: Licensing, Registration, and Renewal | Pre-Licensing Waiver Fact Sheet

Oklahoma Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  help@orec.ok.gov | (405) 524-3387
  • License Types:  Oklahoma has a tiered system of five umbrella licenses with specific license types under each.
    • Illinois Broker license equivalent duties are split amongst a few different types, based on the role performed:
      • Provisional Sales Associate (intended for brand new licensees and/or applicants who’ve not held any active license in real estate, in Oklahoma or elsewhere, in the past five years)
      • Sales Associate
      • Broker Associate
    • Illinois Managing Broker license equivalent duties are split amongst a few different types, based on the role performed:
      • Branch Broker
      • Broker
        • Two separate types of broker licenses:
          • Broker Proprietor
          • Managing Broker
  • Requirements: Oklahoma has reciprocal agreements with these states, and may (at the state’s discretion) grant license recognition if the applicant holds an active license from: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
    • The Oklahoma Real Estate Commission may grant recognition to licensees from Illinois or other states, but it is dependent on the application and applicants’ experience.
    • If the state does not grant recognition, nonresident applicants may need to go through the full pre-licensure education process of 90-hours of coursework.
    • Other requirements include providing proof of U.S. citizenship, passing required Oklahoma licensing exams, submitting paperwork required such as a background check, certificate(s) of licensure from all states currently and actively licensed.
  • Sources:  https://oklahoma.gov/ | Oklahoma Real Estate Commission | OKREC – Learn How to Obtain a License | OKREC Point Waiver Program

South Dakota Dept. of Labor & Regulation – Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  dlr.realestate@state.sd.us | (605) 773-3600
  • License Types:
    • Broker Associate
    • Responsible Broker
  • Requirements:  South Dakota simply requires 1) a complete application for non-residents that hold an equivalent license from another state, and 2) for qualified applicants to schedule and pass the South Dakota State Exam through the third-party proctor (PSI).

Sources:  South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation | SD Real Estate Commission | South Dakota Non-Resident Licensing

Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  Contact Us (Email Form) | (512) 936-3000
  • License Types:
    • Real Estate Sales Agent (IL-Broker)
    • Individual Real Estate Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
      • Business Entity Real Estate Broker is the license required for the business entity performing real estate services in Texas.
  • Requirements: Non-Resident/Out-Of-State applicants must submit a paper application along with a corresponding Qualifying Experience Report that determines qualified experience on a point-based system.  If the applicant does not accummulate enough points on the report, they must apply as if a brand new licensee within the state of Texas, which includes qualifying education (180 hours for RE Sales Agent, 270 hours for Individual RE Broker).

Sources: https://www.texas.gov/ | Texas Real Estate Commission | Become a Real Estate Sales Agent | Become an Individual Real Estate Broker | TREC Licensing Forms

Wyoming Real Estate Commission & Certified Appraiser Board

  • Contact:  Real Estate Licensing – realestatecommission@wyo.gov; (307) 777-7141, ext. 1 | Education Providers – rec-education@wyo.gov; (307) 777-7141, ext. 2
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson (IL-Broker)
    • Broker (IL-Managing Broker)
  • Requirements:
    • Salesperson – Applicants must meet the following requirements: 1) License must be active in another state. 2) Must submit two [2] sets of fingerprints. 3) Complete and pass both the “Wyoming Law Course” and the “Salesperson II Course.” 4) Pass the Wyoming State Salesperson exam.
    • Broker – Applicants must meet the following requirements: 1) License must be active in another state. 2) Must submit two [2] sets of fingerprints. 3) Complete and pass both the “Wyoming Law Course” and the “Broker II Course,” and the “Wyoming Broker Management Course.” 4) Pass the Wyoming State Salesperson exam.
  • Sources:  https://realestate.wyo.gov/ | Wyoming REC – Obtain a License

Western United States

Alaska Real Estate Commission(opens in a new tab)

Arizona Department of Real Estate

  • Contact:  AZ DRE Message Center (Contact Form) | (602) 771-7700
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements: Applicants can seek Out-of-State License recognition if they are 1) a resident of Arizona, 2) complete a 6-hour contract writing course, and 3) submit required documentation found on the AZ DRE site.  If applicant is not an Arizona resident, they must go through the full licensure process.

Sources: https://azre.gov/; Out-of-State License – Salesperson; Out-of-State License – Broker

California Department of Real Estate

  • Contact:  @sk DRE Licensing (Contact Form) | 1-877-373-4542 (Virtual Call Center)
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements:
    • California has no reciprocity agreements with any other state.
    • Residency in California is not a requirement for an out-of-state license.
    • Credit for out-of-state applicants may be granted if 1) institution is “accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or a comparable regional accrediting entity” or 2) the California Real Estate Commissioner grants credit for education received from private vocational real estate schools outside of California.
  • Sources:  https://www.dre.ca.gov/; https://www.dre.ca.gov/Examinees/OutOfState.html

Real Estate Branch – Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

  • Contact:  hirec@dcca.hawaii.gov | Kauai: (808) 274-3141; Maui: (808) 984-2400; Hawaii: (808) 974-4000; Molokai/Lanai: 1-800-468-4644
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements: Actively licensed candidates from another state may apply and if approved, can be granted an equivalence of the corresponding license’s examination.  This must be applied for prior to the examination, and applicants must possess either a Hawaii Education Provider completion certificate (transcript) or an Education Equivalency Certificate.
  • Sources:  Hawaii Real Estate Branch – General Prelicensing Information; Salesperson Flowchart; Broker License Flowchart

Real Estate Commission – Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses

Real Estate Division – Nevada Department of Business and Industry

Oregon Real Estate Agency(opens in a new tab)

Utah Department Of Commerce – Division Of Real Estate

  • Contact:  realestate@utah.gov | (801)-530-6747
  • License Types:
    • Sales Agent
    • Broker
  • Requirements:  Utah has reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Mississippi, and the Canadian province of Alberta.  Individuals with active licenses from a state/province under a reciprocity agreement with Utah need to only provide the proper documentaition and apply for a Utah real estate license.

    Per the Utah Division of Real Estate:  “Applicants with an active real estate license in good standing from a state that does NOT have a reciprocity agreement with Utah may qualify for a waiver of some education and/or national exam requirements.
  • Sources:  https://realestate.utah.gov/real-estate/licensing/); https://realestate.utah.gov/real-estate/licensing/reciprocity-agreement/

Real Estate Commission – Washington State Department of Licensing(opens in a new tab)

  • Contact:  RealEstate@dol.wa.gov(opens in a new tab) | (360)-664-6488 (TTY: 711)
  • License Types:
    • Broker
    • Managing Broker
  • Requirements: Washington will accept applications for individuals licensed out-of-state, so long as they met the following criteria:
    • Be at least 18 years old.
    • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
    • Have been actively licensed in another state, in good standing, within the preceding 6 months.
    • License History from one state in which the individual has a license. The state might call it a Certificate of History or a License Affidavit.
    • Fingerprint background check results on file.
    • After submitting the required application paperwork, and the applicatoin is approved, the individual must then schedule and pass the Washington state license examination within 6 months.
  • Sources:  Real Estate Brokers – Washing State Department of Licensing(opens in a new tab); License By Reciprocity – WA DoL

New England/Northeastern United States

Real Estate Commission – Delaware Division of Professional Regulation

  • Contact:  customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov | (302) 744-4500 (Phone) | (302) 739-2711 (Fax)
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker/Associate Broker – Note:  The license is officially a Broker license, but the functions of it are split under these two roles
  • Requirements:  Applicants may be granted a license through reciprocity if, after providing the required documentation and passing the Delaware state portion of the examination, one of the following is provided:
    • 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 OR
    • If applying for a reciprocal Salesperson license based on three years of continuous licensure, applicants are required to submit a Certificate of Licensure History to be sent directly to the Commission office from a jurisdiction showing active licensure for the past three years, and a completed, signed Sales or Lease Transaction Listing form(s) listing 20 sales or lease transactions that completed during the past three years.
  • Sources:  https://dpr.delaware.gov/; https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/realestate/

Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  rlestate.com@maine.gov | (207) 624-8521 (Phone) | (207) 624-8637 (Fax)
  • License Types:
    • Sales Agent
    • Associate Broker
  • Requirements:  
    • Completed License Application
    • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
    • Be at least 18 at time of application for the license.
    • Pass the Maine Law examination. All candidates qualifying by reciprocity must pass this examination regardless of the level of license currently held.
    • Furnish Verification of Licensure in good standing from any state where a license is held or has been held. Verification must indicate whether or not there has been any disciplinary action taken.
  • Sources:  Maine Real Estate Commission – Licensing; Maine Real Estate Commission – Nonresident/Resident Reciprocal Licensing

Maryland Department of Labor – Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  dlmrec-labor@maryland.gov | (410)-230-6200 (Phone) | (410)-333-0023 (Fax)
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements:  Maryland has reciprocity agreements only with Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.  If licensed in another state not covered under those two reciprocity agreements, the requirements are:
    • Individual is current and actively licensed in state they are applying from.
    • Submission of a full licensing history (dated within 120 days of submission).
      • Applications are reviewed based on transferability of experience and education.
  • Sources:  Licensing – Maryland Real Estate Commission; Apply for a Reciprocal License – Real Estate Commission

Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure – Board of Registrations of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification – NH Real Estate Commission

NYS Department of State- Division of Licensing Services

  • Contact:  realestate@dos.ny.gov / Licensing Contact Form |
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements:  New York has no reciprocity with any other state, but education requirements may be waived via wirtten request.

    Per the NY DoS:  “along with proof of prelicensing course completion, a detailed outline listing topics and hours, and a course description. (Home-study/correspondence courses are not accepted.) The prelicensing salesperson’s course must be at least 77 hours of classroom instruction and the broker’s course, 152 hours.
    In addition, if you have a Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in real estate, you may qualify for a 152-hour qualifying course requirement waiver. Please submit an official transcript with your waiver request.”
  • Sources:  https://dos.ny.gov/real-estate-salesperson(opens in a new tab); https://dos.ny.gov/real-estate-salesperson-frequently-asked-questions

State Real Estate Commission – Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs

  • Contact:   RA-REALESTATE@PA.GOV | PALS – Pennsylvania Licensing System (Ticket Portal) | 1-833-367-2762
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements:  Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts.

    “Reciprocal licensees must maintain their principal place of business in the state through which reciprocity was granted, and must maintain a current, active license in that state in order to maintain the reciprocal license in Pennsylvania.”

    Applicants “may be granted licensure by the Reciprocal method if they hold a current, active broker or salesperson’s license issued by another state that:
    • agrees to issue a license to a standard Pennsylvania licensee without further requirement, or
    • has qualifications for licensure which are substantially comparable to those required by the Commission.”
    Sources:  PA Real Estate Commission Licensing Guide(opens in a new tab); Licensure Processing Guides and Timelines

Department of Business Regulation – Real Estate Section

Vermont Office of Professional Regulation

  • Contact:  sos.oprlicensing2@vermont.gov (Licensing Questions) |  OPR Contact Form | (802)-828-1505
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements: “If you hold an active license in a state which is equivalent to Vermont, then you do not need to take the 40-hour pre-licensing course. Indiana and Rhode Island are not equivalent to Vermont.

    If you hold an active license in a state which is equivalent to Vermont, then you do not need to take the National exam. California, New York, Puerto Rico and West Virginia are not equivalent to Vermont, so you do need to take the National exam VT requires.”
  • Sources:  Vermont Secretary of State – Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons; Salesperson & Broker FAQs

South & Southeastern United States

Alabama Real Estate Commission

Arkansas Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  Contact AREC) | (501)-683-8010 (Phone) | (501)-683-8020 (Fax)
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements: Arkansas has specific reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia.

    Per AREC: “applicant[s] currently licensed in another state and seeking licensure in Arkansas at the same level, may request a waiver of the GENERAL portion of the examination. A salesperson applicant who meets all three (3) of the following requirements may be required to take only the Arkansas Law Portion of the Examination.
    • Has passed a uniform, general, or multi-state part of an examination for a real estate license in another state in which the examination is determined by the Commission to meet generally acceptable standards of real estate testing, and
    • The other state requires a minimum passing grade no lower than that required for the general part of the Arkansas examination (70), and
    • The applicant at the time of taking the Arkansas examination is licensed in the other state. [Commission Regulation 4.2 (d)]
  • Sources:  https://arec.arkansas.gov/; https://arec.arkansas.gov/licensing/new-applicant/

Louisiana Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  Licensing Information:  licensing@lrec.gov | Contact Form | (225) 925-1923 (Phone) | (225) 925-4501 (Fax)
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements: Louisiana has reciprocal agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania.  Applicants must be both a legal resident and hold an active, current license in one of those states in order to qualify for a license under reciprocity.

    Applicants licensed elsewhere may be granted partial education credit and/or a waiver of the national portion of the Louisiana license exam, towards an equivalent license so long as they submit the appropriate documentation. However, the Louisiana state portion will not be waived on either hte coursework or the examination.  Applicants must complete a 30 hour portion of coursework that covers Louisiana Real Estate License Law, Commission Rules/Regulations, Law of Agency and Civil Law.
  • Sources:  https://lrec.gov/; https://lrec.gov/become-licensed; https://lrec.gov/become-licensed/previously-currently-licensed-in-another-state

Mississippi Real Estate Commission

North Carolina Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  info@ncrec.gov | (919)-875-3700
  • License Types:

    North Carolina is a “Broker Only” state, meaning that technicaly, there is only one type of license, which is a Broker license. However, the license itself has four distinct status levels which govern what servicis and responsibilityies can be performed at each level the license reaches.
    • Provisional Broker
    • Broker
    • Broker-In-Charge Eligible
    • Broker-In-Charge
  • Requirements: North Carolina has a general waiver of the National portion of the licensing examination, based on whether the applicant has been active and currently licensed in the state they are applying from.

    Per the NCREC: “An applicant who holds a current real estate license in another state (or U.S. territory or Canadian jurisdiction) that has been on active status within the previous three years may qualify to waive the Prelicensing course and the “National” section of the North Carolina real estate license examination. Generally, the applicant must pass the “State” section of the examination.”
  • Sources: https://www.ncrec.gov/Home/Index; Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina; NCRE Licensing FAQs

Real Estate Commission – South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

  • Contact:  Contact.REC@llr.sc.gov | (803) 896-4400
  • License Types:
    • Real Estate Associate
    • Real Estate Broker
  • Requirements:  South Carolina only has specific reciprocity with two states:  North Carolina and Georgia.

    South Carolina state law only allows for waivers via the specific reciprocity agreements the state has.  Any applicant in a state not covered under South Carolina’s reciprocity agreements, regardless of license status in that state:  “Unless subject to a reciprocal agreement, all individuals applying for a salesperson license must first meet the education and experience requirements as detailed in S.C. Code Ann § 40-57-320(A)(1)(a) to be made eligible for licensure.”  

    The national portion of the South Carolina exam may be waived, but the state portion and the education requirements will not be waived.
  • Sources:  https://llr.sc.gov/re/; https://llr.sc.gov/re/licreq.aspx; https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c057.php#40-57-320

Real Estate Board – Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation

  • Contact:  reboard@dpor.virginia.gov, Contact Form | (804) 367-8526 (Licensing), (804) 367-2406 (Education)
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Broker
  • Requirements:  The education requirements for Virginia licensing will not be waived.  Reciprocity for Virginia only applies to waiver of the national portion of the exam.  Out-of-state applicants must still complete the education required for the corresponding license type in Virginia.

    “Applicants for a salesperson license must (1) pass the State portion of the examination, (2) submit verification of completion of a 60 hour course called “Principles of Real Estate” and (3) submit letters of certification from other jurisdictions where licensed. Also, in order to apply through reciprocity, the salesperson MUST hold a current salesperson license in another state. 

    Applicants for a broker license must (1) pass the State portion of the examination, (2) submit verification of experience (actively engaged as a salesperson or broker for 36 out of 48 months preceding application for licensure), (3) submit original transcripts or certified copies of transcripts from the educational institution where the applicant completed 180 classroom hours of broker pre-licensing courses substantially equivalent to Virginia’s real estate education requirements, and (4) submit letters of certification from other jurisdictions where licensed. Also, in order to apply through reciprocity, the broker MUST hold a current broker license in another state.“
  • Sources:  https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Real-Estate; https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/boards/Real_Estate/RE_Process.pdf

West Virginia Real Estate Commission

  • Contact:  reclicensing@wv.gov, Contact Form | (304)-558-3555 (Phone) | (304)-558-6442 (Fax)
  • License Types:
    • Salesperson
    • Associate Broker/Broker
  • Requirements:  West Virginia only has reciprocity with the state of Florida.

    Applicants that are actively licensed in another jurisidiction are not required to complete pre-license education in West Virginia.  However, they still must pass the state portion of the Weest Virginia license examination.

    Additionlly, applicants must:
    • Have a current equivalent license in anther jurisdiction and passed a comprehensive licensing examination.
    • Submit National Criminal Background Check​
    • ​Provide a Certification of Licensure (license history) from every state you are licensed.
    • Pass the state portion of the licensing exam.​
    • Obtain a sponsoring broker with an active West Virginia Broker License. (Salesperson)
    • Maintain office space in the State of West Virginia. (Associate Broker/Broker)