How to Get a Real Estate License in Different States

How do you get a real estate license in different states is a question I get asked quite a bit. Its fairly difficult to give an answer without being to vague since it all depends on the states you want to be licensed in and so forth, but I am going to give you the best answer I can here in this article.

First of all, this process has a name and that is reciprocal licensing. Basically, the majority of states have a reciprocity agreement with other states that allows you to get a real estate license without having to again go through the schooling often required to get your license. Typical requirements would include:

1. Must have a valid real estate license in a reciprocal state.

2. Must complete and submit a reciprocal license application.

3. Must pay any fees for licensing as required by the issuing state.

Now these do vary from state to state, some states will require you to get credit hours even though you already have them in your home state, but most do not require this.

Why would you want a reciprocal real estate license?

The most common reason for seeing real estate agents with more than one license is when they are located within a short drive from another state. For instance, in Vancouver, WA. agents are just across the river from Portland, OR., about a half hour drive, which makes sense that they would expand their market into Oregon since a lot of clients will be moving back and forth between these two states. Agents would now be able to accommodate these clients in finding a home rather than referring them to an Oregon Realtor.

Another common reason for having a license in two or more states is for people that homes in two different states. Lets say that you spend half of the year in your home state and the other half at your vacation home. By having a real estate license in both states you would be able to conduct business regardless of which house you are staying at, which would be very convenient.

How do you find your states reciprocity agreements?

If you have not yet noticed, this site has a list of states on the right sidebar of every page, click on your state for the licensing requirements along with reciprocal licensing information. You can also visit your local Real Estate Commerce website for information and applications to get you started.

Please be sure to check our homepage for more information on getting your real estate license!