In order to become a licensed real estate salesperson, you must first complete an approved 60 clock-hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals. Upon completion of this course, your school will provide you with a stamped, signed Candidate Examination Document and handbook from our testing service, Promissor, Inc., which contains information on registering for an examination appointment at one of seven sites throughout the state. Passing candidates receive an Application for Real Estate License at the examination site, which can be completed and signed by the applicant and employing broker and mailed with the $146.25 first license fee (or delivered in person to our Olympia office).
If you are licensed as a salesperson in another jurisdiction or need information regarding the requirements to obtain a broker's license, please contact Real Estate Licensing at (360) 664-6500 or (360) 664-6488.
To receive examination approval from our department, you will need to request a license history from the Real Estate Commission of the state where you are currently licensed. If your history indicates that you have held an ACTIVE license within the previous 6 months, we will waive the National portion of the examination and you will only be required to test on the Washington Law section of the exam. In addition, the license history will provide information that will allow a waiver of the education requirements.
After you receive your license history, please mail it to our department, along with a cover letter that includes your mailing address to:
Your first salesperson’s license will expire on your second birthday following the issuance of the license.
Yes, the renewal fee is due, whether you are on active or inactive status. The fees are the same. Continuing Education is not required if you are on an inactive status.
You have one year from the expiration date of your license to pay your renewal and penalty fee or your license will be canceled. Each licensee is responsible for renewing their license on time. Please be aware of the expiration date on your license, as you are also considered unlicensed during the expiration period.
You must submit a completed Application for Real Estate License, along with your current released license. If all items are submitted correctly, the legal date of the transfer will be either the US postmark date or the date delivered in person to our Olympia office.
There is no time limit, however, you are still required to renew your inactive license.
You cannot use any unused clock hours that are older than 36 months from your current renewal date. This basically covers the year previous to your last renewal. You are limited to a maximum of 15 hours from that period. A minimum of 15 hours must be completed within 24 months of your expiration date.
Due to a change in legislation, any salesperson obtaining a license after July 1, 1995, is required to complete 30 clock hours in Real Estate Practices, in addition to 30 clock hours of approved education when renewing for the first time on an active status.
After the first renewal, the continuing education requirement for active renewals is 30 clock hours every two years.