How to get your license: Real estate brokers

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We expect a processing delay for mailed applications and renewals. Renew or apply online for faster processing of your license. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Who needs a license?

Anyone who acts on behalf of a real estate firm to perform real estate brokerage services under the supervision of a managing broker.

Requirements

To qualify you must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Be ready to answer legal background questions and provide documents if needed.
Submit your fingerprints for the background check (due every 6 years).
Complete 90 hours of approved real estate education. This education must include:
- A 60-hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals.
- A 30-hour course in Real Estate Practices.
- You must complete your education within 2 years before applying for the exam.
- Visit the Course Search for a list of approved real estate education.
Schedule the broker's exam.

Things to know

You must pass both the state and national exams within 6 months of each other or retake both exams. These approvals are good until your education expires. This happens 2 years from the date you complete the oldest exam.

What you'll need

Completed fingerprint background check results on file.
- Results take 10-14 days to appear in our system.
- Washington resident: Visit www.identogo.com to schedule an appointment through MorphoTrust.
- Outside Washington: learn how to submit your fingerprints from outside Washington State.
Any additional documents for the legal background questions, if needed.

How to apply

Login or sign up to start your application.
- Learn how to set up account access and link your exam.
If you don’t see the Your To-Do’s box.
- Click on the Professional Licensing tab, then the Submitted Applications tab.
  - You won’t see your exam application if you have already linked to the exam. Don’t try to link again. We haven’t received your exam results yet.
  - If you see your exam application (it starts with “REA”), you must go back to your home page and link to your application.
  - We receive your exam results 4 days after you pass the exam(s).
- If you see a reminder to submit fingerprints and you already submitted them, then we haven’t received them yet. It can take 14 business days for us to get them. You can’t proceed until then.
- If it’s been more than 14 business days since you submitted your fingerprints and more than 4 business days since you passed your exam(s) and the Your To-Do’s box is still missing, contact us at realestate@dol.wa.gov. Please only send 1 email.
If you see the Your To-Do’s box with an Apply for License button, click the button to apply.
- Don’t use any other Apply for License button outside of the Your To-Do’s box. They are for exam applications.
Pay your fees online.
- You must pay both the licensure fee and the $10 research fee. If you uncheck either fee, we won’t issue you a license.

License expiration

Your broker's license will expire 2 years after it's issued.
The fingerprint background check results will expire 6 years from the date we receive them.

For veterans, military personnel, and partners

Your military experience or training might help you meet licensing requirements. You may also be able to get a temporary license if you're moving here with a current license from another state. For more information visit military assistance.

If you're a U.S. veteran, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of your fees. For more information, visit Get paid back for test fees.