How to get your license: Real estate brokers

Who needs a license?

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

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Successfully complete 90 hours of approved real estate education within 2 years before applying for the exam. This education must include:
  • A 60-hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals.
  • A 30-hour course in Real Estate Practices.
• The real estate education requirements will be waived for qualified applicants currently licensed in another state.
• Be ready to answer Criminal history questions and provide documents if needed.
• Submit fingerprints for a background check when you apply for your initial license and every 6 years afterward.
• Pass the broker's exam.

For a list of approved real estate education, see the Real Estate Education Course Catalog.

Before you apply

• If you are licensed in another state:
  • Request the broker's exam by submitting a certified license history from the real estate licensing agency in the state where you're currently licensed to:
    Real Estate Licensing
    PO Box 9021
    Olympia, WA 98507
    Fax: 360.586.0998
    Email: realestate@dol.wa.gov
  • After we've reviewed your license history, we'll give instructions on how to take the broker's exam.
    • If you've had an active license in another state in the previous 6 months, you'll only need to take the Washington State part of the exam.
  • After you've passed the required portions of the exam, follow the instructions below to submit your application.

How to apply

1. Login to apply. You'll need:
   • Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card to pay license fee.
   • If needed, documents for Criminal history questions, ready to upload. See Uploading document instructions.
2. Submit fingerprints for state and national background checks:
   • Within Washington
     • Go to Fingerprinting and background checks for instructions on how to submit your fingerprints through IdentoGO, our electronic fingerprinting vendor.
   • Outside Washington
     • Call Real Estate Regulatory at 360.664.6484 for fingerprint card submission instructions.
3. For more details, see Fingerprinting and background checks. Background checks don't delay the issuance of a license.
4. We'll send you an email when your license is approved.
   • Your license will be issued in inactive status so it is available to be added to a firm.
   • Your license will be activated immediately when you accept an online request to join a firm.

License expiration

Your broker's license will expire 2 years after it's issued.

Questions? Need help?

Contact us