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Professional & Business license portability
Real Estate Agent license reciprocity by state
Real Estate Agent licensing is fragmented: 33 of the 50 states and DC either don't accept outside licenses or require you to retake a state-specific exam. Plan for the full local process in most destinations. Each row below links to the state's official licensing board and lists the specific reciprocal states where we have them.
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4 via endorsement
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28 require exam
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5 not recognized
Reciprocity tier legend
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Recognized
Existing license or national cert accepted directly.
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Endorsement
Apply for a new license — paperwork, fees, no re-exam.
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Exam required
Must retake the state exam or complete state-specific training.
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Not recognized
No reciprocity pathway. Satisfy state requirements from scratch.
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No license required
State does not license this profession.
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Check with board
The state publishes no clear transfer rule. Contact the licensing board.
All 50 states + DC
Each row shows the destination state's reciprocity tier, the board's own language behind it, and a link to the official state licensing board.
| State | Reciprocity tier | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | edit_note Exam required | Alabama offers full reciprocity to agents from all other US states. Applicants must complete a 6-hour Alabama real estate law course and pass the Alabama-specific portion of the state exam. An official Certificate of Licensure from the original state, issued within the last 120 days, is also required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Alaska | edit_note Exam required | Alaska does not have formal reciprocity agreements but offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees. Applicants must have an active license in another state, have worked in real estate within the past six months, provide proof of education, pass the state portion of the Alaska licensing exam, obtain sponsorship from an Alaska-licensed broker, and acquire E&O insurance. A detailed license history from all jurisdictions where a license was held is also required. If the out-of-state education is older than two years, 15 hours of education may be required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Arizona | edit_note Exam required | Arizona does not have traditional reciprocity agreements with other states. However, it offers an 'Out-of-State License Recognition' pathway for individuals who are currently licensed in another state for at least one year, have completed approved real estate education and passed an exam in that state, and meet other Arizona-specific requirements including passing the Arizona state portion of the licensing exam and completing a 6-hour contract writing course. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Arkansas | help_outline Check with board | Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia Official state board arrow_outward |
| California | block Not recognized | California does not have reciprocity with any other state. Out-of-state applicants must meet all California licensing requirements, including education and examination. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Colorado | edit_note Exam required | Colorado offers full reciprocity to real estate agents licensed in all U.S. states and territories. Applicants must pass the Colorado state portion of the broker licensing exam and complete a fingerprint-based background check. If the out-of-state license has been held for less than two years or is inactive, additional education requirements may apply. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Connecticut | edit_note Exam required | Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island. (Note: New York's reciprocal agreement has been terminated. Applicants from Florida, Illinois, Indiana, or Ohio, or those who haven't taken a written exam in a reciprocal state, must take the State Portion of the Connecticut Real Estate Examination.) Official state board arrow_outward |
| Delaware | edit_note Exam required | Delaware offers reciprocity to licensees from all states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Reciprocity applicants must pass the Delaware law portion of the salesperson's exam and may need to complete a 33-hour Delaware law course if their pre-licensing course was not at least 99 hours. Official state board arrow_outward |
| District of Columbia | edit_note Exam required | The District of Columbia offers reciprocity. Licensed real estate agents seeking reciprocity must have two years of experience as a licensed salesperson immediately preceding the application date, complete a 3-hour D.C. Real Estate Commission-approved fair housing course, a 3-hour D.C. property management course, and pass the state portion of the real estate Salesperson exam. An original letter of license certification from the original jurisdiction, dated within 90 days and with an official seal, is also required. Virginia and Maryland licensees may have a more streamlined process. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Florida | help_outline Check with board | Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, West Virginia Official state board arrow_outward |
| Georgia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Georgia offers reciprocity with all states except Florida. Florida residents must pass the Georgia-specific portion of the licensing exam. Reciprocal applicants must hold an active license in good standing, obtained by examination, and provide a certified license history and criminal background report. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Hawaii | block Not recognized | Hawaii does not have reciprocity with any other state. However, a salesperson with a current and active license in another state with similar or superior pre-licensing education requirements may qualify for an equivalency to the pre-license education requirement and/or the uniform section of the examination. Individuals with a current and unencumbered real estate salesperson's license in another state may become a Hawaii real estate broker with the approval of the proper applications. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Idaho | edit_note Exam required | Idaho does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states. However, it waives the national portion of the licensing exam, prelicense education, and broker experience requirements (if applicable) if you are licensed on active status in another state. You must still pass the Idaho state-specific portion of the exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Illinois | edit_note Exam required | As of January 1, 2026, Illinois replaced reciprocity agreements with an endorsement process. Agents from any state can now qualify by completing a 30-hour Illinois-specific course and passing the Illinois state exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Indiana | help_outline Check with board | Indiana does not have general reciprocity agreements with other states. However, out-of-state licensees may apply by endorsement, where the Indiana Real Estate Commission will review their qualifications to determine if they are equivalent to Indiana's requirements. Illinois licensees may be eligible to waive the national portion of the Indiana licensing exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Iowa | help_outline Check with board | Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, and North Dakota Official state board arrow_outward |
| Kansas | edit_note Exam required | Kansas does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. However, out-of-state licensees may be exempt from the 30-hour Principles of Real Estate course and the national portion of the exam if their previous state's requirements are deemed equivalent by the Commission. They must still complete the 30-hour Kansas Practice Course and pass the Kansas portion of the real estate exam, as well as a background check. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Kentucky | help_outline Check with board | Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia Official state board arrow_outward |
| Louisiana | help_outline Check with board | Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania Official state board arrow_outward |
| Maine | edit_note Exam required | Maine does not have formal reciprocity agreements with specific states. However, if you hold an active real estate license in another state, you can apply for a Maine license by passing only the Maine state portion of the real estate exam and undergoing a background check. This applies to all states, provided the out-of-state license requirements are equivalent to Maine's. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Maryland | edit_note Exam required | Pennsylvania (full reciprocity, no additional education or exams), Oklahoma (must pass Maryland state portion of exam, exempt from full education). Other states may apply for an 'Out-of-State Waiver' and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, potentially requiring the Maryland pre-licensing course and/or full exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Massachusetts | help_outline Check with board | Connecticut, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Oklahoma (if licensed for 2 years). Official state board arrow_outward |
| Michigan | block Not recognized | Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Applicants licensed in other states must meet Michigan's education, experience, and examination requirements. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Minnesota | edit_note Exam required | Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin (with additional 13-hour course and state exam portion) Official state board arrow_outward |
| Mississippi | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Mississippi does not have formal reciprocity agreements with specific states, but non-resident and out-of-state licensed salespersons can apply for a Mississippi real estate license. Each application is reviewed on its own merits, and applicants may need to meet Mississippi's exam, education, or other requirements. Mississippi does offer full license reciprocity for military service members and their spouses, provided certain conditions are met, and has a Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act for applicants establishing residency who hold a current license in good standing from another state for at least one year. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Missouri | edit_note Exam required | Missouri has partial reciprocity. If you hold an active salesperson license in another state, you must pass the STATE portion of the Missouri salesperson exam and complete the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) Course. A license history certification issued within three months from your current licensing state is also required. The 48-hour pre-examination course is waived. Application must be submitted within six months of passing the state portion of the exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Montana | edit_note Exam required | Montana does not have formal reciprocity with other states. However, out-of-state licensees may apply through a waiver process, which typically requires passing only the Montana state portion of the real estate exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Nebraska | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Nebraska does not have formal reciprocity agreements but offers licensure recognition for active licensees in good standing from other jurisdictions. This typically requires a 3-hour Nebraska Law/Agency Course, a certificate of licensure history, and a background check. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Nevada | edit_note Exam required | Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia (for salesperson license). Other states may have partial reciprocity requiring an 18-hour Nevada law course and passing the Nevada state exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Hampshire | edit_note Exam required | All states, with passing the NH state portion of the exam Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Jersey | block Not recognized | New Jersey does not have reciprocity with any state. However, out-of-state licensees may apply for an education waiver. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Mexico | help_outline Check with board | Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts Official state board arrow_outward |
| New York | help_outline Check with board | New York does not have full license reciprocity with any state, but offers mutual recognition agreements with Massachusetts, Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Quebec (Canada). Official state board arrow_outward |
| North Carolina | edit_note Exam required | North Carolina does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. However, it offers 'limited license recognition' for individuals with an active license from any U.S. state, territory, or Canada within the past three years. These applicants may be exempt from the 75-hour pre-license course and only need to pass the state-specific portion of the exam. A provisional license will be issued, and post-licensing education may still be required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| North Dakota | help_outline Check with board | Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota Official state board arrow_outward |
| Ohio | edit_note Exam required | Ohio has partial reciprocity, meaning out-of-state agents typically only need to pass the state-specific portion of the Ohio real estate exam. Recent legislative changes (Senate Bill 131, effective December 2023) have streamlined the process for professionals with "substantially similar" licenses or certifications, provided they meet certain experience and background qualifications. Ohio and Kentucky have a specific agreement to recognize each other's licenses as of April 25, 2025. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Oklahoma | help_outline Check with board | Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota Official state board arrow_outward |
| Oregon | edit_note Exam required | Oregon does not have full reciprocity with any state. Out-of-state licensees must meet all Oregon licensing requirements. However, out-of-state licensees can perform work on a "nonresidential real estate" transaction if they enter into a written cooperative agreement with an Oregon licensee, who must supervise all activities conducted in Oregon. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Pennsylvania | help_outline Check with board | Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York Official state board arrow_outward |
| Rhode Island | help_outline Check with board | Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida Official state board arrow_outward |
| South Carolina | edit_note Exam required | South Carolina has formal reciprocity with Georgia and North Carolina. Agents from other states may be eligible for an expedited process by endorsement, typically requiring them to pass the South Carolina portion of the real estate exam and potentially complete additional courses depending on their residency in SC. Official state board arrow_outward |
| South Dakota | edit_note Exam required | South Dakota does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states, but offers a licensing-by-endorsement pathway for eligible out-of-state licensees, potentially waiving pre-licensing education and requiring only the state law portion of the exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Tennessee | edit_note Exam required | Tennessee does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. However, licensed agents from other states may be eligible for license recognition, which can expedite the licensing process. This typically involves submitting a certified license history and potentially passing the Tennessee state law portion of the exam and completing Tennessee-specific education if not already done. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Texas | edit_note Exam required | Texas does not have reciprocity with any other state. Out-of-state licensees must meet all current Texas licensing requirements. However, an out-of-state licensee may split a commission with a Texas licensee as long as the out-of-state licensee does not conduct any activities related to the transaction in Texas. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Utah | help_outline Check with board | Georgia, Mississippi, and Alberta (Canada) Official state board arrow_outward |
| Vermont | block Not recognized | Vermont does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states. However, exceptions for the education requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis by the Vermont Real Estate Commission if an agent is moving to Vermont. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Virginia | edit_note Exam required | Virginia offers full reciprocity. Salesperson applicants must pass the Virginia state-specific portion of the exam, provide verification of a 60-hour 'Principles of Real Estate' course (or equivalent), and submit letters of certification from other jurisdictions where licensed. The out-of-state license must be current and in good standing. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Washington | edit_note Exam required | Washington does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. However, out-of-state agents with an equivalent, active license in good standing may be able to waive the education portion and the national part of the exam. They must still pass the Washington state portion of the exam, submit fingerprints for a background check, and provide official license history from their current licensing state. Official state board arrow_outward |
| West Virginia | edit_note Exam required | West Virginia does not have full reciprocity with any state. Out-of-state licensees must pass the West Virginia-specific portion of the licensing examination. West Virginia has specific agreements with Ohio and Kentucky, but out-of-state licensees from any state can apply for a reciprocal license, subject to specific rules and the requirement to pass the state-specific portion of the exam. A Certification of Licensure from each state where the applicant is currently or was previously licensed is required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Wisconsin | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Wisconsin has full reciprocity with Illinois and Indiana, meaning licensees from these states may be exempt from some education requirements. Licensees from other states may need to complete a 13-hour salesperson course or a 19-hour broker course. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Wyoming | edit_note Exam required | Wyoming does not offer direct reciprocity with any state. However, an active license in another state may exempt applicants from the Salesperson I Course and the national portion of the state licensing exam. Official state board arrow_outward |
Real Estate Agent reciprocity: common questions
Does a real estate agent license transfer to another state?
Real Estate Agent licensing is fragmented: 33 of the 50 states and DC either don't accept outside licenses or require you to retake a state-specific exam. Plan for the full local process in most destinations. It depends on the destination state — see the state-by-state table above.
Which states license out-of-state real estate agents by endorsement?
4 states issue a new license by endorsement — an application, fees and verification of your current credential, typically without retaking the main exam: Georgia, Mississippi, Nebraska, Wisconsin. Confirm with the destination state's board before you move — rules change.
Which states make real estate agents take an exam to transfer?
27 states and DC require a state exam or state-specific training before licensing an out-of-state real estate agent: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming. Confirm with the destination state's board before you move — rules change.
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How this was compiled · Last updated 2026-10-15
Reciprocity tiers and summaries are compiled from each state's licensing board and department of professional regulation — linked per row above — and reviewed against public board guidance. Licensing rules change frequently and often depend on your license class (for example journeyman vs. master) and the specific states involved. Always confirm current requirements directly with the destination state's board before making a career or relocation decision. This page is informational and is not legal or licensing advice.
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