Learn the requirements, fees, and how to apply for a real estate broker license.
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.
How to apply
Follow the steps carefully below to get your real estate broker's license.
Tip: Read all steps fully before beginning the process. Doing the steps out of order will delay getting your license.
1. Meet the requirements
To qualify for a license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete 90 hours of approved real estate education including a 60-hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals and a 30-hour course in Real Estate Practices. Visit the Course Search for a list of approved real estate education.
- You will need to pay for your real estate courses. Learn more about real estate education fees.
- Apply for and complete your required broker's exams within 2 years of completing your real estate education courses.
- Pass the broker's state and national exams.
2. Register for a PSI account
- Your school needs to submit your course completion records to PSI Testing Excellence, our testing vendor, before you are able to register for exams.
- It could take your school up to 7 days to submit your course completion records to PSI.
- After your records arrive, you should receive an email from PSI with a link to register for an account. If you don’t receive the email, contact your school.
3. Take your exams
After registering your PSI account, you can schedule your exams online or by calling 855-746-8168.
You will need to pay fees when you sign up for exams. Learn more about real estate exam fees.
- You must pass both the state and national exams within 6 months of each other, or you'll have to retake both exams.
- Example: If you pass the state exam on March 1, you have until September 1 to pass the national exam.
- Don't apply for a license before you receive notification from us that we've received your exam results. This may cause delays in processing your application.
- You must apply for your license within 1 year of passing your final exam.
4. Submit your fingerprints
You must pass your test before submitting your fingerprints for background checks.
Inside Washington
Schedule an appointment through IdentoGo, our electronic fingerprinting vendor. You'll pay a fee for the fingerprinting service and background checks required for your license type.
Outside Washington
See Fingerprinting and background checks for steps to send your fingerprints from out-of-state. You'll also find instructions for disputing your FBI criminal history record.
Tip: It can take up to 14 business days for us to receive the results from Washington State Patrol.
5. Submit your application
You will need to pay fees with your application. Learn more about application fees.
Submit your application online
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.
After completing all the steps above, you will receive an email from us directing you to the online application. You should receive this email within 72 hours of passing your exams. If you don’t get the email, call 360-664-6488 or email us.
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Submit your application by mail
Mail a completed Real Estate License Application form and a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the application fee to:
Real Estate
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
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