Real Estate License Reciprocity & Portability: A State-by-State Guide

Reciprocity: Agents who are licensed in the U.S. must complete a six‐hour course in Alabama real estate law, take and pass the corresponding Alabama portion of the licensing examination, and submit an official “Certificate of Licensure” form (license history) issued within 120 days of reciprocal license application.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Called application “by endorsement,” agents licensed in the U.S. must complete a six-hour Alaska real estate course; pass the Alaska state portion of the real estate exam; provide a license history, and demonstrate errors and omissions (E&O) insurance coverage.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: While not technically reciprocity, licensed agents in the U.S. must provide education and license certificates; proof of legal presence and residency in Arizona; license history; fingerprint clearance card; and complete a six-hour contract writing course to have their out-of-state license recognized.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: If you are a licensed agent in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, or West Virginia, you can request a waiver for the general portion of the real estate exam, complete the Arkansas Law portion of the exam, and undergo fingerprinting and a background check in order to practice real estate here.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: California does not offer any reciprocity with other states; everyone must complete all requirements to become licensed in California to conduct real estate business regardless of where they were first licensed.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Colorado offers full reciprocity with all 50 states. You’ll need to pass the Colorado portion of the real estate exam, complete a fingerprint background check, and provide your license history. However, this does not apply to active agents who have been licensed for less than two years in another jurisdiction. They’ll need to complete 120 hours of education for a salesperson credential and take both the national and state portions of the exam.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Reciprocity agreements exist with the following states: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island. Applicants will need to submit a copy of their license history. But, if you are an applicant from Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, you’ll still need to take the state portion of the exam administered by PSI.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Delaware has full reciprocity with all states. In addition to submitting your application and fees, you’ll need to submit your score from the Delaware law portion of the salesperson exam, a certificate of your prelicensing course (with at least 99 credit hours) from another jurisdiction, or your license history showing that you’ve been active for the past three years.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: For reciprocity, you’ll need to have been licensed as a salesperson for the past two years. You’ll also need to take two three-hour courses that have been approved by the DC Real Estate Commission, one on fair housing course and another on property management; pass the DC portion of the real estate exam; pay the required fees; submit a letter of license certification from your original jurisdiction; and obtain your property management continuing education certificate.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Considered a mutual recognition agreement, Florida recognizes licenses from the following 10 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. These residents will need to pass a Florida-specific real estate law exam consisting of 40 questions.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Georgia has reciprocity agreements with all states, but note that Florida residents must take the state portion of the real estate exam. All other applicants with active licenses in good standing will only need to pass background checks and submit their license histories to the state.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Hawaii doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with other states. However, you can apply for an Equivalency to the Prelicense Education Requirement and the Equivalency to the Uniform Examination in order to skip prelicensing courses in Hawaii and avoid taking the national portion of the real estate exam.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Idaho does not offer reciprocity with other states but applicants can request a waiver for the national portion of the real estate exam, prelicensing education, and experience requirements.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Illinois has reciprocity agreements with these eight states: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana (brokers only), Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Applicants with active licenses from these states will have to take the Illinois State supplemental exam.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Unfortunately, you’ll need to contact the Indiana Real Estate Commission at (317) 234-3009 to find out if the state has a reciprocal agreement with the state where you’re licensed. If you are approved for reciprocity, you’ll be allowed to take the Indiana law exam and get your license.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Iowa has reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, and North Dakota. Real estate professionals of these states will need to have had a license within the past six months, show proof of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, and complete a background check.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: While Kansas doesn’t offer formal reciprocity, licensees can apply to waive the national portion of the real estate exam. However, they must complete a Kansas-specific 30-hour prelicensing course and take the Kansas portion of the real estate exam.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Kentucky offers reciprocal agreements with Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Residents of these states will have to complete a 40-hour reciprocal license law course, take the reciprocal license exam and pay licensing fees. They’ll also need to provide proof of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance coverage, their license history, and a background check.

Portability: Turf, meaning this state doesn’t allow anyone with an outside real estate license to do business locally.

Reciprocity: Louisiana has reciprocal license agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Applicants will need to complete a certified license history, submit to a background check, and provide proof of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Maine recognizes licenses from all 50 states. Applicants must pass a Maine law exam and background check, and provide proof of being licensed in good standing in their home state.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: In Maryland, a reciprocal agreement only exists with Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. You’ll also need to have an active license in good standing and submit a license history, fees, and a background check. If you have an Oklahoma license, you’re excused from taking local courses, but you’ll still need to pass the state portion of the exam. If you’re holding a Pennsylvania license, you’re exempt from both the Maryland exam and classes. Applicants from all other states may apply for an Out-of-State License Recognition waiver. The education, exam, and experience requirements will vary depending on which state the licensee is from.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Licensees of Connecticut, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico can apply for a reciprocity license in Massachusetts. Additionally, Oklahoma licensees and New York brokers who have been licensed for at least two years may also apply. Salespersons and brokers of all other states not mentioned above may apply to waive the prelicensing coursework but will need to take the state and national portions of the exam.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Michigan does not have reciprocal agreements with any other state. Applicants must meet all education, examination, and experience requirements for licensure.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Residents in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma are eligible for a reciprocal license; however, a Minnesota-licensed primary broker must submit the application on their behalf. Applicants from Wisconsin must take a 13-hour reciprocal prelicensing course and pass the state portion of the salesperson exam. Applicants from all other states must take all required prelicensing courses and pass the state portion of the real estate exam.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: There are currently no reciprocal agreements with other states, but you may be able to waive certain requirements with equivalent experience and education. Contact the Mississippi Real Estate Commission at (601) 321-6970 for more information.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Missouri has reciprocity agreements with all 50 states. Applicants with a current, valid license must take a 24-hour real estate practice course and pass the law portion of the Missouri state exam.

Portability: Turf, meaning this state doesn’t allow anyone with an outside real estate license to do business locally.

Reciprocity: Montana doesn’t recognize any formal reciprocity but applicants may be able to waive some requirements if they can pass the state portion of the exam and provide proof of licensure in their current state. Choose the second application type option at the top of the application form. Contact the Montana Board of Realty Regulation at (406) 444-6880 for more information.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Applicants from out of state may apply for license “recognition.” To do so, you must be in good standing with your current regulatory jurisdiction. You’ll need to pass a Nebraska License Law Course, submit your license history, provide proof of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, and complete a background check.

Portability: Turf, meaning this state doesn’t allow anyone with an outside real estate license to do business locally.

Reciprocity: Nevada has reciprocal agreements with the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. Applicants will need to take the Nevada portion of the real estate exam, submit a license history, and complete a notarized Consent to Service of Process form.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: While New Hampshire does offer limited reciprocal agreements, we encourage applicants to contact the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission at (603) 271-2152 for a complete list of state-specific regulations.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: New Jersey does not have reciprocal agreements with any states. However, in certain circumstances, you may be able to apply for an education waiver or reduced education and examination requirements. Contact the New Jersey Real Estate Commission’s education waiver section at 609-292-7272 for more information.

Portability: Turf, meaning this state doesn’t allow anyone with an outside real estate license to do business locally.

Reciprocity: Licensed agents (which are called brokers in New Mexico) from other states may apply for a waiver of the education and examination requirements but will also need to submit letter requesting a waiver, along with their license history and proof of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, with their application. However, the classroom-only broker basics course cannot be waived and you’ll also have to take the New Mexico portion of the real estate exam.

Portability: Turf, meaning this state doesn’t allow anyone with an outside real estate license to do business locally.

Reciprocity: While New York doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with other states, applicants may request an education waiver by submitting proof of an equivalent level of schooling. Salespersons must also be sponsored by a home-state broker who is also licensed in New York.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Applicants with real estate licenses from other states that have been active for the previous three years and are equivalent to the North Carolina provisional or full-broker license may waive the 75-hour prelicensing course and the national portion of the real estate exam. You can either take the state portion of the exam or waive that exam and be issued a provisional license (which you’ll retain until you complete the postlicensing education requirements).

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: North Dakota has reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Iowa, and Minnesota. Applicants must pass the state portion of the real estate exam, complete a Consent to Suit form, and provide evidence of a Real Estate Trust Account (or an account waiver form) and license history.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Ohio has reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Residents from these states who have had their license for at least one year must still take the Ohio Real Estate Law course, pass the reciprocity exam, complete a background check, submit a Consent to Service of Process form, and prove affiliation with an Ohio-based broker.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: If you are a licensed real estate agent in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, or South Dakota and have any experience in the past five years, or if you have at least two years of experience within the past five years in another state, you only need to take the Oklahoma portion of the licensing exam. You’ll also need to provide a license history, background check, proof of citizenship, and proof of having completed at least one hour of continuing education in each of three categories: broker relationship act, code and rules, and contracts and forms.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: If you are a resident of Alabama, Georgia, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Alberta, Canada, you are eligible for a reciprocal license in Oregon. However, you’ll need to contact the Oregon Real Estate Commission at (503) 378-4170 for specific information on the requirements.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: The commonwealth has reciprocal agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Licensed salespersons and brokers cannot apply until they’ve secured an employing broker with a valid Pennsylvania real estate license. They will also need to undergo a background check in their current state and every state they’ve lived and worked in the past five years. Both salespersons and brokers applying via reciprocity may also be approved if the state they’re from allows Pennsylvania applicants to be issued a license without further requirement.

Portability: Turf, meaning this state doesn’t allow anyone with an outside real estate license to do business locally.

Reciprocity: If you’re licensed in Connecticut and Massachusetts, you can apply for a reciprocal license after completing a three-hour continuing education course in lead poisoning and providing a criminal history check, certification of errors and omission (E&O) insurance, and a letter of good standing from your current state’s licensing authority. Florida residents may also apply for a reciprocal license but will also need to take the state portion of the real estate exam.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: If you’re licensed in another state, you will need to provide proof of licensure for at least six months before applying and proof of licensing for any state where you’ve conducted business in the past five years. You’ll then need to sit for the South Carolina portion of the real estate exam. If you have been a resident of South Carolina for more than six months, you’ll be required to take the 60-hour Advanced Real Estate Principles class.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: While South Dakota doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements with other states, agents moving into South Dakota can apply for an equivalent license by taking the state portion of the exam and submitting a background check, license history, and proof of errors and omission (E&O) insurance.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: While Tennessee doesn’t offer any formal reciprocity agreements, resident and non-residents of Tennessee who are licensed in other states may petition the state to waive the requirements for examination, education, and experience. You will have to take the state portion of the exam, however. Use this form to learn more about how the rules apply to your particular situation.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: Texas does not have reciprocity with any other states. Prospective real estate agents must complete all Texas state requirements to become licensed.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: In Utah, agents licensed in Georgia, Mississippi, and Alberta, Canada may apply through reciprocity. Agents licensed elsewhere can request an education waiver but may still need to take the national portion and state portion of the real estate exam. To apply, submit the required documents, fees, fingerprinting background check (or fingerprint waiver), and license history.

Portability: Turf, meaning this state doesn’t allow anyone with an outside real estate license to do business locally.

Reciprocity: Vermont allows licensees to apply for an endorsement if your home state’s courses and exams are equivalent to Vermont. Most state residents are exempt from the 40-hour prelicensing course, except for Indiana and Rhode Island. However, if you’re a licensee from California, New York, West Virginia, or Puerto Rico, you’ll still need to pass the national portion of the real estate exam.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Applicants for a salesperson license through reciprocity in Virginia must have a current license from another state, pass the state portion of the real estate exam, complete the 60-hour Principles of Real Estate course, and submit letters of certification.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Washington recognizes real estate licensees from all states and offers a broker license (known as a salesperson license in most states) once you’ve taken the state portion of the real estate exam, completed a fingerprinting background check, and submitted a certificate of history or license affidavit.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.

Reciprocity: If you have an active license in your home state, you can apply for a non-resident salesperson license by submitting a national criminal background check, providing a certificate of licensure, passing the state portion of the licensing exam, and securing a sponsoring broker with an active West Virginia broker license. If you are a resident of Florida, Kentucky, or Ohio, you’ll only need to pass the state portion of the exam and submit to a background check.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Wisconsin has reciprocal licensing agreements with Illinois and Indiana. Licensees holding an active non-managing broker or salesperson license must pass the state portion of the real estate exam. If your license is not currently active but has been active within the past two years, you can apply for a salesperson license by endorsement, which also requires you to pass the state portion of the exam, in addition to certain education requirements.

Portability: Physical Location, meaning licensed agents can represent clients in out-of-state transactions here, but must do so remotely.

Reciprocity: Wyoming does not offer any reciprocal agreements but licensed agents can apply for a salesperson license by taking a Wyoming law course, the Salesperson II course, passing the state exam for salespersons, and submitting two fingerprint cards.

Portability: Cooperative, meaning agents licensed in another state can enter, conduct business, and get paid for it here, but they must have a local co-broker.