A Complete Guide to Real Estate Reciprocity Rules Per State (2024)

If you plan to move out of state, you’re probably wondering how it will affect your real estate license. The answer could depend on the state in which you hold a license and your target state.

Real estate reciprocity is the allowance of a real estate license earned in one state to be used in another after meeting certain requirements. Real estate laws vary from state to state, including the requirements to get your real estate agent or broker’s license. However, you might not have to complete all the educational requirements to get your license in a new state.

This guide explains how real estate reciprocity works and the related rules for each state.

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What to know about real estate reciprocity

Real estate license requirements are state-specific. To practice in your new state, you will have to understand the state laws and get your license for that state. Yet, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to start all over. States that offer real estate license reciprocity make the process easier for professionals who have already earned a license.

Understanding real estate license reciprocity

Your real estate license can’t be simply transferred from one state to another. The requirements for getting your license will depend on whether your new state offers license reciprocity. Some of the education requirements to get your real estate license in one state are the same or similar to those in other states. In states with full or partial reciprocity, you may only have to complete courses and testing regarding state-specific laws.

The types of real estate reciprocity and their requirements vary from state to state, making them challenging to understand. Some states offer reciprocity for agents with a real estate license from any US state; others apply only to certain states. Unfortunately, there are some states that don’t provide reciprocity at all.

Benefits of real estate reciprocity

If you have an active real estate license in one state, reciprocity can allow you to get your license in a new state with fewer education requirements. This practice offers several benefits for real estate professionals.

You can start practicing quickly after moving to a new state.
Education costs may be less expensive since there are fewer requirements.
Reciprocity can allow you to work in more than one state.
It encourages professional development by making getting a license in multiple states financially obtainable.
Agents can expand their business network and find more opportunities.

Factors determining real estate license reciprocity

Some states have full reciprocity, and some have none, while others offer partial reciprocity that depends on certain factors. The main factors that define the availability of reciprocity are state agreements and real estate broker experience.

Mutual agreements between states

Reciprocity is the exchange of things (especially privileges) for mutual benefit. States make agreements that allow real estate agents to practice with minimal requirements for different reasons. Many states have an agreement with neighboring states. This makes it easier for real estate agents to conduct business in states that share borders. Other state agreements are based on similar real estate laws.

Yet, reciprocity doesn’t automatically guarantee that state agreements will be mutual. States that offer full reciprocity don’t gain the same benefits from all other states. Even states with partial reciprocity may not be mutual across states. For example, Nevada offers license reciprocity for agents from Louisiana, but Nevada isn’t among the 10 states to which Louisiana offers reciprocity.

Broker experience and education requirements

Broker requirements in all states are more extensive than those for real estate agents. This is also true in states that offer reciprocity. For example, Alabama offers full reciprocity for real estate professionals with an active license in any state. To get a real estate license in Alabama, you only need to complete a six-hour course in Alabama real estate law, pass the corresponding portion of the exam, and submit a Certificate of Licensure. To get a broker’s license, you’ll also need to complete an approved 60-hour pre-license course and hold an active real estate license in any state for at least 24 months of the 36 months leading up to the date of application.

Types of real estate reciprocity

Real estate reciprocity falls into three main categories, including full reciprocity, partial reciprocity, and no reciprocity. Case-by-case reciprocity could be defined as a sub-category of other categories since the requirements are based on specific state rules related to your current state’s education criteria and other factors. Your requirements will depend on what type of real estate reciprocity your target state offers.

Full reciprocity

Full reciprocity states allow real estate license transfers from any state in the country. When moving to a full reciprocity state, you’ll only need to complete state-specific education and pass the related portion of the real estate exam.

Partial reciprocity

Partial reciprocity states only include specific states in their reciprocity agreement. If the state in which you currently hold an active license is included in the partial reciprocity agreement, the process will be similar to that of moving to a full reciprocity state. However, if your home state is not part of the agreement, you’ll have to complete the full education and testing requirements to get your license in the new state.

No reciprocity

Some states don’t offer real estate reciprocity. No reciprocity states require real estate professionals to complete the same licensing requirements as individuals who have never held a real estate license.

Case-by-case basis reciprocity

Case-by-case reciprocity could be defined as a type of partial reciprocity (sometimes called selective reciprocity), but it generally covers real estate professionals across all states. For example, North Carolina doesn’t list any states to which they offer reciprocity. Instead, they offer reciprocity to agents who have an active license equivalent to NC’s provisional broker’s license.

Some states with partial reciprocity may have different licensing requirements depending on your current state. For instance, agents from certain states may obtain direct reciprocity with no education requirements, while those from other states will be required to complete the state portion of the real estate exam. In these states, requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Understanding real estate license portability

If you conduct most of your business in one state but occasionally need to work within another state, you may be more interested in real estate license portability than reciprocity. Real estate portability laws allow real estate agents to engage in real estate business in which they don’t have a real estate license.

Real estate portability is often extended to professionals in neighboring states. Yet, some exceptions may apply. It’s important to note that portability is not designed to be a long-term solution for real estate agents relocating to another state. There are three types of portability laws that define the conditions for an out-of-state real estate agent to work within the state.

Physical portability

A state that allows physical portability will allow you to represent your client living in another state. However, you must work remotely to assist in the property purchase or sale rather than in person.

Cooperative portability

States with cooperative portability allow out-of-state agents to physically enter another state to conduct real estate business. However, you must co-broker the transaction with a real estate agent who does have a license in the state.

Turf states

Turf states don’t allow agents with out-of-state licenses to conduct real estate business in their state. To assist your client with a property purchase or sale in a turf state, you will have to refer them to an agent with an active real estate license in that state. There are only seven turf states in the US, including Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Utah.

Real estate license reciprocity by states

If you plan to move to a new state, you’ll need to know whether the state offers reciprocity and the associated requirements for getting your license. Each state has different reciprocity types and rules.

States with full reciprocity

These states offer reciprocity to real estate professionals who have a current license in another state after specific requirements are followed.

Alabama

Alabama honors licenses from all states. Applicants must complete these requirements:

Take a six-hour course in Alabama real estate law
Pass the corresponding state portion of the exam
Submit a Certificate of Licensure with the application (must be issued within 120 days of applying for a reciprocal license)

Alaska

Alaska has full reciprocity with all US states by endorsem*nt. However, specific caveats apply. You must not have a felony on your record or a crime that has occurred in the last seven years. Other requirements include:

You must have held your license for a year or more and accrued 24 months of experience in the past 36 months
Complete a six-hour Alaska real estate course
Pass the Alaska state portion of the exam
Present proof of errors and omissions insurance and a licensing history

Arizona

While Arizona does not technically offer reciprocity, the state does offer out-of-state license recognition. Agents seeking out-of-state licensure recognition must meet the following requirements:

Provide document of residency in AZ
Complete a six-hour contract writing course
Pass the Arizona portion of the exam & apply for a license within 1 year from the date of passing the state-specific exam
Have a current license you’ve held for at least one year
Submit fingerprints and background check

Colorado

Colorado has reciprocity with all 50 states. Licensing requirements include:

Pass the Colorado portion of the real estate exam
Complete a fingerprint background check
Provide a license history
If you’ve been licensed for less than two years, you must take a 120-hour Colorado Out of State Licensee Course

Delaware

Deleware recognizes all state licenses if these requirements are followed:

Submit one of three documents: 1.) Certificate showing completion of the Delaware law portion of the Salesperson’s Pre-Licensing Course, 2.) Certificate showing completion of education in another state, 3.) Certificate of Licensure History showing you have been licensed continuously for the past three years and a lease transaction listing 20 sales or lease transactions completed within that time

Georgia

Georgia offers full reciprocity to all states but has special requirements for real estate agents from Florida:

Have a current license in good standing
Submit a background check
Submit a real estate license history
Florida applicants must also pass the Georgia real estate licensing exam

Maine

Real estate professionals from all states can earn their license in Maine with these requirements:

Pass the Maine law portion of the licensing exam
Complete a background check
Submit a Furnish Verification of Licensure in good standing

Missouri

Missouri offers full reciprocity to professionals in all 50 states. However, brokers have added requirements.

Salesperson:

Complete the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice course
Pass the state portion of the real estate exam
Get a criminal history background check
Submit a current license history

Broker:

Have active license experience for 24 of the last 30 months
Pass the state portion of the exam
Issuance of a current license history certificate from the real estate commission of your home state

New Hampshire

License transfers from all other states are directly accepted in New Hampshire as long as you are licensed in another state and have passed both national and state portions of the exam in the state in which you’re licensed.

South Carolina

South Carolina extends reciprocity for licenses from other states, but you must have held your license within six months before applying. Brokers must be active for at least three years to qualify. Other requirements include:

Take the SC portion of the exam
Submit certification(s) of licensure from any jurisdictions in which you’ve held a license in the last five years
If you’ve been a SC resident for more than six months, you’ll need to take 30 hours of pre-licensing education for a real estate license and 60 hours of pre-licensing education for a broker’s license.

Virginia

Licenses from each state are transferrable to Virginia with these requirements.

Pass the state portion of the exam
Complete a 60-hour “Principles of Real Estate” course
Have a current license in another state
Submit certification letters from other jurisdictions where licensed

Additional requirements apply to applicants seeking a broker license:

Pass the state portion of the exam
Submit verification of experience (practicing as an agent or broker for 36 out of 48 months prior to applying for licensure)
Provide transcripts from the educational institution where you’ve completed 180 hours of broker pre-licensing courses
Submit certification letters from other jurisdictions where licensed
Hold a current broker license in another state

Washington

All states are offered reciprocity from Washington with minimal requirements.

All education requirements are waived for professionals who hold an active license from another state
If you’ve had an active license in another state during the last six months, you’ll need to take the Washington state part of the exam
Submit a certificate of license history or license affidavit
Submit a fingerprint background check

Wyoming

While Wyoming does not provide direct reciprocity with any state, licensed agents can apply for a license if these requirements are met.

Hold an active license in another state
Pass the Wyoming Law Course
Pass the Salesperson II Course
Pass the State Exam for Salespersons
Submit two fingerprint cards
Brokers must pass the Wyoming Law Course, Boker II Course, Wyoming Broker Management Course, and the state exam for brokers

States with partial reciprocity

These states offer reciprocity to specific states after requirements are met.

Arkansas

Arkansas offers reciprocity to Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington and West Virginia. However, agents from other states can request a waiver to skip the general portion of the examination. Additional requirements include:

Connecticut

Connecticut has agreements with Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island. Requirements include:

Have an active real estate license in good standing with no disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints
Submission of license history with your completed, notarized application
Complete the state portion of the CT Real Estate Licensing Examination if you’re from Florida, Illinois, or Indiana or haven’t passed a written examination in a reciprocal state

Florida

Florida has agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Requirements include:

Cannot be a Florida resident at the time of application
Your real estate license must be current and in good standing
Complete a background check
Pass the 40-question Florida Real Estate exam

Illinois

Illinois offers reciprocity to Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. If you’re from these states, you only need to have a sponsor with an active broker license in Illinois and pass the Illinois portion of the licensure exam.

Iowa

Iowa has agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, and North Dakota. You only need to follow these requirements if you’re licensed in a reciprocal state.

Have taken an exam in the state you’re licensed in
Have held a license in the past six months
Submit your certificate of license history and proof of E&O insurance
Undergo a criminal history and background check

Kentucky

Kentucky only offers reciprocal agreements to Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. If you’ve been actively licensed in one of these states for at least a year, you can get your Kentucky real estate license with these requirements.

Complete a 40-hour reciprocal license law course
Undergo a national criminal history check and background check
Take the reciprocal license exam
Provide proof of E&O insurance
Affiliate your Kentucky license with a principal broker with a Kentucky Broker License

Louisiana

Louisiana holds agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. If you’re licensed in one of these states, you can obtain the same license type by providing proof of licensing. Other requirements include:

Submit a Certified License History from any state in which you have/held a license
Complete a background check
Provide proof of E&O insurance

Maryland

Maryland only offers reciprocity to agents from Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Agents from Pennsylvania only need to have an active license in good standing and submit a certified license history and background check. If you’re licensed in Oklahoma, you’ll also need to pass the Maryland portion of the exam.

Applicants from other states may apply for an out-of-state license recognition waiver to be considered for reciprocity.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has agreements with Connecticut, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico.

Limited reciprocity is also available for real estate professionals in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Oklahoma with certain requirements.

Maine: Brokers licensed for three years can apply for an educational waiver and only complete the Massachusetts state portion of the exam.
New Hampshire: Agents must apply for an educational waiver and complete the MA state portion of the exam
New York and Oklahoma: Must be licensed for two years to receive complete reciprocity. Others must apply for an education waiver but are still required to take the entire exam.

Minnesota

Minnesota has reciprocity with Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. If you’re licensed in a reciprocal state, you’re required to take these steps:

Have your license application submitted by a Minnesota-licensed primary broker
Email a Letter of Certification (no more than 90 days old) documenting your licensing in a reciprocal state
If you’re from Wisconsin, you must also complete the 13-hour Wisconsin to Minnesota Reciprocal Pre-Licensing course and pass the state portion of the exam.
If you have an active license in a non-reciprocal state, you must complete pre-licensing education courses I, II, and III, plus pass the state portion of the salesperson exam.

Nevada

Nevada has agreements with Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, South Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia. Requirements for applicants of these states include:

Proof of education and license experience
Take an 18-hr Nevada-specific law course
Pass the Nevada section of the real estate exam
Submit a certified license history and a notarized consent to the Service of Process

New Mexico

New Mexico only has reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. Residents from these states must only submit their application with a copy of their license history, proof of E&O insurance, meet fingerprinting requirements, and pay the licensing fee.

North Dakota

North Dakota only had agreements with Georgia, Iowa, and Minnesota. Requirements for real estate professionals in these states include:

Hold a current license in good standing
Pass the state section of the exam
Complete a Consent to Suit form
Provide evidence of a real estate trust account and a certified license history

Ohio

Ohio has agreements with Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Residents from these states must have a license for at least a year and meet these additional requirements.

Take the Ohio Real Estate Law Course
Complete a background check
Prove affiliation with an Ohio-based broker

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers reciprocity to agents from Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts. However, agents from these states must have an employing broker with a valid Pennsylvania real estate license and consent to a background check.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island only has reciprocity agreements with Connecticut and Massachusetts. Applicants from these states must:

Have an active license
Submit a criminal history
Complete a three-hour continuing education course in lead poisoning
Provide proof of E&O insurance
Provide a Letter of Good Standing and a power of attorney form
Residents of Florida can apply through reciprocity through the Mutual Recognition Agreement, but they must pass the state portion of the exam and submit the above documentation

Utah

Utah has agreements with Georgia, Mississippi, and Alberta, Canada. If you’re licensed in these locations, requirements include:

Undergo a fingerprint and background check
Submit a license history from your current state and all other jurisdictions where you’ve previously held a license

West Virginia

West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with Florida, Kentucky, and Ohio. If you’re from a reciprocal state, your requirements include:

Have at least one year ofexperience
Submit fingerprints and a national criminal history check
Take the West Virginia portion of the licensing exam
Submit an online application
Ohio and Kentucky agents must take a WVREC-approved 20-hour West Virginia Real Estate Law course
Be affiliated with a licensed West Virginia broker.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin only has agreements with Illinois and Indiana. Agents with an active license in these states for the last two years only need to pass the state portion of the real estate exam. Otherwise, you’ll need to take the 13 hours of sales education or complete 10 semester-hour credits in real estate (or real estate-related) law courses before taking the exam.

States with no reciprocity

These states have no reciprocity with other states. They require you to meet the full education and testing requirements to get your real estate license. However, some qualifications may allow you to waive real estate continuing education requirements.

California

California offers no reciprocity or waivers. You must meet all education requirements to get your CA real estate license.

Hawaii

You may be able to qualify for an Equivalency to the Prelicense Education Requirement and the Equivalency to the Uniform Examination. You must have an active license in another state to qualify for the prelicensing education equivalency.

Michigan

Michigan offers no waivers or reciprocity opportunities.

New Jersey

In certain circ*mstances, you may be able to submit an educational waiver to waive educational and exam requirements to get your NJ license. Contact the Commission’s Education Waiver Section at 609-292-7272 to learn more.

New York

While no reciprocity is available, you can request a waiver for the courses required for an NY license.

Texas

You may be exempt from taking the national portion of the exam if you hold an active license in a state that participated in the national exam accreditation with ARRELLO. You’ll want to submit your license history when you file your application to determine your eligibility for exemption.

States determining reciprocity on a case-by-case basis

These states offer a type of reciprocity similar to partial reciprocity. Usually, individual cases are approved based on the similarity of education requirements between states.

Idaho

Idaho doesn’t offer reciprocity to specific states. However, they waive the national portion of the licensing exam, pre-license education, and broker experience requirements if you have an active license in another state. You may obtain the same license you hold in your primary state without any additional requirements. However, if your primary state is a single licensure state, you must hold a principal or designated broker license to qualify for an Idaho Broker license.

Indiana

While Indiana doesn’t define which states it extends reciprocity to, you may qualify if your original licensure state has similar requirements. Contact their office at 317-232-2960 to find out if your state of licensure qualifies for reciprocity. You’ll also need to submit an application for consideration.

Kansas

Kansas doesn’t offer reciprocity with other states but does allow you to waive the national portion of the exam. You’ll have to submit a client exam waiver and take the Kansas-specific 30-hour prelicensing course and the related portion of the exam.

Mississippi

While there are no formal agreements with specific states, Mississippi qualifies professionals for equivalent education and exams on a case-by-case basis. Call the Mississippi Real Estate Commission at (601) 321-6970 to learn more.

Montana

Montana doesn’t confirm reciprocity with any specific state. However, agents with an active license in any state can apply with a certificate of licensure, a passing score on the state portion of the exam, and proof of E&O insurance.

Nebraska

Instead of reciprocity, Nebraska offers license by recognition. You may be able to get an equivalent license in Nebraska if you have a current real estate license in another state and are considered “in good standing.” Other requirements include:

Passing the Nebraska License Law course
Submission of license history
Proof of E&O insurance
Complete background check

North Carolina

While NC doesn’t offer reciprocity for specific states, equivalent education is recognized. You must meet these requirements:

Hold a license in another state that’s been active for the last three years and is equivalent to NC’s provisional or full-broker license
Alternatively, you can waive the state portion of the exam and obtain a provisional license until you complete post-licensing education requirements.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has reciprocity with Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, or South Dakota in that you may be able to take the Oklahoma state-only exam through PSI. You can also qualify if you’re from another state and have two or more years of experience within the last five years. Additional requirements include:

At least one hour of continuing education in the Broker Relationship Act, Code and Regulations, and Contracts and Forms.
Submission of a license certification history
Undergo a background check

South Dakota

While SD doesn’t officially recognize reciprocity agreements, all licensed agents moving into the state can apply for equivalent licenses. Applicants must also complete these requirements:

Take and pass the state portion of the exam
Undergo a background check
Submit certificate of license history
Provide proof of E&O insurance and a fingerprint card

Tennessee

Licensed residents and non-residents in good standing in their current state can complete a special reciprocal application to be determined on a case-by-case basis. If approved, state requirements for examination, education, and experience will be waived.

Oregon

Oregon technically has reciprocal agreements with Alabama, Alberta, Georgia, Nebraska, and South Dakota. However, applicants must contact the Oregon Real Estate Commission directly to learn about the requirements.

Vermont

While Vermont has no specific reciprocity agreements with other states, you can apply for a fast-track endorsem*nt if your home state’s courses and exams are equivalent to Vermont’s.

How to apply for real estate license reciprocity

As you’ve likely noticed, reciprocity requirements for each state can vary substantially. When applying for real estate license reciprocity, you’ll have to follow the requirements for your target state.

Follow these steps when applying for real estate reciprocity

Before you make any assumptions about your requirements for getting your license in a new state, make sure you do your research. Follow these steps to apply for real estate reciprocity.

Research your target state to determine specific regulations.This information is typically found on the state’s Real Estate Commission website.
Gather all of the necessary documentation necessary for applying.
Make sure you fill out your application accurately and pay associated fees.
Follow required timelines to avoid denial.

Required documentation

Documentation for reciprocity can vary from state to state. However, you should be prepared to provide proof of your education, licensing, past performance, and criminal history. Common documents required for reciprocity include:

Background check
Proof of E&O insurance
Certificate of license history
Proof of course completion and exams taken

Costs involved

Getting your license in a state that offers reciprocity will likely be far less expensive than starting from scratch. You’ll be able to avoid education costs and save a substantial amount of time. However, you can expect certain costs to apply. This may include application fees, payment for state-specific courses, and exam fees.

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