Washington, D.C. Salesperson Pre-Licensing DC Real Estate License FAQs

If you are not licensed in any state as a real estate salesperson, you must complete a DC Real Estate Commission-approved 60-hour Pre-Licensing course on real estate fundamentals and laws. After completing the coursework, you must successfully pass the D.C. real estate licensing salesperson examination. Upon passing the examination, you can then apply for your real estate license endorsement.

If you are licensed as a salesperson or broker in Maryland or Virginia, the licensing requirements are different. Please see the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission licensing procedures for additional information if already licensed in these or other states.

The amount of time to get your D.C. real estate salesperson license varies. For example, if you are licensed in another state, the procedures for licensing are different than those for a first-time licensee. Factors to consider include completing any required Pre-Licensing education, taking the real estate licensing exam, and submitting the application for the real estate salesperson license. Most people complete their licensing requirements within four months.

The fee to take the District of Columbia real estate exam is $69.

The application fee for the D.C. real estate license is $295 ($65 application fee + $170 for license + $60 for Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund).

Pre-Licensing coursework tuition and fees may vary depending on where you take your classes.

All applicants must be 18 years old or older to attain a Washington D.C. real estate license.

Every D.C. salesperson, broker, and property manager must complete 15 hours of Continuing Education approved by the D.C. Real Estate Commission. D.C. Continuing Education credits must be completed within the two-year renewal period.

The District of Columbia requires 60 hours of approved Pre Licensing education. Learn more about your Pre-Licensing package options and start your courses today.

On average, a full-time real estate salesperson in Washington D.C. can expect to make about $55-100k per year, according to ZipRecruiter.com. Among higher earners, a D.C. real estate salesperson can earn over $115,000.

Many states have reciprocity agreements with neighboring or bordering states that allow them to work in those states, given certain requirements (such as passing a state law specific real estate course) are met and fees paid. Check with the licensing boards of these states to see what additional requirements you must meet in order to practice in their state with a D.C. license.

To attain your real estate license in D.C., the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission requires proof of the successful completion of high school or its equivalent. This includes a high school diploma or GED.

There isn’t an annual fee to have a D.C. real estate license, however your D.C. real estate license must be renewed every two years on the odd year. To be eligible for renewal you must complete the 15-hour Continuing Education requirement and pay a renewal fee.

Yes, Washington D.C. allows a future salesperson to earn their real estate license online. Learn more about your available options and enroll in your real estate education today.

A criminal record may impact your ability to attain a Washington D.C real estate license. The District of Columbia Real Estate Commission has more information on getting a real estate license with a criminal record.

The D.C. licensing exam is administered by PSI. The National portion of the exam is 80 questions, and the State portion of the exam is 30 questions.

Washington, D.C. will expedite licensing for out-of-state agents if their Pre-Licensing education is accepted by the state and the 3-Hr. D.C. Real Estate Commission course on Fair Housing is completed. Aspiring out-of-state agents will also have to pass the D.C. portion of the state exam.

For more information about how reciprocity works and which states offer it nationwide, visit our Guide to Reciprocity and Portability.