New York Real Estate License Requirements: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the steps, education requirements, exams, and fees to obtain your real estate license in New York as a salesperson or broker, including DOS guidelines and exam prep.
January 1, 20252 min read
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New York Real Estate License Requirements 📜
For Salespersons 🧑💼
Age and Residency 🎂🏠
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- No New York residency requirement.
Character Standards 🛡️
- The New York Department of State (DOS) requires applicants to demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.
- Applicants with criminal records may need to provide additional documentation.
Education Requirements 📚
- Complete 77 hours of pre-license education from a DOS-approved school.
- Topics include real estate principles, practices, and New York-specific laws.
Application Process 📄
- Submit your application online through the New York Department of State Licensing Services.
- Paper applications are available but may incur additional fees.
Background Check and Fingerprinting 🔍
- Complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO or another approved vendor.
- Fees vary depending on the provider.
Sponsorship Requirement 🤝
- You must be sponsored by an active New York-licensed broker to activate your license.
Exam and Fees 💳
- Pass the New York real estate salesperson exam ($15).
- Pay the DOS licensing fee ($55).
For Brokers 🧑💼
Basic Requirements 📋
- Must be at least 20 years old.
- No New York residency requirement.
Experience and Education 🎓
- Complete 120 hours of approved pre-license education.
- Have at least 2 years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or equivalent experience.
Application and Background Check 📑
- Submit your application to the DOS and complete fingerprinting and background check requirements.
Exam and Fees 💰
- Pass the New York broker exam ($15).
- Pay the DOS licensing fee ($150).
Passing Scores 🎯
- Salesperson Exam: 75 questions (national and state-specific).
- Passing Score: 70% correct answers.
- Broker Exam: 75 questions (national and state-specific).
- Passing Score: 70% correct answers.
- Time Allowed: 2.5 hours to complete either exam.
What to Bring on Exam Day 🎒
- Two matching forms of ID with signatures; one must be government-issued with a photo (e.g., driver's license, passport). dos.ny.gov
- A basic, silent, non-scientific calculator (optional).
Important New York Real Estate Contacts 📞
New York Department of State (DOS)
- Address: 123 William St., 19th Floor, New York, NY 10038
- Phone: 518-474-4429
- Website: dos.ny.gov
- Email: licensing@dos.ny.gov
New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR)
- Address: 130 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210
- Phone: 518-463-0300
- Website: nysar.com
- Email: info@nysar.com
New York Real Estate LicenseReal Estate License RequirementsDOS (New York Department of State)Real Estate Broker LicenseReal Estate Salesperson LicensePre-License EducationNew York Real Estate LawsBackground CheckNYSAR (New York State Association of Realtors)
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