All articles
Real Estate Licensing

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

Join Now: 1 Day Free Trial!

No credit card required. Experience our premium features today!

Start Free Trial

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 📄

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)

New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR)

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)

Get Your Free Mnemonic & Acronym E-Guide

Stressed about passing the Real Estate exam? Enter your email for a free Mnemonic Guide to help you memorize key concepts with confidence.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.