How Do You Get Your Real Estate License in 2025? Short & Simple Step-by-Step Plan (Any State)

Hello, if you’re reading this, it means you’re ready to learn how to become a real estate agent and exactly how do you get your real estate license. If you’re tired of the 9-to-5 grind, you love houses, you’re hooked on HGTV, or you want a career where a paycheck doesn’t limit your income, this guide is for you.

Getting your real estate license is totally possible and much easier than most people think. In fact, in 2025, it’s easier than ever, thanks to 100% online courses, flexible schedules, and excellent tools for studying.

What you’re about to read is the longer (and much more useful) answer. This is the ultimate guide I wish had existed when I helped my best friend get her real estate license a few years ago. There is no filler, no upsells, and no “state-specific” dead ends that make you click around for hours. This is the sincere roadmap that works whether you are figuring out how to turn out to be a real estate agent in California, Texas, New York, Florida, Arizona, or even small-city Wyoming.

By the end of this post, you may recognize precisely a way to gain a real estate license, how much it costs, how lengthy it takes, the best shortcuts, the biggest errors to keep away from, and even a way to start strong to your first month as a licensed agent.

Are you ready? Let’s assist you get on the fast track to obtaining your real estate license.

Why 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Get Your Real Estate License

The market is changing again. Inventory is slowly increasing in most places, interest rates are stabilizing, and buyers who have been waiting for years are finally making a move. In other words, agents who hustle are earning big commissions.

Most markets still pay $60k–$100k+ for full-time agents, and top producers are making six figures or more (yes, even in “slow” areas). Obtaining a real estate license has never been more accessible. There are no limits on how much you can earn, and you get paid to help people through one of the biggest moments of their lives.

You also make your own schedule. Want to make $70k working 20 hours a week? Possible. Want to earn $250k+ grinding 60 hours? Also possible. Almost nothing rewards hard work as much as real estate.

If you’re on the fence about how to become a real estate agent, this is your sign. Let’s get your real estate license started.

The First Thing You Must Know: Real Estate Licenses Are Issued State-by-State

There is not any such thing as a “U.S. real estate license.” Each state has its personal real estate licensing requirements, its personal regulations, required hours, checks, and prices.

That’s why whilst you seek “how do you get your real estate license” or “how can I get my real estate license,” you usually end up on a state page that only facilitates if you live there. Annoying, right?

I fixed that for you.

Here is the maximum updated (2025) list of the minimum age and pre-licensing education hours required for each of the 50 states, so that you understand precisely what’s needed to acquire a real estate license to your nation.

How Do You Get Your Real Estate License in 2025? The Exact 9 Steps

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Basic Real Estate Licensing Requirements (5-Minute Checklist)

Almost each state requires:

• Be at least 18 (19 in AL, AK, NE; 20 in NY)
• High school diploma or GED
• Legal right to work in the U.S.
• No automatic felony disqualifiers (maximum states will recollect rehabilitation, time passed, etc.

If you test these boxes, you are ready to move forward with getting your real estate license.

Step 2: Choose the Smartest (and Fastest) Way to Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education

This is where maximum people overthink and waste months of time.

The truth in 2025: the best way to obtain your real estate license is 100% online in 49 states (Vermont is the only state that still requires some in-person classes).

The schools I personally recommend (and that have the highest pass rates):

1. Colibri Real Estate – My #1 pick for most people. Perfect exam prep (Exam Prep Edge is unreal), great instructors, approved everywhere.
2. Aceable Agent – Best mobile app, super engaging, hilarious content, perfect if you’re busy or hate boring textbooks.
3. The CE Shop – Clean interface, excellent customer service, great for visual learners.
4. Kaplan Real Estate Education – The “old reliable,” very thorough, higher price, but bulletproof.

Average cost: $199–$499, depending on state and package. Always buy the package with exam prep — it’s worth every penny.

How long will it take to finish your pre-licensing education?

• 40–75 hour states → 3–8 weeks part-time
• 135–180 hour states → 6–12 weeks part-time

You can literally finish California in 54 days if you grind (the state minimum, due to the three required 45-hour courses).

Step 3: Submit Your Exam Application & Get Fingerprinted

Most states let you apply for the exam before or after you finish your courses.

You’ll need:

• Course completion certificates
• Fingerprinting/background check ($40–$80)
• Exam application fee ($15–$100)

Pearson VUE runs the exam in almost every state. PSI runs the rest. Book as soon as you’re 75% through your course.

Step 4: Study Like Crazy and Pass the Real Estate License Exam on the First Try

The exam has two portions:

1. National portion (80–100 questions) – real estate concepts, finance, law, etc.
2. State portion (30–50 questions) – state-specific laws

Difficulty? Easier than the Series 7 or bar exam, but harder than the DMV test.

The national average first-time pass rate is ~55%. Students who use effective exam preparation (Colibri’s Exam Prep Edge, Aceable’s, or PrepAgent) pass at a rate of 70–85%.

Math tip: There are usually only 8–12 math questions. Learn these 6 things and you’ll get them all right:

• Prorating property taxes/insurance/HOA
• Commission splits
• Loan-to-value ratio
• Area calculations
• Millage rate tax problems
• 1% rule for investment properties

Practice 500+ questions and you’ll be fine. I promise.

Step 5: Complete Background Check & Submit Your License Application

After passing the exam, you have a window (usually 6–12 months) to submit:

• Passing score report
• Background check results
• Application fee ($100–$300)
• Proof of Errors & Omissions insurance (some states)

Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Broker (The Most Important Step Nobody Talks About)

You cannot practice real estate without being licensed by a broker.

This is where new agents screw up the most.

You want a brokerage that offers:

• Solid training/mentorship (in particular your first 12 months)
• Good commission splits (70/30 or better to begin)
• No table fees or low fees
• Leads or advertising help is a bonus

Best brokerages for new agents in 2025:

• eXp Realty (80/20 or 100% splits, remarkable training, cloud-based)
• Keller Williams (70/30 + income proportion + high-quality training)
• Realty ONE Group (100% commission, low expenses)
• Compass (excellent tech + advertising in case you’re in a prime metro)
• Local independents (often the fine mentorship)

Interview at the least 4–5 brokerages. Ask about transaction costs, training agenda, lead go with the flow, and way of life.

Step 7: Get Your Actual Real Estate License & E&O Insurance

• Once your broking submits the paperwork, your license might be issued (generally within 1–four weeks).
• Buy Errors & Omissions insurance ($200–$500/year) — maximum states require it, or your dealer will.

Step 8: Complete Post-Licensing Education (If Your State Requires It)

About half of the states require 12–forty five hours of submit-licensing courses inside the first 12 months or two.

• Do it right away. Don’t be the agent who loses their license due to the fact they forgot.

Step 9: Start Making Money (The Fun Part)

Your first 90-day plan:

• Week 1–2: Get business cards, website, professional headshots, and join the local MLS
• Week 3–4: Tell everyone you know you’re an agent now (sphere marketing works)
• Month 2: Host 2 open houses per weekend for experienced agents
• Month 3: Start running Facebook/Instagram ads or farming a neighborhood

Most new sellers near their first deal within 60–90 days if they without a doubt placed inside the paintings.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Get Your Real Estate License in 2025?

Real numbers (national average):

• Pre-licensing courses: $249–$599
• Exam fee: $100–$200
• Fingerprinting/background: $50–$100
• Application/license fee: $100–$400
• E&O insurance (first year): $250–$500

The total value to obtain a real estate license ranges degrees from $800 to $2,000, relying at the country and path bundle.

Texas and California have a tendency to be the maximum pricey. Massachusetts and Michigan are the cheapest.

How Long Does It Really Take to Get Your Real Estate License?

Fastest feasible: four–6 weeks (40-hour states, full-time effort) Realistic component-time: 2–6 months Texas/California grinding complete-time: 3–4 months

The Best Way to Get Your Real Estate License (My Personal Recommendation)

1. Use Colibri or Aceable (highest pass rates + best experience)
2. Buy the premium package with exam prep
3. Schedule your exam for 1–2 weeks after you finish the course
4. Study 500–1,000 practice questions
5. Interview brokerages BEFORE you pass the exam (shows you’re serious)

Do it in that order and you’ll be licensed faster than 95% of new agents.

Common Mistakes That Delay Getting Your Real Estate License by 6+ Months

• Choosing the cheapest school with terrible reviews (false economy)
• Not buying exam prep and failing the test #1 ($100+ wasted)
• Waiting until after the exam to look for a broker
• Thinking they’ll “figure out” how to get clients later (spoiler: have a plan Day 1)
• Procrastinating on post-licensing courses

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Real Estate Agent

How hard is the real estate license exam?
A lot harder than people think and a lot easier than they fear. You’ll pass if you study.

Can I obtain my real estate license if I have a felony conviction?
Yes, in most states. Disclose it. Many felonies (especially non-violent and old) are approved.

Can I keep my full-time job while getting my real estate license?
Absolutely. Most people do.

Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent?
No. Only a high school diploma or GED.

How much do new agents make in their first year?
Real range: $0–$150k+. The average salary is probably between $35k– $65k. Depends entirely on you.

Is real estate worth it in 2025?
If you’re coachable and willing to work, yes. If you want a guaranteed paycheck, no.

Realtor vs real estate agent — what’s the difference?
All Realtors are agents, but not all agents are Realtors. A Realtor pays dues to the NAR and follows its code of ethics. About 60% of agents are Realtors.

Can I obtain a license in multiple states?
Yes — reciprocity varies. Some states (FL, CO, etc.) have full reciprocity with many others.

What’s the fastest state to get your real estate license?
Massachusetts or Michigan — 40 hours, fully online, reasonable fees.

Hardest state? Texas — 180 hours + tough exam.

You’ve Got This — Now Get Your Real Estate License

Getting your real estate license is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make — if you actually treat it like a business and not a hobby.

Take the first step today. Pick your training course, enroll, and text a friend, “I’m doing it.” Momentum is everything. In six months, you could be holding your first commission check and wondering why you didn’t start sooner. You’ve got the entire roadmap right here. Now make it happen.

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