New York Real Estate License Requirements

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Learn what's required to get your real estate license in New York

This real estate licensing information summarizes the minimum real estate education requirements established by the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. We recommend you contact the Division for more detailed information or changes.

Are you planning to obtain real estate licenses in multiple states? If so, we recommend you check each state's requirements.

New York real estate salesperson pre-license requirements

General Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to get your real estate license in New York. In addition, you must have no felony charges on record and submit proof of US residency.

Education requirements

Successfully complete a 75-hour salesperson qualifying education course in real estate approved by the Secretary of State.

Exam requirements

  • Pass a qualifying examination administered by the Department of State.

Application requirements

Once you pass your final exam, you must submit the following in your application:

  • Certification of Satisfactory Completion section of the application completed by the Department of State. Typically, the school coordinator or an authorized designee will sign this.
  • Examination notification must be submitted with your application form.
  • License fee
  • Name of your New York State licensed real estate broker
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New York real estate license: continuing education requirements

General requirements

You must be at least 20 years old and a U.S. citizen (or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence) to become a real estate broker in New York.

Experience requirements

You must have at least two years of full time experience as an active salesperson or three years of full time experience in the general real estate field.

Education requirements

Complete 120 hours of approved education (broker applicants will be required to show proof of completing the 45-hour salesperson course, the 30-hour remedial course and the 45-hour broker course OR the 75-hour salesperson course and the 45-hour broker course).

Exam requirements

  • Take and pass the state examination.

New York reciprocal real estate broker license requirements

New York has reciprocity agreements with nine states. In some of these states, the reciprocity is for brokers only, and in others the reciprocity pertains to both brokers and salespersons. Applicants from these states need to submit their completed application with the application fee, a current certificate from the state where they are licensed stating that they are in good standing and a certificate of irrevocable consent. Applicants for a salesperson license by reciprocity must be sponsored by their home-state broker who must also hold a current New York State broker license.

Reciprocal states include: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.