Real Estate License Reciprocity: 2026 State-by-State Guide

Moving to a new state in 2026 raises an immediate question for every licensed real estate professional: do I have to start the licensing process from scratch? In most cases, the answer is no. Real estate license reciprocity allows agents and brokers who hold an active license in one state to earn a license in another state with reduced education and testing requirements. The specific path depends on your home state, your target state, and the type of reciprocity agreement (if any) between them. This guide breaks down every reciprocity type, covers portability rules, and lists the requirements for all 50 states so you can make a confident, informed decision about your next move.

Key takeaways

• Real estate license reciprocity in 2026 falls into four categories: full reciprocity, partial reciprocity, no reciprocity, and case-by-case reciprocity. Your requirements depend entirely on which category your target state falls into.
• Full reciprocity states accept licenses from all U.S. states, but you will still need to complete state-specific coursework and pass the state portion of the licensing exam in most cases.
• Reciprocity and portability are not the same thing. Reciprocity helps you get a new license faster. Portability allows you to conduct limited business across state lines without a new license.
• Seven “turf states” do not allow any out-of-state agents to practice within their borders, even temporarily.
• Licensing requirements change frequently. Always confirm current rules directly with your target state’s real estate commission before submitting any application.

What to know about real estate reciprocity in 2026

Real estate license requirements are state-specific. To practice in a new state, you need to understand that state’s laws and hold a license issued by that state. But holding an active license elsewhere can shorten the process significantly. States that offer real estate license reciprocity recognize the education and examination work you have already completed and reduce the steps required to get licensed in their jurisdiction (ARELLO, 2026).

How real estate license reciprocity works

Your license cannot be directly transferred from one state to another. Instead, reciprocity agreements between states determine how much of your existing education and exam history counts toward a new license. In states with full or partial reciprocity, you may only need to complete courses covering state-specific laws and pass the corresponding portion of the licensing exam.

The specifics vary widely. Some states extend reciprocity to real estate agents licensed in any U.S. state. Others limit reciprocity to a short list of specific states. And a handful of states offer no reciprocity at all, requiring you to meet every education and testing requirement from the ground up.

Benefits of real estate reciprocity

If you hold an active license, reciprocity can remove weeks or months from the licensing timeline in your new state. The practical benefits include:

• Faster time to practice after relocating, so you can start earning sooner
• Lower education costs because fewer courses are required
• The ability to hold licenses in more than one state, expanding your market reach
• A wider business network and more transaction opportunities across state lines
• A financially realistic path to multi-state licensing for agents building a regional practice

Even with reciprocity clearing the licensing hurdle faster, building market knowledge in a new state takes time. Reciprocity gets you in the door. Your commitment to learning the local market is what keeps you there.

Factors determining real estate license reciprocity

Some states have full reciprocity, some have none, and others offer partial reciprocity that depends on specific factors. The two main factors that define reciprocity availability are state-to-state agreements and broker experience requirements.

Mutual agreements between states

Reciprocity is, at its core, an exchange of privileges. States make agreements that allow real estate professionals to practice with reduced requirements, often with neighboring states that share borders and similar real estate laws.

These agreements are not always mutual. A state that offers full reciprocity to agents from every other state does not automatically receive the same treatment in return. For example, Nevada offers license reciprocity for agents from Louisiana, but Nevada is not among the 10 states to which Louisiana extends reciprocity. Always check both your home state and your target state before assuming the arrangement works in both directions.

Broker experience and education requirements

Broker requirements in every state are more extensive than those for real estate agents. This holds true even in states that offer reciprocity. For example, Alabama offers full reciprocity for real estate professionals with an active license in any state. To get a salesperson license in Alabama, you only need to complete a six-hour course in Alabama real estate law, pass the corresponding portion of the exam, and submit a Certificate of Licensure. To get a broker’s license, you also need to complete an approved 60-hour pre-license course and hold an active real estate license in any state for at least 24 of the 36 months leading up to your application date.

Types of real estate reciprocity

Real estate reciprocity falls into four categories. Your requirements depend entirely on which category your target state falls into.

Full reciprocity

Full reciprocity states accept real estate license transfers from any U.S. state. You will typically need to complete state-specific education and pass the state portion of the real estate exam, but the general education and national exam requirements are waived.

Partial reciprocity

Partial reciprocity states extend reciprocity only to agents licensed in specific states named in their agreement. If your home state is on the list, the process mirrors full reciprocity. If it is not, you must complete the full education and testing requirements as if you had never held a license.

No reciprocity

No-reciprocity states require every applicant to meet the same licensing requirements regardless of prior licensure. Some of these states do allow educational waivers or exam exemptions under specific conditions.

Case-by-case reciprocity

Case-by-case states evaluate each applicant individually, usually based on how closely your home state’s education requirements match theirs. These states may not name specific reciprocal states but will grant reduced requirements if your credentials meet their standards.

Real estate license reciprocity chart

The table below provides a quick reference for every U.S. state’s reciprocity type as of 2026. Use it to identify your target state’s category before reading the detailed requirements in the state-by-state section that follows.

State	Reciprocity type	Portability
Alabama	Full	Cooperative
Alaska	Full	Cooperative
Arizona	Full (out-of-state recognition)	Cooperative
Arkansas	Partial	Cooperative
California	None	Physical
Colorado	Full	Cooperative
Connecticut	Partial	Cooperative
Delaware	Full	Cooperative
Florida	Partial	Cooperative
Georgia	Full	Cooperative
Hawaii	None	Physical
Idaho	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Illinois	Partial	Cooperative
Indiana	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Iowa	Partial	Cooperative
Kansas	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Kentucky	Partial	Turf
Louisiana	Partial	Cooperative
Maine	Full	Cooperative
Maryland	Partial	Cooperative
Massachusetts	Partial	Cooperative
Michigan	None	Cooperative
Minnesota	Partial	Cooperative
Mississippi	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Missouri	Full	Turf
Montana	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Nebraska	Case-by-case (license by recognition)	Turf
Nevada	Partial	Cooperative
New Hampshire	Full	Cooperative
New Jersey	None	Turf
New Mexico	Partial	Turf
New York	None	Cooperative
North Carolina	Case-by-case	Cooperative
North Dakota	Partial	Cooperative
Ohio	Partial	Cooperative
Oklahoma	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Oregon	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Pennsylvania	Partial	Turf
Rhode Island	Partial	Cooperative
South Carolina	Full	Cooperative
South Dakota	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Tennessee	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Texas	None	Cooperative
Utah	Partial	Turf
Vermont	Case-by-case	Cooperative
Virginia	Full	Cooperative
Washington	Full	Cooperative
West Virginia	Partial	Cooperative
Wisconsin	Partial	Cooperative
Wyoming	Full	Cooperative

Understanding real estate license portability

If you conduct most of your business in one state but occasionally need to work within another state, real estate license portability may matter more to you than reciprocity. Portability laws allow agents to engage in real estate business in a state where they do not hold a license, under specific conditions.

Portability is often extended to professionals in neighboring states. It is not designed to be a long-term solution for agents relocating permanently. There are three types of portability laws that define the conditions for an out-of-state agent to work within a given state.

Physical portability

A state that allows physical portability permits you to represent a client who is buying or selling property in that state. However, you must work remotely to assist in the transaction rather than conducting business in person within the state’s borders.

Cooperative portability

States with cooperative portability allow out-of-state agents to physically enter the state to conduct real estate business. The requirement is that you must co-broker the transaction with an agent who holds an active license in that state.

Turf states

Turf states do not allow agents with out-of-state licenses to conduct any real estate business within their borders. To assist a client with a property purchase or sale in a turf state, you must refer them to an agent with an active license in that state. There are seven turf states in the U.S. as of 2026: Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Utah.

Real estate license reciprocity by state in 2026

The sections below list the reciprocity type and specific requirements for every U.S. state. Requirements as of 2026 are listed for each entry. Real estate licensing requirements change frequently. Confirm all requirements with your target state’s real estate commission before submitting any application.

States with full reciprocity

These states offer reciprocity to real estate professionals who hold a current license in another state, after specific requirements are met.

Alabama

Alabama honors licenses from all states (Alabama Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Take a six-hour course in Alabama real estate law
• Pass the corresponding state portion of the exam
• Submit a Certificate of Licensure with the application (must be issued within 120 days of applying for a reciprocal license)

Alaska

Alaska has full reciprocity with all U.S. states by endorsement (Alaska DCBPL). Specific caveats apply: you must not have a felony on your record or a crime that has occurred in the last seven years. Requirements as of 2026:

• You must have held your license for a year or more and accrued 24 months of experience in the past 36 months
• Complete a six-hour Alaska real estate course
• Pass the Alaska state portion of the exam
• Present proof of Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance and a licensing history

Arizona

Arizona does not technically offer reciprocity but does offer out-of-state license recognition (Arizona Department of Real Estate). Requirements as of 2026:

• Provide documentation of residency in Arizona
• Complete a six-hour contract writing course
• Pass the Arizona portion of the exam and apply for a license within one year from the date of passing the state-specific exam
• Have a current license you have held for at least one year
• Submit fingerprints and a background check

Colorado

Colorado has reciprocity with all 50 states (Colorado Division of Real Estate). Requirements as of 2026:

• Pass the Colorado portion of the real estate exam
• Complete a fingerprint background check
• Provide a license history
• If you have been licensed for less than two years, you must take a 120-hour Colorado Out of State Licensee Course

Delaware

Delaware recognizes all state licenses (Delaware Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Submit one of three documents: (1) Certificate showing completion of the Delaware law portion of the Salesperson’s Pre-Licensing Course, (2) Certificate showing completion of education in another state, or (3) Certificate of Licensure History showing you have been licensed continuously for the past three years and a listing of 20 sales or lease transactions completed within that time

Georgia

Georgia offers full reciprocity to all states but has a special requirement for agents from Florida (Georgia Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Have a current license in good standing
• Submit a background check
• Submit a real estate license history
• Florida applicants must also pass the Georgia real estate licensing exam

Maine

Real estate professionals from all states can earn their license in Maine (Maine Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Pass the Maine law portion of the licensing exam
• Complete a background check
• Submit a Furnish Verification of Licensure in good standing

Missouri

Missouri offers full reciprocity to professionals in all 50 states. Brokers have added requirements (Missouri Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

Salesperson:

• Complete the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice course
• Pass the state portion of the real estate exam
• Get a criminal history background check
• Submit a current license history

Broker:

• Have active license experience for 24 of the last 30 months
• Pass the state portion of the exam
• Submit a current license history certificate from the real estate commission of your home state

New Hampshire

License transfers from all other states are directly accepted in New Hampshire (New Hampshire Real Estate Commission). You must be licensed in another state and have passed both the national and state portions of the exam in the state where you are licensed. Requirements as of 2026:

• Hold an active license in another state
• Have passed both the national and state exam portions in your current state

South Carolina

South Carolina extends reciprocity for licenses from other states, but you must have held your license within six months before applying (South Carolina Real Estate Commission). Brokers must have been active for at least three years to qualify. Requirements as of 2026:

• Take the South Carolina portion of the exam
• Submit certification(s) of licensure from any jurisdictions in which you have held a license in the last five years
• If you have been a South Carolina resident for more than six months, you must take 30 hours of pre-licensing education for a real estate license and 60 hours of pre-licensing education for a broker’s license

Virginia

Licenses from each state are transferable to Virginia (Virginia DPOR). Requirements as of 2026:

Salesperson:

• Pass the state portion of the exam
• Complete a 60-hour “Principles of Real Estate” course
• Have a current license in another state
• Submit certification letters from other jurisdictions where licensed

Broker:

• Pass the state portion of the exam
• Submit verification of experience (practicing as an agent or broker for 36 out of 48 months prior to applying)
• Provide transcripts from the educational institution where you completed 180 hours of broker pre-licensing courses
• Submit certification letters from other jurisdictions where licensed
• Hold a current broker license in another state

Washington

All states are offered reciprocity from Washington with minimal requirements (Washington Department of Licensing). Requirements as of 2026:

• All education requirements are waived for professionals who hold an active license from another state
• If you have had an active license in another state during the last six months, you must take the Washington state portion of the exam
• Submit a certificate of license history or license affidavit
• Submit a fingerprint background check

Wyoming

While Wyoming does not provide direct reciprocity with any specific state, licensed agents can apply for a license if they meet the following requirements (Wyoming Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Hold an active license in another state
• Pass the Wyoming Law Course
• Pass the Salesperson II Course
• Pass the State Exam for Salespersons
• Submit two fingerprint cards
• Brokers must pass the Wyoming Law Course, Broker II Course, Wyoming Broker Management Course, and the state exam for brokers

States with partial reciprocity

These states offer reciprocity to agents licensed in specific states only. If your home state is not on the list, you will need to meet the full licensing requirements.

Arkansas

Arkansas offers reciprocity to Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia (Arkansas Real Estate Commission). Agents from other states can request a waiver to skip the general portion of the examination. Requirements as of 2026:

• Take and pass the Arkansas Law portion of the exam
• Complete fingerprint and background checks

Connecticut

Connecticut has agreements with Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island (Connecticut Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Have an active real estate license in good standing with no disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints
• Submit a license history with your completed, notarized application
• Complete the state portion of the Connecticut Real Estate Licensing Examination if you are from Florida, Illinois, or Indiana, or if you have not passed a written examination in a reciprocal state

Florida

Florida has agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia (Florida DBPR). Florida is one of the most searched reciprocity states for agents considering a move in 2026. Requirements as of 2026:

• You cannot be a Florida resident at the time of application
• Your real estate license must be current and in good standing
• Complete a background check
• Pass the 40-question Florida Real Estate exam

If your home state is not on the list above, you must complete the full Florida pre-licensing education (63 hours for sales associates) and pass both the national and state portions of the exam.

Illinois

Illinois offers reciprocity to Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Wisconsin (Illinois DFPR). Requirements as of 2026:

• Have a sponsor with an active broker license in Illinois
• Pass the Illinois portion of the licensure exam

Iowa

Iowa has agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, and North Dakota (Iowa Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Have taken an exam in the state where you are licensed
• Have held a license in the past six months
• Submit your certificate of license history and proof of E&O insurance
• Undergo a criminal history and background check

Kentucky

Kentucky only offers reciprocal agreements to Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia (Kentucky Real Estate Commission). You must have been actively licensed in one of these states for at least a year. Requirements as of 2026:

• Complete a 40-hour reciprocal license law course
• Undergo a national criminal history check and background check
• Take the reciprocal license exam
• Provide proof of E&O insurance
• Affiliate your Kentucky license with a principal broker who holds a Kentucky Broker License

Louisiana

Louisiana holds agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania (Louisiana Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Submit a Certified License History from any state in which you have or have held a license
• Complete a background check
• Provide proof of E&O insurance

Maryland

Maryland only offers reciprocity to agents from Oklahoma and Pennsylvania (Maryland Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Pennsylvania agents need an active license in good standing, a certified license history, and a background check
• Oklahoma agents must also pass the Maryland portion of the exam
• Applicants from other states may apply for an out-of-state license recognition waiver to be considered for reciprocity

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has agreements with Connecticut, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico (Massachusetts Board of Registration). Limited reciprocity is also available for professionals in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Oklahoma with certain requirements:

• Maine: Brokers licensed for three years can apply for an educational waiver and only complete the Massachusetts state portion of the exam
• New Hampshire: Agents must apply for an educational waiver and complete the Massachusetts state portion of the exam
• New York and Oklahoma: Must be licensed for two years to receive reciprocity. Others must apply for an education waiver but are still required to take the full exam

Minnesota

Minnesota has reciprocity with Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota (Minnesota Department of Commerce). Requirements as of 2026:

• Have your license application submitted by a Minnesota-licensed primary broker
• Email a Letter of Certification (no more than 90 days old) documenting your licensing in a reciprocal state
• If you are from Wisconsin, you must also complete the 13-hour Wisconsin to Minnesota Reciprocal Pre-Licensing course and pass the state portion of the exam
• If you have an active license in a non-reciprocal state, you must complete pre-licensing education courses I, II, and III, plus pass the state portion of the salesperson exam

Nevada

Nevada has agreements with Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, South Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia (Nevada Real Estate Division). Requirements as of 2026:

• Proof of education and license experience
• Take an 18-hour Nevada-specific law course
• Pass the Nevada section of the real estate exam
• Submit a certified license history and a notarized consent to the Service of Process

New Mexico

New Mexico only has reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Louisiana, and Massachusetts (New Mexico Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Submit your application with a copy of your license history
• Provide proof of E&O insurance
• Meet fingerprinting requirements
• Pay the licensing fee

North Dakota

North Dakota has agreements with Georgia, Iowa, and Minnesota (North Dakota Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Hold a current license in good standing
• Pass the state section of the exam
• Complete a Consent to Suit form
• Provide evidence of a real estate trust account and a certified license history

Ohio

Ohio has agreements with Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Wyoming (Ohio Division of Real Estate). You must have held your license for at least a year. Requirements as of 2026:

• Take the Ohio Real Estate Law Course
• Complete a background check
• Prove affiliation with an Ohio-based broker

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers reciprocity to agents from Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts (Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Have an employing broker with a valid Pennsylvania real estate license
• Consent to a background check

Rhode Island

Rhode Island has reciprocity agreements with Connecticut and Massachusetts (Rhode Island DBR). Requirements as of 2026:

• Have an active license
• Submit a criminal history
• Complete a three-hour continuing education course in lead poisoning
• Provide proof of E&O insurance
• Provide a Letter of Good Standing and a power of attorney form
• Florida residents can apply through reciprocity via the Mutual Recognition Agreement, but they must pass the state portion of the exam and submit the above documentation

Utah

Utah has agreements with Georgia, Mississippi, and Alberta, Canada (Utah Division of Real Estate). Requirements as of 2026:

• Undergo a fingerprint and background check
• Submit a license history from your current state and all other jurisdictions where you have previously held a license

West Virginia

West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with Florida, Kentucky, and Ohio (West Virginia Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Have at least one year of experience
• Submit fingerprints and a national criminal history check
• Take the West Virginia portion of the licensing exam
• Submit an online application
• Ohio and Kentucky agents must take a WVREC-approved 20-hour West Virginia Real Estate Law course
• Be affiliated with a licensed West Virginia broker

Wisconsin

Wisconsin only has agreements with Illinois and Indiana (Wisconsin DSPS). Requirements as of 2026:

• Agents with an active license in Illinois or Indiana for the last two years only need to pass the state portion of the real estate exam
• Otherwise, you must take 13 hours of sales education or complete 10 semester-hour credits in real estate (or real estate-related) law courses before taking the exam

States with no reciprocity

These states have no reciprocity with other states. They require you to meet the full education and testing requirements to get your real estate license. Some qualifications may allow you to waive certain education requirements.

California

California offers no reciprocity or waivers (California DRE). You must meet all education requirements to get your California real estate license.

Hawaii

Hawaii offers no formal reciprocity (Hawaii Real Estate Branch). You may be able to qualify for an Equivalency to the Prelicense Education Requirement and the Equivalency to the Uniform Examination. You must have an active license in another state to qualify for the prelicensing education equivalency.

Michigan

Michigan offers no waivers or reciprocity opportunities (Michigan LARA). You must complete the full licensing process.

New Jersey

New Jersey offers no formal reciprocity (New Jersey Real Estate Commission). In certain circumstances, you may be able to submit an educational waiver to waive educational and exam requirements. Contact the Commission’s Education Waiver Section at 609-292-7272 to learn more.

New York

No reciprocity is available in New York (New York DOS). You can request a waiver for the courses required for a New York license.

Texas

Texas does not offer reciprocity (Texas Real Estate Commission). You may be exempt from taking the national portion of the exam if you hold an active license in a state that participated in the national exam accreditation with the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO). Submit your license history when you file your application to determine your eligibility for exemption.

States determining reciprocity on a case-by-case basis

The states below evaluate reciprocity based on the similarity of your home state’s education requirements to their own. Requirements vary by applicant.

Idaho

Idaho does not offer reciprocity to specific states (Idaho Real Estate Commission). However, the state waives the national portion of the licensing exam, pre-license education, and broker experience requirements if you have an active license in another state. You may obtain the same license you hold in your primary state without additional requirements. If your primary state is a single licensure state, you must hold a principal or designated broker license to qualify for an Idaho Broker license.

Indiana

Indiana does not define which states it extends reciprocity to (Indiana PLA). You may qualify if your original licensure state has similar requirements. Contact their office at 317-232-2960 to find out if your state of licensure qualifies. You will also need to submit an application for consideration.

Kansas

Kansas does not offer reciprocity with other states but does allow you to waive the national portion of the exam (Kansas Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Submit a client exam waiver
• Take the Kansas-specific 30-hour prelicensing course
• Pass the related portion of the exam

Mississippi

Mississippi has no formal agreements with specific states but qualifies professionals for equivalent education and exams on a case-by-case basis (Mississippi Real Estate Commission). Call the Mississippi Real Estate Commission at (601) 321-6970 to learn more.

Montana

Montana does not confirm reciprocity with any specific state (Montana Board of Realty Regulation). Agents with an active license in any state can apply. Requirements as of 2026:

• Submit a certificate of licensure
• Pass the state portion of the exam
• Provide proof of E&O insurance

Nebraska

Instead of reciprocity, Nebraska offers license by recognition (Nebraska Real Estate Commission). You may be able to get an equivalent license if you have a current real estate license in another state and are considered “in good standing.” Requirements as of 2026:

• Pass the Nebraska License Law course
• Submit a license history
• Provide proof of E&O insurance
• Complete a background check

North Carolina

North Carolina does not offer reciprocity for specific states, but equivalent education is recognized (North Carolina Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Hold a license in another state that has been active for the last three years and is equivalent to North Carolina’s provisional or full-broker license
• Alternatively, you can waive the state portion of the exam and obtain a provisional license until you complete post-licensing education requirements

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has reciprocity with Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota in that you may be able to take the Oklahoma state-only exam through PSI (Oklahoma Real Estate Commission). You can also qualify if you are from another state and have two or more years of experience within the last five years. Requirements as of 2026:

• At least one hour of continuing education in the Broker Relationship Act, Code and Regulations, and Contracts and Forms
• Submit a license certification history
• Undergo a background check

South Dakota

South Dakota does not officially recognize reciprocity agreements, but all licensed agents moving into the state can apply for equivalent licenses (South Dakota Real Estate Commission). Requirements as of 2026:

• Take and pass the state portion of the exam
• Undergo a background check
• Submit a certificate of license history
• Provide proof of E&O insurance and a fingerprint card

Tennessee

Licensed residents and non-residents in good standing in their current state can complete a special reciprocal application to be determined on a case-by-case basis (Tennessee Real Estate Commission). If approved, state requirements for examination, education, and experience will be waived.

Oregon

Oregon technically has reciprocal agreements with Alabama, Alberta (Canada), Georgia, Nebraska, and South Dakota (Oregon Real Estate Agency). Applicants must contact the Oregon Real Estate Agency directly to learn about the specific requirements.

Vermont

Vermont has no specific reciprocity agreements with other states (Vermont OPR). You can apply for a fast-track endorsement if your home state’s courses and exams are equivalent to Vermont’s.

How to transfer your real estate license to another state

Reciprocity requirements vary by state. Before you make any assumptions about what you need, do the research. Follow these steps to apply for real estate license reciprocity.

Step 1: Research your target state

Visit your target state’s Real Estate Commission website (linked in each state section above) to determine the specific reciprocity type and requirements that apply to your current license.

Step 2: Gather required documentation

Documentation requirements vary, but you should be prepared to provide proof of your education, licensing, past performance, and criminal history. Common documents required for reciprocity include:

• Background check results
• Proof of E&O insurance
• Certificate of license history
• Proof of course completion and exams taken

Step 3: Complete any required courses or exams

Depending on your target state, you may need to complete a state-specific pre-licensing course and pass the state portion of the real estate exam. Check whether your target state requires a specific number of course hours and whether the course must be completed through a state-approved provider.

Step 4: Submit your application accurately and pay all fees

Fill out the reciprocity application completely, attach all required documents, and pay the applicable application, course, and exam fees. Getting your license in a state that offers reciprocity will cost far less than starting from scratch, but you should budget for application fees, state-specific course fees, and exam fees.

Step 5: Follow required timelines

Many states require documentation to be issued within a specific window. For example, Alabama’s Certificate of Licensure must be issued within 120 days of your application date. Missing these deadlines can result in denial.

Sources

The state-by-state requirements in this guide were compiled from official state real estate commission websites. Each state entry above includes a direct link to the relevant licensing authority. For national reciprocity and portability guidance, consult the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials at arello.org.