How to Get Your Real Estate License in New York (2026)
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Ready to start your real estate career in New York? Whether you want to help buyers find their dream home or build a business in commercial real estate, getting licensed is your first step. Here is exactly what you need to do, step by step.
New York requires 77 hours of pre-licensing education, and total government fees run approximately $80. The entire process typically takes 4 to 24 weeks from start to finish. For the complete requirements breakdown, see our New York real estate license requirements page.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you invest time in coursework, confirm that you meet New York's basic eligibility requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Residency: Not required
- Background check: Self-disclosure only
- Education: No degree required — Only the 77-hour pre-licensing education is needed.
- Sponsoring Broker: Required — Must be sponsored by a NYS licensed Real Estate Broker.
Licensing is overseen by the New York Department of State (DOS).
Step 2: Complete 77 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
New York requires 77 hours of approved pre-licensing education before you can sit for the licensing exam. You can complete this entirely online through accredited providers, which allows you to study at your own pace.
Your coursework will cover:
- 75-hour Salesperson Qualifying Course
- 2-hour Fair Housing and/or Implicit Bias Course
Complete your 77 required hours online
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Step 3: Pass the New York Real Estate Licensing Exam
After completing your education, you will need to pass the New York real estate licensing exam, administered by NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services (administered directly at DOS exam sites).
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesperson Exam (combined: ~60% national, ~40% NY-specific) | 75 | 90 min | 70% |
Pass/Fail only — no numerical score provided. On-screen calculator provided. 11 exam locations statewide.
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Once you pass the exam, submit your license application to the New York Department of State (DOS). Here is what the process looks like:
Complete 77 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Complete the 75-hour qualifying course + 2-hour fair housing/implicit bias course from a DOS-approved school.
Estimated time: 2 weeks – 4 months
Pass School-Administered Exam
Your education provider administers a proctored exam upon course completion.
Estimated time: Same day as course completion
Create eAccessNY Account
Register at the DOS website to schedule your state exam and submit applications.
Estimated time: 15 minutes
Schedule and Pass the State Exam
Pay $15 exam fee. Take the 75-question exam (90 minutes, 70% to pass) at a DOS exam site.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Obtain Broker Sponsorship
Find a NYS licensed broker who will sponsor your license.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit Application
Apply online via eAccessNY with the $65 application fee. Your principal broker authorizes the application.
Estimated time: 1 day
Receive License
License is mailed to your business address upon approval.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
Key Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $65 |
| Exam Fee | $15 |
| Total Government Fees | $80 |
Step 5: Complete Post-License Requirements
New York requires newly licensed agents to complete additional education after receiving their license:
Same CE requirements as subsequent renewals (22.5 hours). NY State Bar-admitted attorneys are exempt from CE.
Get ahead on post-license requirements
Complete your New York post-licensing education online. Start right after you get licensed so you don't fall behind.
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Step 6: Stay Licensed — Continuing Education
Once you are licensed, New York requires ongoing continuing education (CE) to keep your license active.
- 22.5 hours of CE every 2 years
- Renewal fee: $65
- CE deadline: Due on license renewal date
Stay compliant with online CE courses
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New York Real Estate License: Quick Reference
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 77 hours |
| Total Government Fees | $80 |
| Exam Provider | NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services (administered directly at DOS exam sites) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Estimated Timeline | 4–24 weeks |
| CE Requirement | 22.5 hours every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $65 |
| Licensing Authority | New York Department of State (DOS) |
For the complete, detailed requirements, visit our New York real estate license requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in New York?▼
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in New York?▼
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the New York Department of State (DOS) before making decisions. Data last verified 2026-04-02.
Real Estate Agent Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $62,420 | $499 | 3 mo | View → |
| Texas | $50,150 | $276.25 | 8 wk | View → |
| Florida | $50,140 | $180.5 | 5 wk | View → |
| New York | $97,440 | $80 | 4 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $53,590 | $178 | 4 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $51,210 | $270 | 4 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $43,860 | $219 | 6 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $56,190 | $329.25 | 5 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $47,840 | $190 | 4 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $55,600 | $227 | 3 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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