Real Estate Agent / Salesperson / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Real Estate Agent / Salesperson License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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What the District of Columbia data shows for Real Estate Agent / Salespersons

District of Columbia's path to real estate agent / salesperson licensure runs through 120 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on State Real Estate Salesperson Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. District of Columbia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Pre-License Coursework".

Upfront cost is $240, with renewal running $240 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 5 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 15 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Pre-License Coursework
120 hours
Exam Requirement
State Real Estate Salesperson Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$185
Renewal Fee
$153
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
12 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$240
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$240
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
15 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson →

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Compare all states for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson All District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia requires 120 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Real Estate Salesperson Exam), and an initial fee of $185. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses real estate agent / salespersons who complete its requirements (120 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
For real estate agent / salespersons, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the District of Columbia licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for real estate agent / salesperson licensing in District of Columbia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia ties continued real estate agent / salesperson licensure to 12 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $153 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license in District of Columbia? ▼
The initial licensing fee in District of Columbia is $240. The renewal fee is $240 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license processing take in District of Columbia? ▼
In District of Columbia, license processing for real estate agent / salespersons typically takes approximately 5 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.