2026 data North Dakota board official source

North Dakota Real Estate Agent / Salesperson License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties.

What the North Dakota data shows for Real Estate Agent / Salespersons

Becoming a licensed real estate agent / salesperson in North Dakota means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 55 training hours, a passing score on State Real Estate Salesperson Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. North Dakota regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Pre-License Coursework".

The initial price tag is $130, and renewal costs $75 every 1 years. Applications usually take around 3 weeks to process once complete. Maintaining the license requires 9 hours of continuing education per 1-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, real estate agent / salespersons should know: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state.

Licensing Ease Score

B+
Licensing Ease Score
79/100
Real Estate Agent / Salesperson · North Dakota

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B
55 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A-
$59
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B+
$27/yr
$53 every 2 years
Continuing Education B-
6.0 hrs/yr
12 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in North Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Pre-License Coursework
55 hours
Exam Requirement
State Real Estate Salesperson Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$59
Renewal Fee
$53
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
12 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires 55 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Real Estate Salesperson Exam), and an initial fee of $59. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in North Dakota?
To become a licensed real estate agent / salesperson in North Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements including 55 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the North Dakota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license to North Dakota from another state?
Reciprocity for real estate agent / salespersons nationally works like this: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into North Dakota. Verify the specifics with the North Dakota licensing board.
Does North Dakota require a background check for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson licensing?
Yes, North Dakota requires a criminal background check as part of the real estate agent / salesperson licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in North Dakota?
North Dakota ties continued real estate agent / salesperson licensure to 12 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $53 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license in North Dakota?
The initial licensing fee in North Dakota is $130. The renewal fee is $75 every 1 year. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license processing take in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, license processing for real estate agent / salespersons typically takes approximately 3 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

What to do with this real estate agent / salesperson license

Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in North Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a real estate agent / salesperson-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the North Dakota licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.