Real Estate Agent / Salesperson / New York
2026 data New York board official source

New York Real Estate Agent / Salesperson License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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What the New York data shows for Real Estate Agent / Salespersons

New York sets the entry bar for real estate agent / salespersons at 122 training hours and a passing score on State Real Estate Salesperson Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under New York's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Pre-License Coursework".

Budget $50 to get started, plus $50 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 4 weeks once your application is complete. The license also carries an ongoing 22-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For real estate agent / salespersons, the reciprocity picture is: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state.

Licensing Ease Score

C
Licensing Ease Score
58/100
Real Estate Agent / Salesperson · New York

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
122 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$189
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$79/yr
$157 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 New York

Education / Training Hours
Pre-License Coursework
122 hours
Exam Requirement
State Real Estate Salesperson Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$189
Renewal Fee
$157
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
12 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson →

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in New York? ▼
New York's requirements cover 122 hours of education or training, the State Real Estate Salesperson Exam exam, and an initial fee of $189. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in New York? ▼
To become a licensed real estate agent / salesperson in New York, you must meet the state's requirements including 122 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the New York licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license to New York from another state? ▼
Real Estate Agent / Salesperson licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The New York licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does New York require a background check for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for real estate agent / salesperson licensing in New York. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in New York? ▼
Licensed real estate agent / salespersons in New York must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $157.
How much does it cost to get a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license in New York? ▼
The initial licensing fee in New York is $50. The renewal fee is $50 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license processing take in New York? ▼
In New York, license processing for real estate agent / salespersons typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this real estate agent / salesperson license

Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in New York, 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 New York 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.

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