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Real estate license reciprocity allows qualified agents to get a license in a new state without having to meet all of the jurisdiction’s licensing standards. Out-of-state agents may execute deals inside specified states depending on local rules thanks to real estate portability. We prepared license reciprocity and portability laws for all 50 states to assist agents to comprehend both of these issues.
Real estate license reciprocity is a multi-state agreement that allows licensed real estate agents to become licensed in another state without having to take extra real estate prelicensing courses or, in certain situations, passing a licensing test.
Remember that a reciprocity agreement does not guarantee that a real estate salesperson or broker may participate in real estate transactions in a reciprocal state without first obtaining a license in that state. It usually signifies that the license standards are less stringent. To get a license in a new state, agents may need to attend a few hours of lessons from an approved online real estate school like Real Estate Express. Specific regulations should be checked with your state’s licensing board.
Reciprocity is a state-specific concept, therefore each state’s regulations and procedures are distinct. However, there are three kinds of reciprocity agreements that are often used:
At the conclusion of this post, we go through each state’s reciprocity agreements in further depth. Reciprocity agreements help agents who are permanently relocating to another state or who live in close proximity to two states, such as New York and New Jersey. Agents who have no plans to move to another state but wish to be able to undertake out-of-state real estate transactions on a regular basis are more impacted by portability regulations.
State regulations permitting out-of-state real estate agents to conduct real estate transactions without needing to get a license in a nearby state are known as real estate license portability. It differs from reciprocity in that it permits agents to conduct real estate business across state lines, but it is not meant to be a long-term solution for agents moving to a new location.
Cooperative, physical location, and turf states are the three types of portability legislation. Each of these groups has its own set of requirements for an out-of-state real estate agent to operate in the state.
Real estate license portability is divided into three categories
Out-of-state real estate agents or brokers are permitted to conduct real estate business in cooperative states. Property showings, closings, discussions, and other phases of real estate transactions fall under this category. Out-of-state agents, on the other hand, must have a co-brokerage agreement with a cooperative state licensee in order to operate there.
Alabama, Colorado, and Washington are just a few of the cooperation states that span all geographic areas. However, keep in mind that certain cooperating states, like Michigan, have restrictions on out-of-state agents. Before committing to a customer seeking property in a cooperative state, you should always educate yourself with local regulations.
A physical location state permits agents and brokers to do business in another state, but not for the purpose of transacting real estate business in that state. This implies that an agent or broker from another state must do all out-of-state business over the phone and is not permitted to visit the state for showings, closings, or any other purpose.
For example, as long as you physically stay in the state where you are licensed, you may send your customers to see homes, make bids on their behalf, and negotiate agreements.
Out-of-state agents and brokers are not permitted to do business in a turf state, either in person or remotely. Working with customers in a turf state is limited to referring them to a turf state licensee. Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Utah are the seven turf states.
Your choices are restricted if you have a lead who wants to purchase or sell property in a turf state. Refer your customer to someone in the relevant turf state office if you work with a brokerage with offices in various states.
While expanding your company to additional states may result in more commissions, the process is fraught with complexities. First and foremost, always protect yourself with a buyer or seller agreement. Also, be familiar with your local legislation, and consider sending a customer to someone local if the restrictions and requirements are too difficult.
It might be difficult to do business with customers who are buying or selling property in another state since local brokers may attempt to steal their clients’ business. Consider obtaining an exclusive buyer or seller’s agreement unless you have a fantastic connection with your clientele. Keep in mind that most exclusive buyer or seller representation contracts are only effective in the state where you’re licensed, not elsewhere.
Out-of-state real estate practices may be difficult to navigate, but you can check state-specific license reciprocity and portability requirements to see whether you need to refer a client. Some states provide reciprocity with all other states, while others provide reciprocity but need state-specific real estate courses. Meanwhile, other governments have just a few or no agreements with other countries.
Unless you’re really skilled, have a superb lawyer, or are being overseen by a broker versed in out-of-state transactions, assisting customers with out-of-state properties might be challenging. Complicated reciprocity and portability restrictions, as well as different document formats and varied recordkeeping requirements, make transactions more difficult. If you’re not sure, refer the customer to prevent these hassles and frustrations.
Important note: Before engaging in a transaction in another state, you should contact an attorney or legal assistance via a service like Rocket Lawyer. Failure to follow the law may result in the loss of your commission, or worse, your license being jeopardized.
Examine your state’s rules to discover whether you qualify for reciprocity, as well as the necessary documents and steps to become a real estate agent in your state.
Alabama
All 50 states have reciprocity agreements with Alabama, but you must complete an extra 6 hours of pre-licensing coursework and pass the state section of the real estate test.
Alaska
If you have maintained your license for a year or longer and passed the Alaska state component of the real estate test, Alaska offers reciprocity, sometimes known as “by endorsement,” with any other state.
Arizona
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Arkansas
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Arkansas:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Washington
- West Virginia
Colorado
All states have reciprocity agreements with Colorado. You are not needed to attend any prelicensing courses offered by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), but you must pass the background check and state component of the real estate test to get your license.
Connecticut
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Connecticut:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
Salespersons applying from the following states: Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island must complete the Salesperson Sponsoring Broker Form.
Applicants from the following states will be required to take the state section of the Connecticut Real Estate Test conducted by PSI: Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and those who have not passed a written examination in a reciprocal state.
Delaware
After passing the Delaware state law test or achieving the required experience criteria, Delaware enjoys reciprocity with all other states.
Florida
The following states have reciprocity agreements, also known as mutual recognition agreements, with Florida:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Rhode Island
To continue with their license, applicants must pass a background check and the Florida Real Estate test.
Georgia
All states have reciprocity agreements with Georgia if the agent passes the required background check, current state’s test, and real estate licensing history checks. Only Florida licensees are exempt since they must pass the Georgia real estate licensing test.
Hawaii
Although Hawaii has no reciprocity agreements with other states, you may be eligible for an Equivalency to the Prelicense Education Requirement and/or the Uniform Examination.
Idaho
There are no reciprocity agreements in place between Idaho and any other state. If you are already licensed in another state, Idaho will waive the national component of the licensing test if you complete the Request for Waiver Form, prelicensing coursework, and broker experience requirements (if applicable). You must still submit your fingerprints for a background check.
Illinois
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Illinois:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
There is no extra coursework necessary in Illinois, but you must take the state-specific component of the license test.
Indiana
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Only Illinois and Indiana have reciprocal agreements. For further information, contact the Indiana Real Estate Commission (IREC) or go to the IREC website.
Iowa
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Iowa:
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- North Dakota
To qualify, you must be a resident of one of the aforementioned states, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check.
Kansas
Although Kansas does not confirm reciprocity with other jurisdictions, if you already have a real estate license in another state, you simply need to complete 30 hours of prelicensing instruction and may skip the national section of the test by completing a Client Exam Waiver and sending it to Pearson Vue.
Kentucky
Kentucky only has reciprocity agreements with Ohio, however, if you have had an Ohio license for at least a year, you may get your Kentucky license by completing 40 hours of reciprocal licensing law study, submitting fingerprints, and taking the reciprocal license test.
Louisiana
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Louisiana:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
You must complete a background check and submit Salesperson License Part-A and Salesperson License Part-B or Broker License Part-A and Broker License Part-B to receive a reciprocal license, as stated in the Reciprocal Prelicensing Checklist.
Maine
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
After passing the Maine law component of the license test and passing a background check, Maine has reciprocity agreements with all other states.
Maryland
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Maryland that do not require extra schooling or examination:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
Massachusetts
The following states have a full broker and salesperson reciprocity with Massachusetts:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
The following states have limited broker and salesperson reciprocity with Massachusetts:
- Maine: Brokers who have been licensed for three years must apply for an Educational Waiver to skip prelicensing courses and just take the state section of the test in Massachusetts.
- New Hampshire: To forgo prelicensing coursework and complete the Massachusetts state component of the test, agents must apply for an Educational Waiver.
All other states must apply for an Education Waiver in order to be exempt from the prelicensing education requirements, but they must still pass the whole (national and state) real estate test.
Michigan
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
There are no reciprocity agreements in place between Michigan and any other state. Individuals who have a real estate license in another state may be eligible for a Michigan license if their experience and training are substantially equivalent to what is necessary for Michigan.
Minnesota
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Minnesota:
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
For the states listed above, you may use the PULSE Portal to submit an application and send a letter validating your current license.
In addition to applying for licensing, you must complete a 13-hour Wisconsin to Minnesota reciprocal pre-license course and pass the state section of the Minnesota test.
Mississippi
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Although there are no explicit reciprocity agreements in place in Mississippi, you may be eligible if you have similar education and tests in your present state. For further information, contact the Mississippi Real Estate Commission.
Missouri
Missouri has reciprocity agreements with all 50 states. You simply need to pass a background check, take a 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) course, and pass the state component of the real estate test to get your license.
Montana
Montana does not guarantee reciprocity with other states, although it does enable out-of-state licenses to apply. According to the Real Estate Salesperson Checklist, you may be considered for reciprocal licensing if you have a certificate of licensure from your present state and a passing score on the state part of the Montana real estate test.
Nebraska
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Rather than reciprocal licensing, Nebraska grants licenses “by recognition.” This implies that out-of-state agents in good standing may be eligible for a Nebraska real estate license. Applicants must pass a background check, complete 3 hours of coursework, and submit an application, an Acknowledgement of Personal Jurisdiction, and an Affidavit, according to the Nebraska Real Estate Commission website.
Nevada
Nevada has reciprocal agreements with the following states for salesperson and broker licenses:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
Nevada also has reciprocity with the following states for broker, broker-associate, and broker-salesperson licenses:
- California
- Connecticut
- The District of Columbia
- Florida
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Wyoming
To get your license, you must complete 18 hours of Nevada law, submit to a background check, pass the state component of the real estate test, and sign a Form 656 – Consent to Service of Process.
New Hampshire
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
New Hampshire has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Georgia
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
You don’t have to complete prelicensing education if you are from any of the above states, but you are required to take the New Hampshire is a state in the United States. the state portion of the real estate exam.
New Jerseys
New Jersey doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with any other state. However, if you hold a license in any of the following states, you can complete an educational waiver (Salesperson or Broker) to waive all or some of the educational requirements and pass the full real estate exam to obtain your New Jersey license.
- New York (Salesperson or Broker): Brokers must undergo extra training, and both must pass the test.
- Florida: Take the test after completing an extra 12 hours of instruction.
New Mexico
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
If you live in one of the states listed above, you may apply for a prelicensing education waiver to skip the instruction hours and test and get your license right away.
New York
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
The following states have reciprocity agreements with New York:
- Arkansas: Broker only—has been licensed for two years and is actively active.
- Connecticut: Broker and salesman with a lot of experience.
- Georgia: Broker and salesman with a lot of experience.
- Massachusetts: Broker only—has been licensed for two years and is actively active.
- Mississippi: Only licensed as a broker for the last two years and actively active.
- Oklahoma: Licensed for two years as an active broker and salesperson.
- West Virginia: Active broker and salesperson
To qualify in any of the listed states, your business and household must be located inside the state. All need a completed application, a Uniform Irrevocable Consent, and Designation of Foreign Entity form, and the necessary cost, as well as current certification (dated within 6 months from the Real Estate Commission where the license was received).
North Carolina
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
As outlined on page 6 of the Commission Application booklet, applicants who have an out-of-state (the United States or Canadian) real estate license that has been active within the last 3 years, and which is equivalent to North Carolina is a state in the United States.’s provisional or “full” broker license, may waive the state’s prelicensing courses. They can also bypass the state exam or waive the exam and be granted a North Carolina is a state in the United States. license on provisional status.
North Dakota
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
North Dakota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
As outlined in the North Dakota Century Code, to qualify for licensure salespeople and brokers must submit an application, application of issuance, Consent to Suit, and pass the state portion of the real estate exam.
Ohio
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Ohio:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
To be authorized for a reciprocal license, applicants must complete a background check, an application, a Consent to Service of Process form, and an Ohio Real Estate Law course.
Oklahoma
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
The following states have “non-residency” (reciprocity) agreements with Oklahoma:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
Sales associates and brokers must provide proof of citizenship, complete a background check, and complete 1 hour of continuing education in each of the following categories: Oklahoma Code and Rules, Oklahoma Contract and Forms, and Oklahoma Broker Relationship Act, according to the Oklahoma Applicant Checklist. A 15-hour Broker-in-Charge (BIC) training is also required of brokers. You will then be eligible to apply for your reciprocal license.
Oregon
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
The following Canadian provinces and US states have reciprocity agreements with Oregon:
- Alabama
- Alberta is a province in Canada.
- Georgia
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
Candidates for reciprocal licensing in Oregon are not specified by the Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA); contact the agency to determine whether you qualify.
Pennsylvania
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
The following states have reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania:
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New York
Pennsylvania will provide reciprocal licenses to people who have licensure credentials that are substantially equivalent to the Commission’s requirements and who pass a background check.
Rhode Island
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Rhode Island has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Massachusetts
To apply for reciprocity, salespeople and brokers must complete a background check, a Letter of Good Standing, a Power of Attorney form, and a 3-hour course to receive and submit a Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation Certificate of Completion.
South Carolina
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
South Carolina accepts licensees from other states. However, you must sit for the South Carolina real estate exam and have held your license for 6 months prior to applying for reciprocity. In addition, broker applicants must be active for at least 3 years to qualify.
Only Georgia licensees are eligible to apply for specific salesperson and broker applications.
South Dakota
South Dakota doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements with any other state but does issue equivalent licenses to those moving into the area. Agents must submit the Request Form, a certificate of licensure from their prior state showing good standing, a fingerprint background check, and an application.
Tennessee
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
There are no reciprocity agreements in place between Tennessee and any other state. If agents are in good standing in their home state, they may fill out a specific reciprocal application and be granted the right to practice real estate.
Texas
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Because Texas has no reciprocity agreements with other states, you must meet Texas standards in order to get a license.
Utah
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Utah has reciprocity agreements with the following states and provinces in the United States:
- Alberta
- Georgia
- Mississippi
Fingerprints, a fingerprint waiver, an Education Waiver Request form, a Certification of Legal Presence form, and an application are all required for licensing.
Vermont
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Although Vermont has no reciprocity agreements with other states, you may be eligible for “endorsement” bypassing the Vermont state test.
Virginia
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
If you have been engaged in the real estate industry for 24 of the preceding 36 months and pass the state section of the test, you will have reciprocity with other states.
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation accepts applications online (DPOR)
Washington
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Based on current licensing activity and the filing of the required documents, Washington has reciprocity with other states. If you’re already licensed in another state, you may skip the education component of the test, but you’ll still have to take the state portion.
West Virginia
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with Kentucky and Ohio. However, if you are a nonresident, you can submit an application for the exam (and pass the exam), Affidavit of Residency, Irrevocable Consent or Service, and Out-of-state forms, a surety bond, and a background check to move forward with the process. Brokers are also required to submit Subordination Resolution and Trust Fund Account and Consent to Examine forms.
Wisconsin
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Although you are excused from the educational requirements, you must still pass the Wisconsin state test and sign an irreversible consent letter.
You may apply for “licensure by endorsement” if you live outside of Illinois or Indiana and have held a current license for at least two years. Before taking the test, you must complete 13 hours of sales training.
Wyoming
Transferability of real estate licenses is cooperative, but with restrictions. There is no reciprocity in real estate licenses.
Wyoming has no reciprocity agreements with other states, however, you may submit two fingerprint cards, an Irrevocable Consent to Service of Process form, finish the Wyoming law course and Salesperson II or Broker II course, and pass the Wyoming state test if you are licensed out of state.
Laws governing real estate license reciprocity and portability govern how agents conduct out-of-state real estate transactions. If you have customers who want to purchase or sell a home out of state, it’s critical that you know all there is to know about local licensing requirements. Decide if it’s preferable to conduct the deal yourself or direct the customer to another agent after you’ve familiarized yourself with the appropriate state legislation.
