How to Get Your New York Real Estate License

New York Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Age	18 years or older
Education	77 hours of approved pre-license coursework
Exam	75 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, 70% to pass
Exam fee	$15
Application fee	$65
Sponsoring broker	Required before license is issued
Total cost	$310–$580
Timeline	2–4 months

Source: NY Department of StateBecome Real Estate Salesperson Dos.ny.gov

The upfront costsNew York Cost Of New York Real Estate License Career Center are relatively low compared to other career paths—especially when you consider there's no ceiling on what you can earnNew York New York Real Estate Agent Income Career Center once you're licensed.

Step 1: Make Sure You're Eligible

Before you start, confirm you meet New York's basic requirements: you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident. You'll also need a valid New York photo ID (driver's license or non-driver ID).

A felony conviction doesn't automatically disqualify you, but you may need to obtain a Certificate of Relief From Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct. Learn more about getting a New York real estate license with a criminal recordNew York New York Real Estate License Criminal Record Career Center.

Important note on reciprocity: As of February 2023, New York no longer has reciprocity agreements with any other state. If you're licensed elsewhere, you'll need to complete the full 77-hour New York course and pass the state exam. More details on transferring an out-of-state license to New YorkNew York Transferring Out Of State Real Estate License New York Career Center.

Step 2: Complete 77 Hours of Pre-License Education

New York requires 77 hours of approved courseworkNew York How Long Does It Take To Get Your Real Estate License In New York Career Center before you can take the state exam. You can complete this through an online provider like AceableAgentNew York Real Estate LicenseNew York Real Estate License or a traditional classroom school. The NY Department of State maintains a list of approved providersReal Estate Course Providers Dos.ny.gov.

Your coursework will cover state and federal real estate law, contracts, financing, property ownership, fair housing, and the math you'll need to help clients evaluate deals. You'll also need to pass a proctored school exam at the end of your course.

Online courses offer the most flexibility—you can study at your own pace and fit coursework around your existing schedule. Look for a course that presents the material in a way that actually makes sense, not just walls of legal text.

Step 3: Pass the New York State Exam

Once you've completed your education, schedule your state exam through your eAccessNY accountNydos Nydoslogin.do?header=true Appext20.dos.ny.govNydos Nydoslogin.do?header=true Appext20.dos.ny.gov. The exam costs $15 and is offered at testing centers throughout the state, including Albany, Buffalo, Hauppauge, New York City, Syracuse, and Rochester.

The exam is 75 multiple-choice questions, and you'll have 90 minutes to complete it. You need a score of 70% to pass. Results are reported as pass/fail—you won't receive a numerical score—and you can check your results in eAccessNY.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the "Summary of Your Submission" confirmation page from when you scheduled. Basic calculators are allowed, but no phones, books, or notes.

For a deeper dive on the exam format, passing strategies, and what topics to focus on, see our New York real estate exam guideNew York New York Real Estate Exam Career Center.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker

You can't get an active license without a sponsoring broker—that's a licensed New York broker who agrees to supervise your work. Start looking before you finish your coursework so you're ready to apply right after you pass the exam.

Different brokerages offer different commission splits, training programs, and support levels. Some prioritize mentorship for new agents; others focus on lead generation or brand recognition. Think about what matters most to you at this stage of your career. Our guide on choosing your first real estate brokerage in New YorkNew York Choose Your First Real Estate Brokerage New York Career Center can help you evaluate your options.

Need help understanding the broker relationship? See how to find a sponsoring broker in New YorkNew York Sponsoring Broker New York Career Center.

Step 5: Submit Your License Application

Apply through your eAccessNY accountNydos Nydoslogin.do?header=true Appext20.dos.ny.govNydos Nydoslogin.do?header=true Appext20.dos.ny.gov. You'll pay a $65 non-refundable application fee and complete a Child Support Statement (required for all applicants, even if you don't have children).

Once you submit, your application goes to your sponsoring broker for approval. After your broker signs off, the Department of State reviews your application and—if everything checks out—mails your license to your broker's office within about a week.

That's it. You're officially a licensed New York real estate salesperson.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a New York real estate license? Most people complete the process in 2–4 months, depending on how quickly they finish the 77-hour course and how soon they can schedule the state exam.

How much does it cost to get a New York real estate license? Expect to spend $310–$580 total, including education ($245–$500), the state exam ($15), and the license application ($65).

Is the New York real estate exam hard? It's challenging but manageable with preparation. The exam covers the same material as your 77-hour course, so if you've studied consistently, you'll be ready.

Can I transfer my real estate license from another state to New York? No. As of February 2023, New York no longer has reciprocity with any state. You'll need to complete the full 77-hour course and pass the state exam.

Do I need a sponsoring broker before I apply? Yes. Your application won't be approved without a sponsoring broker's authorization.

Ready to Get Started?

The first step is the pre-license course. Once you've finished those 77 hours, everything else falls into place: schedule your exam, find a broker, submit your application, and start your career.

Start your New York pre-license course todayNew York Real Estate LicenseNew York Real Estate License and get one step closer to your real estate license.