Licensing

NY Real Estate License Requirements (2026)

Getting a New York real estate salesperson license takes five steps. Here's exactly what's required, what it costs, and what to expect at each stage.

Basic Eligibility

  • ✓Must be at least 18 years old
  • ✓Must be a US citizen or lawfully admitted immigrant
  • ✓Must have a valid Social Security Number
  • ✓Cannot have a felony conviction that would disqualify you under NY RPL
  • ✓Must be sponsored by a licensed NY real estate broker

Total Cost to Get Licensed

75-hour pre-licensing course$150–$500
State exam fee (PSI)$15
Fingerprinting (IdentoGO)~$75
DOS license application$55
Estimated total$295–$645
1

Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

New York requires 75 hours of DOS-approved qualifying education before you can sit for the state exam. This covers real property, agency, contracts, finance, fair housing, land use, and more. The same topics tested on the exam. Courses are available in-person and online. You'll receive a certificate of completion to submit with your application.

Tip: use the time during your course to start building flashcard habits. Don't wait until the end to start studying.
2

Pass the NY State Licensing Exam

After completing the 75-hour course, you take the NY Real Estate Salesperson Exam through PSI (the state's testing provider). The exam has 75 multiple-choice questions and you have 1.5 hours to complete it. You need to score 70% (53 correct) to pass. You can schedule the exam online at psiexams.com and take it at a testing center or via remote proctoring.

The exam fee is $15. If you don't pass, you can retake it, but you'll pay the fee again each time.
3

Find a Sponsoring Broker

In New York, a salesperson license is only active when associated with a licensed real estate broker. You cannot hold an active salesperson license independently. Before (or shortly after) passing the exam, you need to find a sponsoring broker who will hold your license. The broker signs off on your application.

Interview multiple brokerages. Commission splits, training quality, and culture vary significantly.
4

Get Fingerprinted

New York requires all real estate license applicants to submit fingerprints for a background check through the state's approved vendor. This is done through IdentoGO. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment online and complete it before or alongside your application. There is a separate fee for this service.

A criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you. The DOS evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis.
5

Apply to the NY Department of State

Submit your license application through the NY DOS eAccessNY portal at dos.ny.gov. You'll need your course completion certificate, exam passing score, sponsoring broker information, and fingerprinting receipt. The application fee is $55. Processing typically takes 1–4 weeks.

Once your license is issued, it's valid for 2 years. Renewal requires 22.5 hours of continuing education.

After You're Licensed: Renewal

NY salesperson licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed with the DOS. To renew, you must complete 22.5 hours of continuing education during each 2-year cycle, including at least 3 hours of fair housing, 1 hour of agency law, and 2.5 hours of ethical business practices. The renewal fee is $55.

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