FAQ and Requirements to get your New York real estate salesperson license

Getting a New York salesperson license requires a fair bit of work, and so does maintaining it. To help make that process easier for you, we’ve listed answers to several of the most frequently asked questions about the process.

What do I need to get my real estate license?

To get your license, you need to be 18 with a valid New York photo ID. Then, you need to:

Complete 75 hours of qualifying pre-license education
Pass the state’s real estate salesperson exam
Find a broker to supervise (basically, hire) you
Send in the application and fee

To submit your application, you’ll need to set up your account in eAccessNY.

How much is a real estate license in NY?

The application for a New York real estate salesperson license costs $55. Once you get your license, it’s good for two years. When you need to renew biennially, you’ll have to pay a $55 renewal fee.

How difficult is it to get a real estate license?

Becoming a licensed real estate salesperson is more time-consuming than it is challenging here in New York. You’ll need to take 75 hours of pre-license education, which requires a pretty significant time investment from you. But the good news is that those 75 hours should prep you to pass the exam, which most people consider the hardest part of the process.

More good news: the exam is multiple-choice.

How fast can you get your real estate license?

That depends on two things: how quickly you can get your qualifying education done and how quickly the state processes your license application.

Since the qualifying education requirement means 75 hours, you can probably knock it out in two weeks or less if you buckle down. To save time, try to schedule your exam as you’re taking your education.

The main thing you can’t control is the state’s application processing times. It usually takes at least a couple of weeks for the New York Department of State to get your real estate application approved.

How much does a real estate course cost?

We try to make ours affordable so that this is never a hurdle for real estate hopefuls. Our state-approved 75-hour qualifying education retails for an investment of just $89.

How do I become an independent real estate agent?

In New York, real estate salespeople need to be supervised by a broker, or someone with a higher level of licensure.

You need to be a licensed salesperson for two years before you can get a broker license and work independently.

What is an associate broker in real estate?

An associate broker is someone who has a broker license and could work independently but instead chooses to work under another broker.

I have my real estate license. Now what?

Now, it’s time to start getting clients. Your broker should be able to help you navigate establishing your book of business.

Can I take real estate classes online in NY?

Absolutely. The state has approved education providers to offer online, on-demand pre-license courses such as the ones offered here.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license?

The fee to apply for the license is $55, but that’s not the only cost you’ll incur. You’ll also need to pay $15 to take the exam and you’ll have to pay for your qualifying education course. Costs there vary between education providers.

Can I help sell homes without being a real estate agent?

That depends on what you mean by “help.” You could work in a real estate office, doing administrative tasks, without getting a license. But if you want to facilitate the purchase or sale of properties on behalf of customers, you’ll need to get licensed.

Can you practice real estate without a broker?

No. In fact, the state won’t even approve your salesperson license until you have found a broker to oversee you.

Should I obtain my real estate license?

If you want to start a career in New York real estate, you’ll need a license from the state.