Get your New York Real Estate license for Just $99 — 100% online at your own pace

To obtain a New York real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old, complete 77 hours of approved qualifying education, pass the state real estate salesperson exam, be sponsored by a New York licensed real estate broker, and hold a current New York photo driver's license or non-driver ID card. The application fee is $65 and the exam fee is $15.

The New York Department of State does not publish an official end-to-end timeline for obtaining a real estate salesperson license. The process involves completing 77 hours of approved qualifying education, passing a school-administered proctored exam, passing the state licensing exam, securing a sponsoring broker, and submitting the license application online through eAccessNY with the broker's authorization. Most applicants complete the process within a few months, though the timeline varies based on study pace, exam scheduling availability, and application processing.

The fixed state fees total $80, comprising a $15 written exam fee and a $65 initial salesperson application fee. The 77-hour pre-licensing course cost varies by provider, bringing the total cost for most students to approximately $400 to $900. The application fee and exam fee are both nonrefundable, and a $20 fee applies to any check returned by the bank.

Can a convicted felon get a real estate license in New York?

It is possible to obtain your NYS real estate salesperson's license if you have a prior conviction.
However, you will not be eligible to receive a license if you have been convicted of the following crimes and have not received an executive pardon, a certificate of relief, or a certificate of good conduct:

• a felony
• a sex offense, or a sexually violent offense

You must disclose the following criminal activity to the Department of State as part of your license application:
1) On your license application, you will be asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime that is a misdemeanor or felony.
If you answer "Yes", you must submit a written explanation and provide a copy of the court records detailing the allegations of the offense and how the case was resolved. If you have received a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities, Certificate of Good Conduct or Executive Pardon, you must also submit a copy to the DOS.

2) You will also be asked if you have any criminal charges (misdemeanor or felonies) pending.
If you answer "Yes", you must submit a written explanation and provide a copy of the court records detailing the allegations of the offense.

3) Finally, you will be asked if you ever had a license revoked, suspended, or denied.
If you answer "Yes", you must provide all relevant documents, including the agency determination (if any).

Do you need high school diploma for real estate license in New York?

No, you are not required to hold a high school diploma (or its equivalent) in order to obtain an NYS real estate salesperson's license.
You are only required to be at least 18 years old.

A sponsoring broker is a licensed real estate broker who supervises a salesperson and holds the license on behalf of the brokerage. In New York, a salesperson cannot operate independently and must work under the direction and supervision of a sponsoring broker. You cannot hold an active real estate license without being affiliated with a sponsoring broker, and you must have one to be eligible for license renewal. You can take the state exam before choosing a sponsoring broker, but you need a broker's authorization to submit your license application.

Can a non New York state resident do real estate?

New York no longer allows reciprocity with any other states as a result of recent revisions to the state's real property law that raised the educational requirements for obtaining a real estate salesperson or broker license.

You can ask for a waiver of the course(s) necessary for a New York State license if you completed your qualifying education elsewhere.

If you want a waiver, you must provide:
- a summary of the course
- proof of passing the course
- a thorough schedule listing the subjects and work hours finished

To send the request and supporting materials, use the address dosedmailing@dos.ny.gov

New York does not have reciprocity with any other state as of December 21, 2022, when new educational standards took effect and ended prior reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state applicants who completed qualifying education elsewhere may request an education waiver by submitting proof of course completion, a detailed outline listing topics and hours, and a course description. If the waiver is approved, the applicant must still pass the New York state examination and submit a full application.