How to get a Texas real estate license
Six 30-hour courses, a $206 TREC application, $37 fingerprints and a $58 exam at Pearson VUE. Set your start date and pace to see your dates.
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Texas license at a glance
| Prelicense courses | 180 hours: six 30-hour courses |
|---|---|
| Application | $206 to TREC, after the courses |
| Fingerprints | $37 to IDEMIA, first time only |
| Exam | $58 an attempt at Pearson VUE |
| State fees | $301 |
| License term | 2 years; renewal is $110 |
| First renewal | 90 more course hours plus Legal Update I and II |
| After that | 18 hours of continuing education every two years |
| Reciprocity | None; the national portion can be waived |
How to get a Texas real estate license
- Finish the six qualifying courses: Principles I and II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms and Real Estate Finance.
- Apply to TREC ($206). Apply only after the courses; the application lasts one year.
- When TREC emails you, book fingerprints with IDEMIA ($37) for the background check.
- Pass both portions at Pearson VUE ($58). Each pass stays valid for one year.
- TREC issues an inactive license. A sponsoring broker makes it active.
- Before your first renewal, complete 90 more course hours and Legal Update I and II.
Licensed in another state?
Texas has no reciprocity with any state. Everyone meets the Texas requirements.
If you hold an active license in a state whose national exam is accredited by ARELLO, TREC can waive the national portion. You still pass the Texas portion.
Get ready for the exam
The exam is the step you control. See where you stand in a few minutes, free.
Questions people ask
How much does a Texas real estate license cost?
$301 in fees: the $206 TREC application, the $58 Pearson VUE exam fee and $37 to IDEMIA for fingerprints. Your 180 hours of courses are extra.
How long does it take to get a Texas real estate license?
Mostly the 180 hours of courses. At 15 hours a week that is 12 weeks. You then have one year from filing your application to pass both portions.
Do you need fingerprints for a Texas real estate license?
Yes. Fingerprints must be taken for TREC; prints on file for another agency do not count. The fee is $37, paid to IDEMIA, if TREC has not fingerprinted you before.
How do you renew a Texas real estate license?
The license lasts two years and renewal is $110. Before the first renewal you need 270 qualifying course hours in all, so 90 more, plus Legal Update I and II. After that, 18 hours of continuing education every two years.
Does Texas have real estate license reciprocity?
No. Texas has no reciprocity with any state. Active licensees from a state with an ARELLO-accredited national exam can have the national portion waived, but still take the Texas portion.
TREC: Become a sales agent · TREC: Fee schedule · Pearson VUE: Texas candidate handbook (PDF)
Other states: Florida · California · New York · Georgia