Updated for 2026

How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost?

Select your state to see a complete cost breakdown for getting your real estate license. Compare exam fees, education costs, and total investment across all 50 states.

$59avg exam fee

All 50states

10,000+students

Cost Breakdown by State

Select your state to see the estimated total cost of getting your real estate license.

50-State Cost Comparison

Click any column header to sort. Exam fees are actual state fees; other costs are estimated ranges.

		Pre-License Ed.	Application	Background	E&O Insurance
Alabama	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Alaska	$75	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$655–$1,425
Arizona	$60	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$640–$1,410
Arkansas	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
California	$60	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$640–$1,410
Colorado	$49	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$629–$1,399
Connecticut	$65	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$645–$1,415
Delaware	$60	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$640–$1,410
Florida	$36	$200–$400	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$516–$1,186
Georgia	$64	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$644–$1,414
Hawaii	$68	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$648–$1,418
Idaho	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Illinois	$58	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$638–$1,408
Indiana	$52	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$632–$1,402
Iowa	$70	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$650–$1,420
Kansas	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Kentucky	$65	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$645–$1,415
Louisiana	$85	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$665–$1,435
Maine	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Maryland	$62	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$642–$1,412
Massachusetts	$51	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$631–$1,401
Michigan	$61	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$641–$1,411
Minnesota	$62	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$642–$1,412
Mississippi	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Missouri	$60	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$640–$1,410
Montana	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Nebraska	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Nevada	$90	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$670–$1,440
New Hampshire	$100	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$680–$1,450
New Jersey	$55	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$635–$1,405
New Mexico	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
New York	$15	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$595–$1,365
North Carolina	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
North Dakota	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Ohio	$60	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$640–$1,410
Oklahoma	$55	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$635–$1,405
Oregon	$75	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$655–$1,425
Pennsylvania	$56	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$636–$1,406
Rhode Island	$60	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$640–$1,410
South Carolina	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
South Dakota	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Tennessee	$56	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$636–$1,406
Texas	$54	$200–$400	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$534–$1,204
Utah	$52	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$632–$1,402
Vermont	$60	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$640–$1,410
Virginia	$60	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$640–$1,410
Washington	$138	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$718–$1,488
West Virginia	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400
Wisconsin	$68	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$648–$1,418
Wyoming	$50	$300–$600	$50–$300	$30–$50	$200–$400	$630–$1,400

Exam fees reflect actual state fees from official sources. Education, application, and insurance costs are typical ranges and may vary by provider.

The Complete Guide to Real Estate License Costs

Getting a real estate license is one of the most accessible career investments you can make. Unlike four-year degrees that cost tens of thousands, a real estate license typically costs between $400 and $1,500 total — and you can start earning commissions within months.

Upfront Costs

The biggest upfront expense is pre-license education, which ranges from $200 to $800 depending on your state's hour requirements and the school you choose. Online courses are typically cheaper than in-person classes. Add the state exam fee ($15-$100) and license application fee ($50-$300).

Recurring Costs

Once licensed, expect ongoing costs: Errors & Omissions insurance ($200-$400/year), MLS access fees ($20-$50/month), REALTOR association dues ($150-$500/year), and continuing education for license renewal. Many brokerages cover some of these costs.

Ways to Reduce Your Costs

Choose Online Education

Online pre-license courses are 30-50% cheaper than in-person classroom options

Watch for School Promotions

Real estate schools frequently offer seasonal discounts and bundle deals

Pass on the First Try

Each retake costs $15-$100 in exam fees — thorough preparation saves money

Ask About Brokerage Support

Many brokerages reimburse licensing costs when you join their team

Compare E&O Providers

Shop multiple E&O insurance quotes to find competitive annual premiums

Is a Real Estate License Worth the Cost?

The average real estate agent earns $48,000-$65,000 per year, with top performers exceeding $100,000. Compared to the $400-$1,500 licensing investment, the return on investment is exceptional. Most agents recoup their licensing costs within their first one or two transactions. The key to maximizing ROI is passing the exam on your first attempt to avoid retake fees and start earning sooner.

$15

Lowest exam fee (New York)

$59

Average exam fee

$138

Highest exam fee (Washington)

Remember that costs vary not just by state, but by the specific education provider, insurance carrier, and brokerage you choose. Use the state selector above to get a personalized estimate, and visit your state's exam guide page for the most detailed and up-to-date information on fees and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The total cost ranges from $400 to $1,500 depending on your state. This includes pre-license education ($200-$800), exam fees ($15-$100), license application fees ($50-$300), background check ($30-$50), and E&O insurance ($200-$400/year).

What is the cheapest state to get a real estate license?

States with lower education hour requirements and exam fees tend to be the cheapest. For example, states with fewer pre-license hours and lower exam fees can cost under $500 total.

Are there any hidden costs for getting a real estate license?

Beyond the obvious fees, budget for MLS dues ($20-$50/month), REALTOR association fees ($150-$500/year), lockbox fees, business cards, and continuing education for license renewal.

Can I deduct real estate license costs on my taxes?

Generally, initial licensing costs are not tax-deductible as they are considered personal education expenses. However, continuing education and renewal fees may be deductible as business expenses once you are a practicing agent.

Do brokerages pay for your real estate license?

Some brokerages reimburse part or all of your licensing costs after you affiliate with them. This varies by company — ask prospective brokerages about their reimbursement programs before committing.

Explore More

Exam Guide PDF

Free study guides and exam details for all 50 states

Education Hours

Pre-license and CE hour requirements by state

Income Calculator

Estimate your potential earnings as a real estate agent

Post-Exam Guide

Step-by-step checklist for after you pass

Pass Your Exam on the First Try

Avoid retake fees by preparing with EstatePass. 2,500+ practice questions, timed mock exams, and AI-powered study tools for all 50 states.

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