How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost?
Compare verified state fees with clearly labeled planning estimates. When a fee is not verified, we link you to the regulator instead of inventing a total.
Cost Breakdown by State
Select your state to separate verified fees from planning estimates and ongoing expenses.
50-State Cost Comparison
Sort by state or verified fee. A dash means a state fee needs official confirmation; totals exclude ongoing business expenses.
| Pre-License Ed. | Application | Background estimate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $73 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Alaska | $115 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Arizona | $130 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Arkansas | $75 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| California | $100 | $500–$800 | $350 | $49 | $999–$1,299 |
| Colorado | $49 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Connecticut | $59 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Delaware | $88 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Florida | $36.75 | $500–$800 | $83.75 | $30–50 | $650.5–$970.5 |
| Georgia | $175 | $500–$800 | $170 | $30–50 | $875–$1,195 |
| Hawaii | $61 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Idaho | $83 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Illinois | $58 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Indiana | $55 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Iowa | $95 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Kansas | $140 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Kentucky | $100 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Louisiana | $81 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Maine | $88 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Maryland | $44 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Massachusetts | $56 | $300–$600 | $31 | $30–50 | $417–$737 |
| Michigan | $79 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Minnesota | $68 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Mississippi | $75 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Missouri | $52 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Montana | $95 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Nebraska | $150 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Nevada | $100 | $500–$800 | $125 | $30–50 | $755–$1,075 |
| New Hampshire | $66 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| New Jersey | $38 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| New Mexico | $95 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| New York | — | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| North Carolina | $63 | $500–$800 | $105 | $30–50 | $698–$1,018 |
| North Dakota | $134 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Ohio | $66 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Oklahoma | $75 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Oregon | $75 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $101 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Rhode Island | $103 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| South Carolina | $63 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| South Dakota | $105 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Tennessee | $63 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Texas | $43 | $500–$800 | $206 | $30–50 | $779–$1,099 |
| Utah | $69 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Vermont | $110 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Virginia | $60 | $500–$800 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Washington | $210 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| West Virginia | $118 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Wisconsin | $65 | $200–$400 | — | $30–50 | — |
| Wyoming | $160 | $300–$600 | — | $30–50 | — |
Exam and application fees are displayed only when verified. Education and background figures are planning estimates; verify current costs before paying.
The Complete Guide to Real Estate License Costs
Your upfront cost depends on state fees, your education provider, and screening requirements. A useful budget separates verified charges from estimates instead of promising one national total.
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. Check your state regulator for the current exam and application fees.
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.
$36.75
Lowest exam fee (Florida)
$87
Average exam fee
$210
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?
What is the cheapest state to get a real estate license?
Are there any hidden costs for getting a real estate license?
Can I deduct real estate license costs on my taxes?
Do brokerages pay for your real estate license?
Explore More
Pass Your Exam on the First Try
Avoid retake fees by preparing with EstatePass. 31,000+ practice questions, timed mock exams, and AI-powered study tools for all 50 states.