How to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri

A career in Missouri real estate offers the opportunity to work with clients across communities from St. Louis to Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and beyond. To begin, you’ll need to earn a real estate license through the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC). The licensing process ensures that every new agent has the knowledge, training, and qualifications necessary to represent buyers and sellers with professionalism and integrity. With the right preparation, you can take the steps required to join Missouri’s real estate industry and begin building your career. 

Here is a brief outline of the steps to earning a real estate license in Missouri:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete 72 hours of prelicensing education
• Pass the Missouri real estate licensing exam
• Submit your license application to the MREC
• Activate your license with a sponsoring brokerage

Table of Contents

• Steps to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri
• Continuing Education and License Renewal in Missouri
• Missouri Real Estate License Reciprocity

Steps to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri

The MREC outlines several key requirements you must complete before you can begin your career as a licensed real estate salesperson in Missouri:

Step 1: Meet Missouri’s Eligibility Requirements

Before you can begin the licensing process, you must confirm that you meet the state’s eligibility standards. To qualify for a Missouri real estate license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrate good character and meet the MREC’s background check requirements

Meeting these requirements ensures that you are eligible to move forward with education and testing.

Step 2: Complete a Background Check and Fingerprinting

All applicants must complete fingerprinting and a background check as part of the licensing process. The MREC requires this step to confirm your character and eligibility to hold a license. Fingerprints are submitted through the state’s approved vendor, and results are sent directly to the MREC. 

It is recommended that you complete this step early in the licensing process, as results must be received before your license application can be approved.

Step 3: Complete Missouri’s 72-Hour Prelicensing Education

The MREC requires all applicants to complete 72 hours of approved prelicensing education. This includes two courses:

• 48-Hour Salesperson Pre-Examination Course: This course covers real estate principles, laws, contracts, and practices that form the foundation of your career.
• 24-Hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) Course: This course focuses on applying real estate principles in day-to-day practice, giving you the knowledge to succeed once you are licensed.

You must finish the 48-hour course before you can sit for the licensing exam. The 24-hour course can be taken either before or after the exam, but it must be completed before you apply for your license.

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Step 4: Pass the Missouri Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing your required prelicensing education, you are eligible to sit for the Missouri real estate licensing exam. The exam is administered by PSI and consists of two sections:

• National Portion: Covers general real estate concepts such as property ownership, contracts, financing, and agency.
• State Portion: Focuses on Missouri real estate laws, rules, and regulations.

You must pass both portions of the exam to qualify for licensure. Results are provided immediately after testing, and you must achieve a passing score within one year of completing your prelicensing education.

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Step 5: Submit Your Missouri Real Estate License Application

Once you pass the exam, the next step is to apply for your license with the MREC. Your application must include:

• Proof of completing your prelicensing education
• Passing exam results from PSI
• Completed background check results
• Application forms provided by the MREC
• Payment of the required licensing fees

Applications must be submitted within six months of passing the exam. Timely submission is important to ensure you remain eligible for licensure.

Step 6: Activate Your License with a Sponsoring Brokerage

After your application is approved, you must affiliate with a licensed Missouri real estate brokerage to activate your license. Until your license is placed with a brokerage, you are not authorized to represent clients in real estate transactions.

Choosing the right brokerage is an important step in your career. A sponsoring broker will provide guidance, resources, and opportunities to help you succeed as you begin working with buyers and sellers. Once your license is active, you can officially start practicing real estate in Missouri.

Continuing Education and License Renewal in Missouri

Missouri real estate salespersons must renew their license every two years through the MREC. To keep your license active, you are required to complete continuing education (CE) during each cycle and submit the necessary paperwork within the state’s renewal window. The key requirements to be aware of are:

• Renewal Cycle: Licenses expire on September 30 of every even-numbered year. The renewal window runs from September 1-30. 
• CE Requirements: Each renewal cycle requires 12 hours of CE. At least 3 hours must be a core course approved by the MREC, and the rest can be electives or additional core courses. 
• Inactive Status: If you do not complete your CE and renew on time, your license will become inactive. An inactive license prevents you from conducting real estate business until CE is completed, fees are paid, and your license is reactivated. 

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Missouri Real Estate License Reciprocity

While Missouri does not maintain reciprocity agreements with specific states, the MREC allows licensed salespersons from other states to apply for a Missouri real estate license through reciprocity. This option makes it easier to get licensed in Missouri if you already hold an active license in another state or jurisdiction, but there are still state-specific steps you must complete.

Here’s what reciprocity applicants need to know:

• You must have a current and active real estate license in another state or jurisdiction
• All reciprocity applicants must complete the 24-hour MREP Course
• You are only required to take and pass the Missouri state portion of the licensing exam
• You must submit proof that your license is in good standing in your home state
• Fingerprinting and a background check are required before applying 
• After finishing the course and passing the state exam, you must submit your application and fees to the MREC