How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Nevada

Embarking on a real estate career in Nevada positions you for success in one of the nation’s most exciting markets. With growing communities in Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson attracting new residents and businesses, now is an ideal time to enter Nevada’s thriving real estate industry. This guide will clearly outline the essential steps required to obtain your real estate license and begin your journey as a professional agent in Nevada.

Follow these steps to get your real estate license in Nevada:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete 120 hours of Nevada-specific real estate education
• Successfully pass the Nevada real estate licensing exam
• Submit your complete application to the Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED)
• Find and select a sponsoring broker licensed in Nevada
• Activate your license through your sponsoring broker

Table of Contents

• Steps to Getting Your Nevada Real Estate License
• Nevada Real Estate License Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
• Nevada Real Estate License Reciprocity

Steps to Getting Your Nevada Real Estate License

Before you can start your career as a real estate agent in Nevada, you must meet certain requirements set by NRED. Here’s a detailed overview of each step you need to take:

Step 1: Meet Nevada’s Basic Licensing Requirements

To be eligible for a Nevada real estate license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

Step 2: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check

You must complete and submit fingerprints for a background check according to NRED guidelines:

• Complete, sign, and date your fingerprint background waiver before obtaining your fingerprints
• Submit the fingerprint verification form issued by an approved vendor. Fingerprints expire after six months

Step 3: Complete Nevada Prelicensing Education

Nevada requires prospective real estate agents to complete 120 hours of prelicensing education. These hours must include: 

• Real Estate Principles: 45 hours (or 3 college credits)
• Real Estate Law: 45 hours (or 3 college credits), including at least 18 hours specific to Nevada law
• Contracts in Real Estate Transactions: 15 hours (or 1 college credit)
• Agency Relationships: 15 hours (or 1 college credit)

Official transcripts or certificates verifying course completion must be submitted.

 

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Step 4: Pass the Nevada Real Estate Licensing Exam

You must successfully pass the Nevada Real Estate Licensing Exam, which tests your knowledge of both general real estate principles and Nevada-specific laws and regulations. You must pass both the State and National portions of the exam within 12 months.

Try Our Real Estate License Practice Exam

 

Step 5: Submit Your License Application

After successfully passing your exam, submit your application (Form 549) to NRED. Your application must include:

• Certificates verifying completion of prelicensing education
• Proof of passing the licensing exam
• Results of the fingerprint background check
• A non-refundable application fee
• Any additional required documentation specified by NRED 

 

Step 6: Select a Sponsoring Broker

You must select a sponsoring broker who holds a valid Nevada real estate broker license. Your broker will support you through the licensing process and ensure compliance with state laws.

 

Step 7: Activate Your Nevada Real Estate License

Your final step involves activating your license through your sponsoring broker. Once activated, you can officially begin your career as a licensed real estate agent in Nevada.

Nevada Real Estate License Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements

Once you’ve obtained your Nevada real estate license, it’s important to stay up to date with renewal deadlines and continuing education (CE) requirements. NRED mandates different requirements for first-time license renewals and subsequent renewals.

 

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First-Time License Renewal Requirements

If you are renewing your Nevada real estate license for the first time, you must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within the first 12 months. Your renewal deadline is 12 months from the date your license was issued, and it ends on the last day of that month.

This education must be completed via live instruction with an approved provider. The 30-hour curriculum includes key real estate topics such as:

• Contracts and purchase agreements
• Ethics and professional conduct
• Agency relationships
• Property management
• Financing and escrow
• Negotiation
• Disclosure and advertising regulations

Subsequent License Renewal Requirements

After your first renewal, Nevada requires licensed real estate agents to complete 36 hours of CE every two years. The 36 hours must include:

• At least 18 hours of mandatory subjects such as ethics, agency, contracts, and law
• The remaining hours may be elective CE courses relevant to real estate practice

CE courses must be completed through a Nevada-approved provider and submitted before your license expiration date to maintain active status. 

Staying compliant with CE and renewal deadlines ensures your license remains in good standing and allows you to continue practicing real estate in Nevada without interruption.

Nevada Real Estate License Reciprocity

Nevada offers limited license reciprocity for out-of-state real estate professionals seeking a Nevada salesperson license. If you hold an active salesperson license in good standing from a qualifying state, you may be eligible for a streamlined application process.

Qualifying Reciprocity States

Nevada currently recognizes salesperson licenses from the following states:

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia

 

How to Apply for a Nevada Salesperson License by Reciprocity

To apply for a Nevada real estate salesperson license through reciprocity, you must:

• Hold an active real estate license in good standing from a qualifying state
• Submit a completed application (Form 549) and pay the application fee
• Provide a certified license history from your current state, issued within the past 90 days
• Pass the Nevada state-specific portion of the licensing exam within 12 months
• Complete fingerprinting and submit a background check
• If you live outside of Nevada, submit the Consent to Service of Process (Form 656)

If you qualify, you will not need to complete Nevada’s 120-hour prelicensing education. However, passing the Nevada portion of the licensing exam is still required. Be sure to verify your eligibility and any updates to reciprocity agreements directly with NRED.