How To Get A New Mexico Real Estate License

Thinking about a new career in real estate? Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant streets of Albuquerque, the historic charm of Santa Fe, or the growing suburbs of Rio Rancho and Las Cruces, getting your New Mexico real estate license is your first step toward a flexible and fulfilling profession.

In New Mexico, real estate agents are licensed as associate brokers, and the path to earning your license is clear–but you’ll need to complete a few key steps first. From completing required coursework to passing the state exam and securing licensure, each phase brings you closer to unlocking your career in this exciting industry.

Here’s an overview of how to get your New Mexico real estate license:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete 90 hours of prelicensing education through an approved provider
• Pass the New Mexico Associate Broker licensing exam
• Submit fingerprints and complete a background check
• Obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance
• Apply for your license through the New Mexico Real Estate Commission (NMREC)

Table of Contents

• Steps to Get Your Real Estate License in New Mexico
• New Mexico Real Estate Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements
• New Mexico Real Estate License Reciprocity

Steps to Get Your Real Estate License in New Mexico

To become a licensed real estate agent–officially titled an associate broker–in New Mexico, you must complete several key steps outlined by the NMREC. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need to do:

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before initiating the licensing process, ensure you meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a legal resident of the United States

Step 2: Complete 90 Hours of Prelicensing Education

All prospective real estate licensees must complete 90 hours of approved prelicensing education through a provider recognized by the NMREC. You must finish all 90 required hours before you are eligible to take the state licensing exam.  Your coursework must include:

• 30 hours of Real Estate Principles and Practices
• 30 hours of Real Estate Law
• 30 hours of Broker Basics

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Step 3: Pass the New Mexico Associate Broker Exam

After completing your prelicensing courses, you must pass the New Mexico Associate Broker Exam. The exam consists of two parts:

• National Portion: Covers general real estate practices
• State Portion: Focuses on New Mexico real estate laws and regulations
  

You must score at least 75% on both sections to pass. Both portions must be completed successfully within 90 days of your first attempt. 

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Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting and a Background Check

All applicants are required to submit fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check. Fingerprinting must be completed through an approved vendor and matched with state and national arrest records. You must complete the background check before submitting your license application.

Step 5: Secure Errors and Omissions Insurance

Before you can apply for a license, you must have an active E&O insurance policy. This insurance protects you and your clients against professional liability claims. Proof of coverage must be submitted with your license application and meet the minimum coverage standards established by the NMREC.

Step 6: Apply for Your New Mexico Real Estate License

Once you have passed the licensing exam and completed all additional requirements, you are ready to apply for your license. Your application must include:

• Proof of passing both portions of the licensing exam
• Fingerprinting and background check documentation
• Certificate of E&O insurance coverage
• A completed application form and payment of a nonrefundable fee (up to $270)

New Mexico Real Estate Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements

Maintaining your real estate license in New Mexico requires adherence to specific continuing education (CE) and renewal requirements established by the NMREC. The requirements for your first renewal are different from those for all future renewals, so it’s important to understand each clearly.

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First-Time License Renewal Requirements

If you are renewing your New Mexico real estate license for the first time, you must complete:

• 30 hours of post-licensing education by taking the New Broker Business Practices Course or the CCIM 101 course
• 36 hours of CE during your first renewal cycle

The 30-hour post-licensing education must be completed within your first year of licensure. The New Broker Business Practices course can also count for up to 10 hours toward your 36-hour CE requirement for the first renewal. Even though the post-licensing course provides partial CE credit, you are still responsible for completing the full 36 hours of CE before renewing your license.

Subsequent License Renewals

After your first license renewal, you will follow the standard CE requirements for every future renewal cycle. You must complete 36 hours of CE every three years, including:

• 12 hours of Core Courses (4 hours each year)
• 4 hours of Ethics Training
• 4 hours of core elective courses
• 16 hours of additional approved elective courses

You must complete one Core Course each year of your license cycle. If you miss a year’s Core Course, you may be required to take the full 30-hour Broker Basics course without earning any CE credit for it.

License Renewal Timeline and Fees

• Your real estate license must be renewed every three years
• You must complete all CE requirements before submitting your renewal application
• Renewal applications must be submitted through the NMREC online licensing system (NM-PLUS)
• The standard renewal fee is $270
• If you renew late but within one year of expiration, you will pay a $540 penalty plus the $270 renewal fee, for a total of $810

New Mexico Real Estate License Reciprocity

If you are a licensed real estate professional moving to New Mexico, you may be able to take advantage of New Mexico’s license reciprocity agreements to streamline the licensing process. Reciprocity can allow you to bypass some education and examination requirements based on your existing license from another state.

New Mexico currently offers formal reciprocity agreements with the following states:

• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts

To qualify for reciprocity in New Mexico, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an active real estate license in good standing from Georgia, Louisiana, or Massachusetts
• Provide a certified license history issued by your current state’s real estate licensing authority
• Complete fingerprinting and a background check as required by the NMREC
• Obtain E&O insurance that meets New Mexico’s coverage standards
• Submit a completed License Recognition Application along with the applicable licensing fee

For the most up-to-date information and to access the License Recognition application, visit the NMREC website.