How Do I Get My New York Real Estate License?

A career in New York real estate can be both rewarding and dynamic, whether you’re planning to work in a fast-paced city like New York City or a growing market like Buffalo, Rochester, or Albany. But before you can begin helping clients buy or sell property, you’ll need to meet specific state licensing requirements set by the New York Department of State (DOS).

New York has its own licensing process, which includes completing mandatory education, passing a state exam, and securing sponsorship from a licensed broker. Understanding these steps ahead of time can help you plan efficiently and stay on track toward earning your real estate license.

Here’s a quick overview of how to get your New York real estate license:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete 77 hours of prelicensing education from a state-approved provider
• Pass the New York Real Estate Salesperson Exam
• Find a sponsoring New York real estate broker
• Submit your license application through the New York eAccessNY system

Table of Contents

• Steps to Get Your Real Estate License in New York
• New York Real Estate License Renewal & Continuing Education Requirements
• How Out-of-State Agents Can Get Licensed in New York

Steps to Get Your Real Estate License in New York

If you’re ready to start your career in New York real estate, you’ll need to meet specific licensing requirements set by the New York DOS. Follow the steps below to earn your real estate license and begin working as a licensed real estate salesperson in New York. 

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a New York real estate license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have legal U.S. work authorization
• Hold a valid New York State photo ID (driver’s license or non-driver ID)

Step 2: Complete 77 Hours of Approved Real Estate Education

You must complete 77 hours of prelicensing education through a New York DOS-approved school. This course covers topics like real estate law, agency, property management, and finance.

Already taken the old 45-hour course? If you completed a 45-hour prelicensing course prior to July 1, 2008, you can still qualify by taking a 30-hour remedial course approved by the state.

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Step 3: Pass the New York Real Estate Salesperson Exam

After completing your prelicensing education, the next step is to pass the New York Real Estate Salesperson Exam. This multiple-choice test is administered by the DOS at designated proctoring locations across New York.

Important: New York requires in-person proctoring within the state. Find approved proctoring locations here.

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Step 4: Choose a Sponsoring Real Estate Broker

To become licensed, you must work under the supervision of a licensed New York real estate broker. You’ll need to include your sponsoring broker’s information in your license application. Your broker will serve as your mentor and guide as you begin working with clients. 

Step 5: Apply for Your New York Real Estate License

Once you’ve passed the exam and secured a sponsoring broker, it’s time to apply for your license. Submit your application and pay the required licensing fee through the eAccessNY system. Make sure to have all your documentation ready, including your proof of completed education and ID.

New York Real Estate License Renewal & Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain an active real estate license in New York, both salespersons and brokers must renew their licenses every two years and complete mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements. The New York DOS outlines specific CE topics and hour requirements, with distinct considerations for first-time renewals. 

Continuing Education Requirements

All real estate licensees in New York must complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education every two years. This includes both mandatory core subjects and elective courses.

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Mandatory Core Subjects:

• 3 hours on Fair Housing laws
• 2 hours on Implicit Bias awareness
• 2 hours on Cultural Competency
• 2.5 hours on Ethical Business Practices
• 1 hour on Recent Legal Matters
• 1 hour on Agency Law (2 hours if it’s your first renewal)

The remaining hours can be fulfilled through elective courses approved by the New York DOS.

First-Time License Renewal

If you’re renewing your New York real estate license for the first time, you must complete 22.5 hours of CE before your license expires. The state requires that first-time renewals include additional instruction in agency relationships.

Learn more about the key requirements for first-time renewal:

• Complete 22.5 hours of CE through a New York DOS-approved provider
• Including 2 hours of Agency Law instruction (instead of the standard 1 hour)
• Fulfill all mandatory CE topics, such as Fair Housing, Ethics, Implicit Bias, and Legal Updates

All CE must be completed prior to renewing your license through the eAccessNY system.

Subsequent License Renewals in New York

After your first renewal, New York real estate licensees must continue to meet the CE requirement every two years to maintain an active license.

Learn more about key requirements for all future renewals:

• Complete 22.5 hours of CE every two years
• Include 1 hour of Agency Law instruction
• Meet the state’s mandatory topic requirements and supplement with elective courses

Failing to meet the renewal deadline or CE requirements may result in your license becoming inactive. To stay compliant, keep records of your course completion and renew on time through your eAccessNY account. 

How Out-of-State Agents Can Get Licensed in New York

As of February 1, 2023, New York no longer offers real estate license reciprocity with any other state. This means that if you’re a licensed real estate agent in another state, you must complete all of New York’s licensing requirements to legally work as a salesperson in the state.

If you’re a licensed real estate agent in another state and wish to obtain a New York license, you’ll need to follow the standard licensing process:

• Complete the 77-Hour Prelicensing Education: Enroll in and complete a NY DOS-approved prelicensing course
• Pass the New York State Licensing Exam: Schedule and pass the New York Real Estate Salesperson Exam
• Secure a Sponsoring Broker: Find a licensed New York real estate broker to sponsor your application
• Submit Your Application: Apply for your license through the eAccessNY system, including all necessary documentation and fees

Note that New York doesn’t require residency for licensure; however, all exams must be taken at approved locations within the state. 

Education Waivers

While New York has eliminated formal reciprocity, you may request a waiver for the 77-hour prelicensing education if you meet certain criteria:

• Equivalent Education: If you’ve completed a real estate prelicensing course in another state that meets or exceeds New York’s 77-hour requirement, you can submit a waiver request
• Relevant Degree: Holding a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in real estate may also qualify you for a waiver

To apply for a waiver, submit a written request along with:

• A letter requesting a waiver of the qualifying education requirements
• An official transcript from an accredited college or university indicating satisfactory completion of relevant courses, or an original Certificate of Course Completion from a recognized real estate school
• Detailed course outlines and descriptions

Keep in mind that home-study or correspondence courses are not accepted, and approval is at the discretion of the New York DOS.

Submissions may be sent to:

New York State Department of State

Division of Licensing Services

Bureau of Educational Standards

P.O. Box 22001

Albany, NY 12201-2001