How Do I Get My Minnesota Real Estate License?

Becoming a real estate agent in Minnesota opens the door to a dynamic career where you can build your own schedule, grow your income potential, and play a key role in helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. Whether you’re assisting first-time homebuyers, negotiating deals, or exploring investment properties, a real estate license in Minnesota can lead to a fulfilling and prosperous profession. 

To earn your Minnesota real estate license, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider.
• Pass the Minnesota real estate salesperson exam. 
• Apply for your license through the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• Secure sponsorship from a licensed Minnesota broker. 

Table of Contents

• Steps to Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Minnesota
• Renewing Your Minnesota Real Estate License
• Minnesota Real Estate License Reciprocity

Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Salesperson in Minnesota

Earning a real estate license in Minnesota requires completing specific education, passing a licensing exam, and affiliating with a licensed broker. Follow these steps to start your real estate career in Minnesota:

Step One: Meet the Basic Requirements

To qualify for a Minnesota real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old and submit to a background check, including fingerprinting. This is a required step before applying for licensure. 

Step Two: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

Minnesota requires prospective real estate salespeople to complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education for an approved provider. The coursework is divided into three 30-hour courses:

• Course I: Must be completed before scheduling the licensing exam.
• Course II: Can be completed before or after the exam but is required before applying for a license. 
• Course III: Must also be completed before submitting a license application.

Each course concludes with a proctored exam. Exams must be taken in a monitored setting, which can be done through a third-party proctor or virtual proctoring.

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Step Three: Pass the Minnesota Real Estate Salesperson Exam

Once you have completed Course I and its proctored exam, you can schedule and take the Minnesota real estate salesperson exam. The test consists of both state and national sections, assessing your knowledge of real estate principles and Minnesota-specific laws.

Try today's real estate licensing exam practice question!

Step Four: Apply for Your Minnesota Real Estate License

After passing the exam, you must apply for your license within 12 months. Before submitting your application, ensure you have completed Courses II and III. Delays beyond this timeframe may require you to retake the exam.

Step Five: Affiliate with a Licensed Minnesota Broker

To activate your real estate license, you must affiliate with a licensed Minnesota broker. Your broker will sponsor your license and provide essential training, mentorship, and support as you begin working with clients. Choosing the right brokerage is an important decision, as it can impact your growth and success in the industry. Many new agents seek brokerages that offer comprehensive training programs, networking opportunities, and marketing support. 

Renewing Your Minnesota Real Estate License

To maintain an active real estate license in Minnesota, salespersons must meet the state’s continuing education (CE) requirements during each two-year renewal period. Staying on top of these requirements ensures you remain compliant with Minnesota real estate laws while keeping your industry knowledge up-to-date. 

Minnesota Real Estate Continuing Education Requirements

Minnesota real estate salespersons are required to complete 30 hours of CE by June 30th of their renewal year. To avoid processing delays, the Minnesota Department of Commerce recommends completing all CE requirements by June 15 to allow sufficient time for reporting.

Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant:

• At least 15 of the required 30 hours must be completed within the first 12 months of the renewal period. 
• Each year, agents must complete a state-mandated general module CE course as part of their education requirements.
• Within the renewal period, salespersons must complete one hour of training on Agency Representation and Disclosure. Additionally, they must complete one hour of training on state and federal fair housing laws, regulations, and anti-discrimination rules. The fair housing requirement does not apply to commercial salespersons. 
• Depending on the state’s designated course requirements, agents must also complete either 3.75 or 7.5 hours of module training per license year. 

Failing to complete the required CE coursework before the deadline may result in a lapse of licensure, preventing you from legally conducting real estate transactions. 

Advance your real estate career with Kaplan’s Minnesota continuing education courses designed to keep you compliant and up to date.

Minnesota Real Estate License Reciprocity

Minnesota offers real estate license reciprocity with select states, allowing licensed agents to obtain a Minnesota real estate license without completing additional pre-licensing education. You may qualify for a streamlined licensing process if you’re a licensed real estate agent in a reciprocal state.

States with Minnesota Reciprocity Agreements

Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

• Colorado
• Iowa
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Wisconsin*

If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a Minnesota real estate license by affiliating with a Minnesota-licensed broker and submitting proof of licensure. No additional education is required. If you hold a real estate license in a state that does not have a reciprocity agreement with Minnesota, you must complete the full pre-licensing education and pass the Minnesota state portion of the licensing exam. 

*Wisconsin has its own specific reciprocity agreement with Minnesota. Please see the info below for more context.

Special Reciprocity Arrangement with Wisconsin

Wisconsin and Minnesota have a unique reciprocity agreement that requires candidates to complete a 13-hour Wisconsin-to-Minnesota pre-licensing course within one year of applying for licensure. In addition to completing this course, applicants must also pass the state portion of the Minnesota real estate exam.