How to Get a Real Estate License in Maryland

From Baltimore’s rowhouses to the coastal charm of Annapolis and the quiet beauty of the Eastern Shore, Maryland offers a thriving and diverse real estate market. If you’ve been thinking about turning your interest in homes into a rewarding career, getting your real estate license in Maryland is the first step.

The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) regulates the licensing process to make sure every new agent is ready to represent clients professionally. Once you understand how the system works, getting started is simpler than it might seem. With a mix of coursework, testing, and hands-on guidance from a sponsoring broker, you’ll be ready to join Maryland’s fast-moving real estate market and start helping clients find their perfect homes.

Below you’ll find the essential steps to get your real estate license in Maryland:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete the state-approved prelicensing education
• Pass the Maryland real estate exam
• Find a sponsoring broker
• Apply for your license 

Table of Contents

• Steps to Get Your Maryland Real Estate License
• Maryland Real Estate Continuing Education and License Renewal
• Maryland’s Real Estate License Reciprocity for Salespersons

Steps to Get Your Maryland Real Estate License

The process of getting your Maryland real estate license is clear and easy to follow. Below, you’ll find each step explained: 

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before enrolling in prelicensing courses, make sure you qualify to apply for a Maryland real estate license. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be of good character and reputation

Step 2: Complete a Background Check and Fingerprinting

Before you can apply for your license, you’ll need to complete a background check and submit your fingerprints to the MREC. This step verifies your identity and ensures all applicants meet the state’s ethical and professional standards. Fingerprinting can be completed through any authorized Maryland Criminal Justice Information System location or approved vendor, and results are sent directly to the MREC. If you have a criminal record, you may need to provide court documentation, but a conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you from earning your license. 

It’s best to complete this step early, since processing times can vary and you’ll need your background check results on file before your license can be issued. 

Step 3: Complete 60 Hours of Prelicensing Education

Maryland requires aspiring salespersons to complete 60 hours of prelicensing coursework through an approved provider. These classes cover essential topics such as:

• Real estate principles and practices
• Maryland laws and regulations
• Agency relationships, contracts, and ethics
  

These prelicensing courses are where you’ll build your foundation as a future real estate professional. The lessons you learn here will carry into every transaction you handle once you’re licensed, so it’s worth taking the time to truly engage with the material.

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Step 4: Pass the Maryland Real Estate Exam

Next, you’ll need to pass the Maryland real estate exam, administered by PSI. The test includes both a national section and a Maryland-specific section, and you’ll need to score at least 70% on each portion to pass. 

You can schedule your exam online through PSI once your prelicensing education has been verified and completed. You’ll receive your results immediately after testing. If you don’t pass on the first attempt, you can retake it as needed.

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Step 5: Choose a Sponsoring Broker

Before you can work as a real estate salesperson in Maryland, you must affiliate with a licensed Maryland real estate broker. Your sponsoring broker will supervise your transactions, provide training and mentorship, and help you learn the business side of real estate. Take time to meet with several brokerages to compare their commission structures, support systems, and culture. Finding the right fit can make a big difference in your early success. 

Step 6: Apply for Your Maryland Real Estate License

Once you’ve passed the exam and chosen a sponsoring broker, you can submit your license application through the Maryland Department of Labor’s licensing portal. You’ll need to include proof of your completed education, passing exam results, and background check, along with the required application fee. After your application is approved, you’ll officially hold a Maryland real estate salesperson license and can begin your career helping clients buy and sell homes across the state.

Maryland Real Estate Continuing Education and License Renewal

Once you’ve earned your Maryland real estate license, your learning doesn’t stop there. Continuing education (CE) keeps salespersons informed on new laws, ethical practices, and industry changes that impact how real estate is conducted across the state. The MREC uses these education requirements to ensure every licensee maintains the professionalism and up-to-date knowledge clients depend on. 

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License Renewal Cycle

Maryland real estate licenses must be renewed every two years, with expiration dates set for April 30 of even-numbered years. Roughly one month before your license expires, the MREC will notify you by mail or email with renewal instructions and deadlines.

Continuing Education Requirements

To renew your license, you must complete 15 hours of approved CE during each renewal cycle. These hours include:

• 3 hours of Legislative Updates
• 3 hours of MREC Agency - Residential
• 3 hours of Ethics
• 1.5 hours of Fair Housing
• 4.5 hours of Elective Topics

In addition to these, Maryland requires all real estate professionals to complete 3 hours of Agency, Principles, and Disclosure training as part of their total CE hours.

License Renewal Process

Once you’ve completed your CE, you can renew your license online through the Maryland Department of Labor’s licensing portal. You’ll need to confirm your CE completion with your provider, submit your renewal application, and pay the applicable renewal fee. Completing these steps on time ensures your license remains active and in good standing. 

Maryland’s Real Estate License Reciprocity for Salespersons

If you’re already licensed as a real estate salesperson in another state and want to expand your business into Maryland, it’s helpful to know how the MREC handles license reciprocity. Understanding these agreements can save you time and help you determine whether you’ll need to meet additional education or exam requirements before you start working here.

What States Have Formal Reciprocity with Maryland?

Maryland currently has formal reciprocal licensing agreements only with:

• Pennsylvania: License holders can obtain a Maryland license without taking additional education or exams under the agreement. 
• Oklahoma: License holders must take the Maryland state-specific portion of the exam, but are exempt from the full education requirement under the reciprocal arrangement.

If you hold a license in any other state, Maryland does not have a full reciprocity agreement; you’ll follow a waiver or full licensing process instead. 

How Reciprocity Works in Maryland

Here’s what to expect if you qualify for one of the reciprocal agreements:

• You must hold an active, valid real estate salesperson license in either Pennsylvania or Oklahoma at the time of application.
• You’ll submit a certified license history from your original state that is dated within the required timeframe as specified by the MREC.
• If you’re from Pennsylvania, you may be exempt from both additional prelicensing education and the Maryland portion of the licensing exam under that agreement.
• If you’re from Oklahoma, you’ll need to pass the Maryland state portion of the exam but you may be exempt from the full prelicensing education.

Even with reciprocity, you’ll still apply for your Maryland license, pay the appropriate fee, and affiliate with a Maryland broker if you intend to practice here.

What If You’re Licensed in a State Without a Formal Reciprocity Agreement?

If your current license comes from a state other than Pennsylvania or Oklahoma, you’re not out of options–you will likely follow a different pathway, sometimes called a “waiver” process. In those cases, the MREC will review your out-of-state education and experience for transfer, and you may be required to complete the Maryland prelicensing course and/or pass the full Maryland salesperson exam. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.