How Do I Get My New York Real Estate License?

If you're considering starting a real estate career in NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, or any other city in the state, you'll need to earn a New York real estate license. To earn your real estate license in New York, you must be 18 years of age, complete the 77-hour prelicensing education requirement with an approved school, find a sponsoring broker, pass the New York Real Estate Salesperson licensing exam, and apply for your license. While the process to become a real estate agent is similar in most states, each state has unique steps that must be adhered to.

The five steps to becoming a New York real estate agent are as follows:

Step 1: Be at Least 18 Years of Age

You must be 18 years of age, have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a US citizen or lawfully admitted alien.

Step 2: Register and Complete the 77 Hours of Required Education

In order to obtain licensure, you must complete a 77-hour course that is approved by the Department of State. Choose the Salesperson Licensing Package that is best for you.

View Licensing Packages

Step 3: Find a Sponsoring Broker

As you follow the process of becoming a licensed real estate salesperson, you must be sponsored by a New York State licensed real estate broker. 

Step 4: Schedule and Take the New York Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam

In order to obtain a New York Real Estate License, you must take the New York Real Estate Exam and pass with a 70% or higher. Applicants must schedule their exam on the New York Department of State Occupational Licensing Management System, where you can also find other helpful exam information. Finally, be sure you bring a photo-bearing, government issued identification to the exam.

To feel fully confident going into exam day, take advantage of Kaplan's exam prep education.

Step 5: Apply for Your New York Real Estate Salesperson License

Once you pass the New York Real Estate exam, you need to fill out the online application and pay the required fee to obtain your license. The New York Real Estate Salesperson Application can be found on the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Service website, or you can complete it online.