How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas

Are you ready to launch an exciting career in real estate? Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced market of Dallas-Fort Worth, the booming opportunities in Austin, the vibrant culture of Houston, or the growing neighborhoods of San Antonio and El Paso, becoming a licensed real estate agent in Texas is your first step.

The Texas real estate market offers incredible potential, but you'll need to earn your real estate license before you can start helping buyers find their dream homes or sellers close the perfect deal. Here’s what it takes to get started:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete 180 hours of approved real estate education.
• Pass the Texas Real Estate Sales Agent Examination.
• Submit a background check and fingerprints to the Texas Real Estate Commission. 
• Work for a licensed broker. 

Table of Contents

• Steps to Getting Your Texas Real Estate License
• First-Time Texas Real Estate License Renewal Requirements
• Ongoing Texas Real Estate License Renewal

If you’re ready to launch your career in Texas real estate, you’ll need to meet the licensing requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Below is a step-by-step guide to obtaining your Texas real estate salesperson license.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a real estate license in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien. Additionally, you must meet TREC’s standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. If you have concerns about your eligibility, you may request a Fitness Determination from TREC before applying. 

Step 2: Complete 180 Hours of Texas Real Estate Education

Texas requires prospective real estate agents to complete 180 hours of state-approved prelicensing education, which must be proctored by faculty, staff, or an approved third party. The required courses include:

• Principles of Real Estate I & II (60 Hours): Covers foundational real estate concepts, laws, and best practices. 
• Law of Agency (30 Hours): Explores the role and responsibilities of real estate agents representing clients. 
• Law of Contracts (30 Hours): Reviews contract laws and legal obligations in real estate transactions. 
• Promulgated Contract Forms (30 Hours): Focuses on Texas-specific contracts and standardized forms used in real estate deals. 
• Real Estate Finance (30 Hours): Examines financing principles, loan types, and mortgage lending processes. 

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Step 3: Submit Fingerprints and Complete a Background Check

Before taking the real estate exam, all applicants must submit fingerprints to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and undergo a background check. TREC will review your background check to determine eligibility based on their standards for honesty and integrity. 

Step 4: Apply for Licensure and Exam Approval

Once you’ve completed your education and background check, you must submit an application to TREC to obtain approval to take the Texas Real Estate Salesperson Exam. Be sure to include the required fees and documentation. TREC will review your application and notify you when you’re eligible to schedule your exam. 

Step 5: Pass the Texas Real Estate Salesperson Exam

After receiving approval from TREC, you must pass the Texas Real Estate Salesperson exam, which consists of:

• A national portion covering general real estate laws and practices.
• A state-specific portion focusing on Texas real estate laws and regulations.

If you fail the exam three times, you will be required to complete additional education before retaking the test. 

Texas Real Estate License Renewal: Requirements & Process

To maintain an active real estate license in Texas, real estate agents must fulfill continuing education (CE) requirements set by TREC. Whether you’re renewing for the first time or as an experienced agent, it’s essential to complete your required education on time to avoid late fees or license activation.

First-Time Texas Real Estate License Renewal Requirements

If you are renewing your Texas real estate license for the first time, you must complete 90 hours of Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) within your initial two-year licensing period. First-time renewal requirements include:

• Complete 90 hours of SAE coursework before your license expiration date.
• 8 of these hours must be in TREC’s Legal Update I & II courses. 
• If designated as a supervisor by your broker, you must complete a 6-hour Broker Responsibility Course in addition to the 90 hours. 
• The new 3-hour contract-related course requirement does not apply until your second renewal cycle. 

TREC sends a renewal notice 90 days before your license expires, so don’t wait until the last minute to fulfill your education requirements. Be sure to submit your hours at least 10 days before the expiration of licensure to ensure no late fees or renewals. 

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Ongoing Texas Real Estate License Renewal

After your first renewal, Texas real estate agents must renew their license every two years by completing 18 hours of CE. Ongoing renewal requirements for active sales agents include:

• Complete 18 hours of CE every two years.
• 8 of these hours must be in TREC’s Legal Update I & II courses.
• 7 hours must be elective CE courses covering topics like marketing, finance, or real estate law. 
• At least 3 of the 18 hours must be contract-related coursework. 
• If designated as a supervisor by your broker, you must complete a 6-hour Broker Responsibility Course as part of your CE hours.
• If you have not previously submitted fingerprints to TREC, you must complete a fingerprint-based background check before renewing your license. 

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