How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Virginia

Launching a career in Virginia real estate is an exciting opportunity, but you'll need to earn your license before you can start helping clients buy and sell homes. Whether you’re aiming to work in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Arlington, Alexandria, or another part of the state, the licensing process involves a few essential steps to get you started on the right path. 

Here’s what you need to do to become a licensed real estate agent in Virginia:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Enroll in and finish 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education.
• Successfully take the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson licensing exam.
• Submit a background check and fingerprints to the Virginia Real Estate Board.
• Apply online for a Salesperson license with the Virginia Real Estate Board. 

Table of Contents

• Steps to Become a Virginia Real Estate Agent
• Renewing Your Virginia Real Estate License for the First Time
• Renewing Your Virginia Real Estate License: Continuing Education Requirements for Subsequent Renewals
• Virginia Real Estate License Reciprocity Requirements

Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Virginia

A career in real estate offers flexibility, financial potential, and the opportunity to help people find their perfect homes. If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming a real estate in Virginia, you’ll need to meet the state’s licensing requirements. Follow these five steps to start your journey in the Virginia real estate industry:

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a real estate license in Virginia, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.

Step 2: Register and Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

To qualify for a Virginia real estate license, you must complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This course, known as Principles of Real Estate, is approved by Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and covers essential topics like property law, contracts, real estate ethics, and industry regulations. More information can be found on DPOR’s website. Choose the Salesperson Licensing Package that is best for you from our Virginia Salesperson Licensing Course library.

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Step 3: Pass the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam

After completing your 60-hour pre-licensing course, the next step is to take and pass the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam. This test assesses your understanding of both national real estate principles and Virginia-specific laws and regulations. Here’s what you need to know:

• Exam Format: The test includes two sections–national and state-specific. 
• Registration: Apply through the Virginia Real Estate Board’s approved exam vendor. Detailed instructions can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin. 

Exam Prep: Proper preparation is key to passing on the first attempt. Our Virginia Exam Prep products provide targeted practice questions, simulated exams, and expert guidance to help you succeed.

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Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting and a Background Check

Before you can apply for your Virginia real estate license, you must undergo a mandatory fingerprinting and background check. This ensures you meet the state’s eligibility requirements for becoming a licensed real estate professional. Here’s what you need to do:

• Get Fingerprinted: You must complete electronic fingerprinting at an approved PSI Virginia site. 
• Submit Your Application on Time: Your license application must be received by the Virginia Real Estate Board within 45 calendar days of fingerprinting, or you may need to repeat the process. 
• Check for Updates: For the latest fingerprinting locations, fees, and scheduling details, visit the PSI Services website. 

Completing this step promptly will keep you on track toward earning your Virginia real estate license without delays.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker 

After passing the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam, the next essential step is securing a sponsoring broker. In Virginia, all newly licensed real estate agents must work under a licensed real estate broker before they can start practicing. When choosing a broker, consider the following factors:

• Training and Mentorship: Look for a brokerage that offers new agent support, continuing education, and career development.
• Commission Structure: Compare commission splits, desk fees, and other costs to find a brokerage that aligns with your financial goals.
• Company Culture and Reputation: Research brokerages to find one with a strong market presence and a supportive work environment.
• Technology and Marketing Support: Some brokerages provide tools, leads, and marketing assistance to help agents grow their business.

Step 6: Submit Your Virginia Real Estate Salesperson License Application

The final step to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Virginia is submitting your Salesperson License Application to the Virginia Real Estate Board. To avoid processing delays, ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission. Here’s what you need to do:

• Download and Complete the Application: The official application form is available on the DPOR website.
• Ensure Accuracy: Your application must be 100% complete, with all questions answered and the required documentation attached. 
• Meet the Deadline: Your background check must be no older than 45 days at the time of submission. 
• Submit with Fees: Include payments for all necessary fees to avoid delays in processing. 

For full application details and submission instructions, visit the Virginia Real Estate Board’s page on the DPOR website. Once approved, you’ll officially hold your Virginia real estate license and be ready to start your new career!

Renewing Your Virginia Real Estate License for the First Time

As a newly licensed real estate agent in Virginia, your first renewal comes with specific education requirements to keep your license active. Unlike standard license renewals, new agents must complete a state-approved 30-hour post-license education (PLE) course within one year from the last day of the month their license was issued. 

Virginia Post-License Education Requirements

The 30-hour PLE program consists of nine required courses that cover essential topics for new real estate professionals:

• Fair Housing, ADA, and Civil Rights – 2 hours
• Real Estate Law and Regulations – 6 hours
• Ethics and Standards of Conduct – 3 hours
• Current Industry Issues and Trends – 2 hours
• Agency Law – 3 hours
• Contract Writing – 6 hours
• Risk Management – 3 hours
• Escrow Requirements – 3 hours
• Real Estate-Related Finance – 2 hours

Unlike experienced real estate salespersons who must complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE), new salespersons must complete this 30-hour PLE program for their first renewal. Failing to complete the required PLE courses within the one-year deadline could result in your license becoming inactive, preventing you from practicing real estate in Virginia.

For more details on post-license education requirements, visit the Virginia Real Estate Board’s official website. 

Renewing Your Virginia Real Estate License: Continuing Education Requirements for Subsequent Renewals

Once you have completed your first renewal as a Virginia real estate agent, all future renewals require completing 16 hours of CE every two years to keep your license active. These requirements vary depending on when your license expires.

Continuing Education Requirements for Salespersons Renewing in 2025

If your real estate license expires in 2025, you must complete 16 hours of CE, including: 

• Ethics and Standards of Conduct – 3 hours
• Fair Housing – 2 hours
• Legal Updates and Emerging Trends – 1 hour
• Real Estate Agency – 1 hour
• Real Estate Contracts – 1 hour
• Real Estate-Related Electives – remaining 8 hours

Continuing Education Requirements for Salespersons Renewing in 2026 and Beyond

If your license expires in 2026 or later, the state has updated the CE requirements to include additional coursework on flood hazard areas and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

• Ethics and Standards of Conduct – 3 hours
• Fair Housing – 2 hours
• Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (including flood hazards areas & NFIP) – 2 hours
• Real Estate Agency – 2 hours
• Real Estate Contracts – 2 hours
• Real Estate-Related Electives – remaining 5 hours

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Virginia Real Estate License Reciprocity Requirements

If you’re applying for a Virginia real estate license through reciprocity, you must:

• Hold an active real estate license in another state.
• Pass the Virginia state-specific portion of the Real Estate Salesperson Exam.
• Submit a license application to the Virginia Real Estate Board.
• Provide certification of licensure from your current licensing state, verifying your license is in good standing. 
• Complete a background check and fingerprinting as required by Virginia regulations.

Does Virginia Have Reciprocity Agreements with Specific States?

Unlike some states that have direct reciprocity agreements, Virginia does not maintain automatic reciprocity with any specific state. Instead, licensed agents from any U.S. state can apply through the standard reciprocal licensing process, provided they meet Virginia’s eligibility criteria.

If you’re a licensed agent in another state looking to expand your business into Virginia, it’s important to review the latest licensing requirements on the Virginia Real Estate Board’s website to ensure compliance.