License guide
How to get a District of Columbia real estate license
District of Columbia licenses real estate professionals through the DC Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection). Here is the path in plain steps, checked against the official sources in October 2026.
Step by step
Complete 60 hours
Complete 60 hours of salesperson pre-licensing education from a DC Real Estate Commission-approved provider.
Pass both exams
Pass the national and DC portions of the salesperson exam. The Commission's candidate information bulletin has the exam details.
Apply within 6 months
Submit your license application with the required fees within 6 months of passing. Fees include a $60 Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund payment and are not refundable.
Keeping your license
- Under the Commission's posted requirements (2023 to 2025 cycle), salespersons need 15 hours: 12 mandatory hours (3 each of DC Fair Housing, DC Ethics, DC Legislative Update and Property Management) plus 3 elective hours. Check the Commission page for the current cycle.
Questions
Do I need a website on day one?
No, but a simple page with your photo, brokerage and contact info helps clients find you. Property Landing Pages has a free plan with one listing page and an agent site.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source before you pay or file anything.
Agent directory and local offices
City guides
More guides: How to get a Florida real estate license · How to get a Georgia real estate license · How to get a Hawaii real estate license · How to get a Delaware real estate license · How to get a Connecticut real estate license · All guides
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