License guide
How to get a Minnesota real estate license
Minnesota licenses real estate professionals through the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Here is the path in plain steps, checked against the official sources in October 2026.
Step by step
Be 18 or older
You must be at least 18 when you apply. You cannot sit for the exam if a real estate license was revoked in any state within the past 2 years.
Take 30 hours, then the exam
Complete an approved 30-hour course (Course I) before taking the salesperson exam.
Take 60 more hours
Before you file the application, complete an additional 60 approved hours (Courses II and III), including 3 hours of fair housing and 2 hours of agency representation and disclosure.
Apply with your broker
The application names the broker you will act for and includes your Course I, II and III certificates and passing exam results. The initial salesperson fee is $70 plus the recovery fund fee and a technology surcharge of up to $40.
Keeping your license
- 30 hours of approved CE in each 24-month period, with at least 15 of them in the first 12 months.
- Each period must include at least 1 hour on agency representation and disclosure and 1 hour on fair housing (commercial-only licensees who file a verification are exempt from these two).
- Courses in motivation, salesmanship, psychology or time management do not count.
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
- Minn. Stat. 82.58: Applicant qualifications
- Minn. Stat. 82.59: Examination and instruction
- Minn. Stat. 82.57: License fees
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
- Albert Lea
- Alexandria
- Arden Hills
- Battle Lake
- Baxter
- Bemidji
- Buffalo
- Cambridge
- Cannon Falls
- Carlton
- Crosby
- Crosslake
- Detroit Lakes
- Duluth
- Eagan
- Eden Prairie
- Excelsior
- Fairmont
- Fergus Falls
- Forest Lake
- Grand Marais
- Grand Rapids
- Isle
- Lakeville
- Mankato
- Minneapolis
- New Ulm
- Northfield
- Ottertail
- Owatonna
- Park Rapids
- Pelican Rapids
- Perham
- Pillager
- Red Wing
- Rochester
- Sartell
- Sauk Centre
- St. Cloud
- St. Louis Park
- St. Paul
- Stillwater
- Waconia
- Waite Park
- Wayzata
- White Bear Lake
- Winona
- Winsted
- Woodbury
More guides: How to get a Mississippi real estate license · How to get a Missouri real estate license · How to get a Montana real estate license · How to get a Michigan real estate license · How to get a Massachusetts real estate license · All guides
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