License guide
How to get a New York real estate license
New York licenses real estate salespersons through the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Here is the path in plain steps, checked against the Department of State in October 2026.
Step by step
Meet the basics
You must be at least 18 and have a current New York photo driver's license or non-driver ID card.
Take the 77-hour qualifying course
Complete 77 hours of approved salesperson qualifying education with a school approved by the Department of State, and pass the school's proctored final exam.
Pass the state exam
Schedule the state salesperson exam online through eAccessNY. It is multiple choice, based on the 77-hour course, and you get 1 1/2 hours. Results are pass or fail, and a pass is valid for 2 years. The exam fee is $15.
Get a sponsoring broker
A salesperson must be sponsored by a New York licensed real estate broker and cannot operate independently.
Apply online
Apply through eAccessNY with the $65 application fee. Your principal broker then authorizes the application in their own account, and the license is mailed to your business address.
Keeping your license
- The license term is 2 years. Renewal is $65.
- 22.5 hours of approved continuing education each term, including at least 3 hours of fair housing, 2 hours of cultural competency, 2 hours of implicit bias, 2.5 hours of ethical business practices, 1 hour of recent legal matters and agency instruction.
- If your license expires, you have 2 years to renew it.
Questions
Does New York accept another state's license?
The Department of State says it has no reciprocity with other states. If you studied outside New York and got an education waiver, you still pass the state exam and apply by paper.
Do I get a score on the state exam?
No. Results are reported only as passed or failed.
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
- NY Department of State, Become a Real Estate Salesperson
- NY Department of State, Salesperson FAQs (education, CE, renewal)
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
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More guides: How to get a North Carolina real estate license · How to get a North Dakota real estate license · How to get a Pennsylvania real estate license · How to get a New Mexico real estate license · How to get a New Jersey real estate license · All guides
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