License guide

How to get a Rhode Island real estate license

Rhode Island licenses real estate professionals through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (Real Estate Section). Here is the path in plain steps, checked against the official sources in October 2026.

Step by step

Complete 45 hours plus the lead course
Finish at least 45 classroom hours of salesperson pre-licensing at an approved school, plus the 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation course.
Pass the exam first
Schedule and pass the exam with Pearson VUE before applying. If you do not pay the original license fee within 1 year of the exam, you may have to retake it.
Get your background check and E&O
Get a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General's office and a certificate of errors and omissions insurance.
Mail the application
Mail the application with your principal broker's signed affidavit, your full score report, course certificates and two checks: $140 to the RI General Treasurer and $25 to the Real Estate Recovery Account. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days.

Keeping your license

24 Department-approved hours within the 2-year licensing period, including 9 hours of CORE instruction with 3 hours of fair housing. Submit the certificates with your renewal.
Exemptions include licenses issued before December 12, 1984 and certain reciprocal licensees from MA, CT and FL.

Renewal and CE rules

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.