License guide

How to get a Washington real estate license

Washington licenses real estate professionals through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Here is the path in plain steps, checked against the official sources in October 2026.

Step by step

Meet the basics
You must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Take 90 hours of approved education
Complete a 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course and a 30-hour Real Estate Practices course. Your exams must be completed within 2 years of finishing the courses.
Pass the state and national exams
Your school sends your course records to PSI, the testing vendor, and PSI emails you to register. Pass both exams within 6 months of each other, or you retake both.
Submit fingerprints
After you pass, submit fingerprints for the background check (IdentoGO in Washington). Results can take up to 14 business days.
Apply within one year
DOL emails you a link to the online application, usually within 72 hours of passing. Apply within 1 year of your final exam. A broker works for a firm under the supervision of a managing broker.

Keeping your license

After the first renewal: at least 30 hours each renewal, including the 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate course and 27 hours of other approved CE. At least 15 hours must be within 24 months of the renewal date.
Fair housing: take the 6-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course once, then the 3-hour version every renewal.
You certify your CE online when you renew. Upload proof only if you are picked for an audit.

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.