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How to get a Real Estate Salesperson license in Maryland

Maryland licenses real estate agents statewide through the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC).1 For the Real Estate Salesperson license you need at least 60 clock hours2 of education, a passing score on the Salesperson licensing examination (national portion and state portion)3 and a criminal background check4. The board lists $98 for the initial license5. You renew every 2 years6 and complete at least 15 clock hours of continuing education7.

Last checked · 29 official sources

Who issues it

Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC)

Training and experience

Training: at least 60 clock hours2

Exam

Salesperson licensing examination (national portion and state portion)3

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $985
Exam fee: $443

Renewal

Every 2 years6, at least 15 clock hours of continuing education7

From another state

Reciprocity agreements, Exam waiver and Military service members and spouses8910 Details

On this page
  1. Maryland real estate agent licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Real Estate Salesperson license
  4. Requirements for a Real Estate Salesperson license
  5. How much a Real Estate Salesperson license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Maryland with a license from another state
  9. Associate Real Estate Broker
  10. Real Estate Broker
  11. City and county rules
  12. Check a license or report a problem
  13. Laws and rules
  14. Rule changes since January 2024
  15. Common questions
  16. Real estate agent licenses in other states

Maryland real estate agent licenses

Maryland issues 3 real estate agent credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Associate Real Estate BrokerBroker-qualified licensee who works affiliated with (under) another licensed broker rather than running a brokerage.11Training 135 clock hours12
Prior licensure 3 years13		Yes14$1435
Real Estate SalespersonProvides real estate brokerage services on behalf of, and affiliated with, a licensed Maryland real estate broker; residential licenses cover residential and commercial work, commercial-only licenses cover commercial work only.15Training 60 clock hours2Yes15$985
Real Estate BrokerOperates a real estate brokerage (principal broker) with escrow accounts and supervises affiliated associate brokers and salespersons; broker renewal requires a 1.5-hour supervision CE course.16Training 135 clock hours12
Prior licensure 3 years13		Yes14$2115

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Maryland real estate agent licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 3)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old1514
Background check
Background check required4
Convictions are weighed case by case.13
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply17
Social Security number
Social Security Number is requested on the application form41816
Also required
Good character and reputation1514
Also required
Licenses are residential (residential and commercial work) or commercial-only (commercial transactions only)13

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Guaranty Fee (Guaranty Fund)$2019MRECOne time per individual; already included in the original license totals above (not an extra charge)
Exam fee$443PSI–
Predetermination review$10017MRECOptional criminal-history predetermination review before training

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years6
Continuing education
At least 15 clock hours each renewal period7
Approved courses
Commission-approved providers (Maryland REALTORS and member boards, Real Estate Brokers of Baltimore, similar associations, approved schools); NAR ethics does not replace the Maryland ethics course; out-of-state CE may count only toward electives if accepted20
Exemptions
Commission may waive CE for good cause7
PA and OK reciprocal licensees are excused from Maryland CE8
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $7521 (cE not completed 30 days before expiry (Commission page: reinstatement fee applies; COMAR lists a CE late fee))
Reinstatement fee: $16822 (expired license reinstated within 3 years, plus all past-due renewal fees and CE)
If it expires
Reinstate within 3 years of expiry with CE for the lapsed period, all past-due renewal fees and a $168 reinstatement fee (online within 2 years; mail-in up to 3 years)22
After 3 years expired (or 3 years inactive) the license cannot be reinstated; education and exam must be repeated22
Inactive licenses must still be renewed with CE; reactivation fee $2820
Renew online
dllr.state.md.us22

From another state

Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Expedited licensing for veterans, service members stationed in Maryland and their (surviving) spouses who hold a valid license in good standing elsewhere: license issued within 60 days of a complete application.10

2. Every license level except Real Estate Broker

Renewal

When it expires
Licenses expire on a staggered basis and renew for 2-year terms; CE must be completed at least 30 days before expiry6
Required topics
Every 2 years: 3 hr legal/legislative update, 2 hr fair housing (commercial-only: 2 hr ADA instead), 3 hr ethics, 3 hr brokerage relationships and disclosures, plus electives7

3. Every license level except Real Estate Salesperson

Requirements

Education or training
At least 135 clock hours12
Commission-approved broker course (Real Estate Principles and Practice for Brokers), including a 3-clock-hour ethics course1114
Who may teach it: Commission-approved course or the Realtors Institute of Maryland GRI Courses I-IV12
Alternative: 9 semester credit hours may replace the 135 clock hours12
Alternative: Attorneys qualified to practice law in Maryland: education and experience waived (Certificate of Good Standing)14
Prior licensure
At least 3 years13
Licensed real estate salesperson actively and lawfully providing brokerage services, with no break in licensure13
License you must hold first: Active real estate license for 3 consecutive years immediately before applying (Maryland or another US jurisdiction may count)12
Substitute: Attorney waiver of education and experience14
Exam
Broker licensing examination (national portion and state portion)3
Given by: PSI3
Passing score: At least 70% on each portion3
When you can take it: After completing the approved 135-hour broker prelicensing course; the 3 years of licensed experience are measured to the date of the license application13
National portion3
State (Maryland) portion3
Retakes: A passed portion stays valid until the 1-year deadline from course completion; after that a new prelicensing course is required to take or retake the exam3
Time limit: Pass both portions within 1 year of completing prelicensing education (otherwise retake the course); apply for the license within 1 year of passing12
Exam waived: Out-of-state licensees: PA reciprocal licensees are excused from exams; OK reciprocal licensees take the state portion; others apply for out-of-state license recognition (waiver review).8

How to apply

  1. Hold an active real estate license for 3 consecutive years with no break (inactive, late-renewal reinstatement or suspension).13
  2. Complete the 135-hour broker prelicensing course (attorneys admitted in Maryland may get a waiver).13
  3. Within 1 year, pass both portions of the PSI broker exam (70% each).12

Who needs a Real Estate Salesperson license

Provides real estate brokerage services on behalf of, and affiliated with, a licensed Maryland real estate broker; residential licenses cover residential and commercial work, commercial-only licenses cover commercial work only.15

Work that does not need this license:

  • Exempt from licensing include: lenders selling foreclosed property, lawyers acting in their regular practice (not regularly in brokerage), home builders renting or first-selling homes they built, and agents managing or leasing for a broker or owner1
  • No license needed to sell 6 or fewer unimproved lots you own in a calendar year, or to subdivide and sell unimproved property owned 10+ years23

Requirements for a Real Estate Salesperson license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
At least 60 clock hours2
Commission-approved basic real estate course (Real Estate Principles and Practices for Salespersons), including a 3-clock-hour real estate ethics course13
Who may teach it: Commission-approved provider (or the Realtors Institute of Maryland GRI Course "I"); may be classroom or distance delivery approved by the Commission2
Alternative: College real estate courses including a 3-hour approved ethics course, if approved by the Commission15
Experience
Supervision: Must have a commitment from a licensed broker to affiliate; the broker signs the application (or the license is issued inactive, with 3 years to affiliate)13
Exam
Salesperson licensing examination (national portion and state portion)3
Given by: PSI3
Passing score: At least 70% on each portion3
When you can take it: After completing the approved prelicensing course13
National portion3
State (Maryland) portion3
Retakes: A passed portion stays valid until the 1-year deadline from course completion; after that a new prelicensing course is required to take or retake the exam3
Time limit: Pass both portions within 1 year of completing prelicensing education (otherwise retake the course); apply for the license within 1 year of passing2
Exam waived: Out-of-state licensees: PA reciprocal licensees are excused from exams; OK reciprocal licensees take the state portion; others apply for out-of-state license recognition (waiver review).8
Residency or citizenship
Maryland residency not required; nonresidents must file an irrevocable consent to service of process (§17-514)4
Business requirements
Must affiliate with a licensed broker to be active13

How much a Real Estate Salesperson license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$985MREC$98 if the $20 Guaranty Fund fee has not been paid before; $78 otherwise
Transfer to Another Broker$2821MREC–

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Complete the 60-hour Commission-approved salesperson prelicensing course (includes 3 hours of ethics).13
  2. Within 1 year of finishing the course, schedule and pass both the national and Maryland portions of the PSI exam (70% each; $44 exam fee paid to PSI).13
  3. Watch for the email with your registration number and online application instructions.13
  4. Within 1 year of passing, apply online with your sponsoring broker and pay $98 (includes the one-time $20 Guaranty Fund fee).3 dllr.state.md.us24
  5. Renew every 2 years; for your first renewal complete the 15-hour new-licensee CE package at least 30 days before expiry.20
Apply online
dllr.state.md.us24

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal fee
$785

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Maryland Real Estate Salesperson license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Maryland with a license from another state

These are the routes MREC publishes for the Real Estate Salesperson license. The other real estate agent licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Reciprocal license for holders of a current, active Pennsylvania or Oklahoma license whose broker's principal office is outside Maryland: same license category, certified license history, sponsoring broker letter; PA holders excused from exams and CE, OK holders take the state exam portion. Term 2 years; void if the home license lapses.8
States on Maryland's list
Pennsylvania and Oklahoma8
This is the list of states whose licenses Maryland accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Maryland license.
Condition for Pennsylvania
Excused from exams and continuing education8
Condition for Oklahoma
Must pass the state portion of the exam; excused from CE8
Conditions
Full certified license history; license current and active; same category as home state8
A broker must hold the Maryland reciprocal license before associate brokers/salespersons apply; they need a sponsoring broker letter8
Fee
$9825
Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Out-of-State License Recognition (all other states): send a certificate of licensure from the first state of licensure (dated within 120 days) and a signed cover letter; education and experience are reviewed individually and waivers are granted only to active licensees; qualifying applicants are sent exam registration information.9
Conditions
Applicant must still meet the Maryland qualifications and send a certified copy of the other-state license; broker applicants must show they actively maintain an office in the other state26
Processing of the request takes about 10-12 business days9
Salesperson prelicensing education may be deemed satisfied by active practice in a jurisdiction with equal or greater prelicensing education2
Fee
$985

Associate Real Estate Broker

Broker-qualified licensee who works affiliated with (under) another licensed broker rather than running a brokerage.11

Requirements

Residency or citizenship
Maryland residency not required; nonresidents file an irrevocable consent to service (§17-514)27
Business requirements
Commitment from a licensed broker to affiliate as an associate broker11

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$1435MREC$143 if the $20 Guaranty Fund fee has not been paid before; $123 otherwise

How to apply

  1. Email the Commission for application instructions and apply within 1 year of passing with your affiliating broker13 Form (PDF, labor.maryland.gov)5

Renewal

Renewal fee
$1235

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Reciprocal license for holders of a current, active Pennsylvania or Oklahoma license whose broker's principal office is outside Maryland: same license category, certified license history, sponsoring broker letter; PA holders excused from exams and CE, OK holders take the state exam portion. Term 2 years; void if the home license lapses.8
States on Maryland's list
Pennsylvania and Oklahoma8
This is the list of states whose licenses Maryland accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Maryland license.
Condition for Pennsylvania
Excused from exams and continuing education8
Condition for Oklahoma
Must pass the state portion of the exam; excused from CE8
Conditions
Full certified license history; license current and active; same category as home state8
A broker must hold the Maryland reciprocal license before associate brokers/salespersons apply; they need a sponsoring broker letter8
Fee
$14325
Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Out-of-State License Recognition (all other states): send a certificate of licensure from the first state of licensure (dated within 120 days) and a signed cover letter; education and experience are reviewed individually and waivers are granted only to active licensees; qualifying applicants are sent exam registration information.9
Conditions
Applicant must still meet the Maryland qualifications and send a certified copy of the other-state license; broker applicants must show they actively maintain an office in the other state26
Processing of the request takes about 10-12 business days9
Broker education may be deemed satisfied by 3 years as a licensed broker in another jurisdiction12
Fee
$1435

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Real Estate Broker

Operates a real estate brokerage (principal broker) with escrow accounts and supervises affiliated associate brokers and salespersons; broker renewal requires a 1.5-hour supervision CE course.16

Requirements

Residency or citizenship
Maryland residency not required; nonresidents file an irrevocable consent to service (§17-514); a broker's principal office address is on the application27
Business requirements
Credit report from an approved credit reporting agency (incl. judgments and tax liens) with the original broker application28
Business requirements
Escrow account details and ownership listing on the broker application16

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$2115MREC$211 if the $20 Guaranty Fund fee has not been paid before; $191 otherwise
Branch Office License$55MRECEach branch office
Broker Business Name Change (for each License under broker)$285MREC–

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Email the Commission for application instructions and apply within 1 year of passing, with a credit report13 Form (PDF, labor.maryland.gov)5
Temporary or provisional license
Acting broker appointment exists only for a deceased or disabled broker's firm5

Renewal

When it expires
Licenses expire on a staggered basis and renew for 2-year terms; CE must be completed at least 30 days before expiry and brokers must submit a credit report (not older than 6 months)6
Renewal fee
$1915
Required topics
Every 2 years: 3 hr legal/legislative update, 2 hr fair housing (commercial-only: 2 hr ADA instead), 3 hr ethics, 3 hr brokerage relationships and disclosures, plus electives and 1.5 hr broker supervision7

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Reciprocal license for holders of a current, active Pennsylvania or Oklahoma license whose broker's principal office is outside Maryland: same license category, certified license history, sponsoring broker letter; PA holders excused from exams and CE, OK holders take the state exam portion. Term 2 years; void if the home license lapses.8
States on Maryland's list
Pennsylvania and Oklahoma8
This is the list of states whose licenses Maryland accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Maryland license.
Condition for Pennsylvania
Excused from exams and continuing education8
Condition for Oklahoma
Must pass the state portion of the exam; excused from CE8
Conditions
Full certified license history; license current and active; same category as home state8
A broker must hold the Maryland reciprocal license before associate brokers/salespersons apply; they need a sponsoring broker letter8
Fee
$21125
Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Out-of-State License Recognition (all other states): send a certificate of licensure from the first state of licensure (dated within 120 days) and a signed cover letter; education and experience are reviewed individually and waivers are granted only to active licensees; qualifying applicants are sent exam registration information.9
Conditions
Applicant must still meet the Maryland qualifications and send a certified copy of the other-state license; broker applicants must show they actively maintain an office in the other state26
Processing of the request takes about 10-12 business days9
Broker education may be deemed satisfied by 3 years as a licensed broker in another jurisdiction12
Fee
$2115

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Associate Real Estate BrokerState license only; no county or municipal real estate agent license identified.1

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a real estate agent in Maryland, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Maryland is on the Maryland license lookup page.

Look up a license
dllr.state.md.us13
File a complaint
labor.maryland.gov29

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • April 27, 2026: Current fee schedule effective April 27, 2026 (salesperson original $98, renewal $78).5
  • October 1, 2025: New first-renewal CE package for salespersons first licensed on or after Oct. 1, 2023.20
  • October 1, 2024: CE must be completed 30 days before renewal; providers have 14 days to report.22

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Real Estate Salesperson license in Maryland?

The rules set at least 60 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my real estate agent license to Maryland?

MREC publishes these routes for the Real Estate Salesperson license: reciprocity agreements8 and exam waiver9. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Real Estate Salesperson license in Maryland?

Every 2 years6. Continuing education: at least 15 clock hours7. The renewal fee is $785.

Real estate agent licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-301Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  2. COMAR 09.11.01.09 Instruction in Real Estate Principles and Practices for SalespersonsMaryland Division of State Documents (COMAR), Real Estate Commission regulationsChecked November 6, 2026
  3. ExamsMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026
  4. Original Salesperson ApplicationMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Dated February 20, 2025Checked November 6, 2026
  5. Forms & FeesMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Dated April 27, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  6. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-314Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  7. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-315Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  8. Apply for a Reciprocal LicenseMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026
  9. Out-of-State License RecognitionMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026
  10. Expedited Licensing for VeteransMaryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  11. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-304Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  12. COMAR 09.11.01.12 Instruction in Real Estate Principles and Practice for BrokersMaryland Division of State Documents (COMAR), Real Estate Commission regulationsChecked November 6, 2026
  13. Licensing FAQsMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026
  14. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-305Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  15. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-303Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  16. Original broker license applicationMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Dated September 18, 2025Checked November 6, 2026
  17. Predetermination ReviewMaryland Department of LaborChecked November 6, 2026
  18. Original associate broker license applicationMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Dated February 5, 2025Checked November 6, 2026
  19. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-403Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  20. Continuing Education RequirementsMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026
  21. COMAR 09.11.09.02 Schedule of FeesMaryland Division of State Documents (COMAR), Real Estate Commission regulationsChecked November 6, 2026
  22. Renew or Reinstate a LicenseMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026
  23. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-302Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  24. Apply for an Original LicenseMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026
  25. Original reciprocal applicationMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026
  26. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-308Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  27. Md. Code, Bus. Occ. & Prof. §17-307Maryland General AssemblyChecked November 6, 2026
  28. COMAR 09.11.01.05 Submission of Credit ReportMaryland Division of State Documents (COMAR), Real Estate Commission regulationsChecked November 6, 2026
  29. ComplaintsMaryland Real Estate Commission (Maryland Department of Labor)Checked November 6, 2026