How to get a Real Estate Salesperson license in New Jersey
New Jersey licenses real estate agents statewide through the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC).1 For the Real Estate Salesperson license you need at least 75 clock hours2 of education, a passing score on the Real Estate Salesperson license examination2 and a criminal background check3. The board lists $160 for the initial license4. You renew every 2 years5 and complete at least 12 hours of continuing education6.
Who issues it
New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC)
Training and experience
Training: at least 75 clock hours2
Exam
Real Estate Salesperson license examination2
On this page
- New Jersey real estate agent licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Real Estate Salesperson license
- Requirements for a Real Estate Salesperson license
- How much a Real Estate Salesperson license costs
- Renewal and continuing education
- Real Estate Broker-Salesperson
- Real Estate Broker
- Salesperson Licensed with a Real Estate Referral Company
- City and county rules
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Rule changes since January 2024
- Common questions
- Real estate agent licenses in other states
New Jersey real estate agent licenses
New Jersey issues 4 real estate agent credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Broker-Salesperson | A licensed broker who works under (is employed by) another broker rather than running a firm.5 | Training 150 clock hours2 Experience 3 years2 | Yes2 | $2704 |
| Real Estate Salesperson | Performs real estate brokerage activity only through and under the broker with whom licensed; all compensation must be paid through the employing broker.2 | Training 75 clock hours2 | Yes2 | $1604 |
| Real Estate Broker (Broker of Record / Sole Proprietor Broker) | Runs a brokerage as sole proprietor or as broker of record for a corporation, partnership or other entity, and supervises salespersons and broker-salespersons; mortgage brokering of commercial loans also needs a broker license.5 | Training 150 clock hours2 Experience 3 years2 | Yes2 | $2704 |
| Salesperson Licensed with a Real Estate Referral Company (referral agent) | Limited to referring prospective consumers of brokerage services to the employing broker or broker-of-record, and paid only by that broker; cannot hold another real estate license at the same time.8 | Training 75 clock hours2 | Yes2 | $1604 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the New Jersey 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 4)
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Required2
- Background check
- Background check required3
Fingerprints required3
Convictions, parole or probation may lead to denial. Forgery, robbery, theft (other than shoplifting), criminal conspiracy to defraud or like offenses within the five years before applying bar licensure under N.J.S.A. 45:15-12.1; older convictions and other offenses are weighed under 45:15-9. Screening questions are answered at the exam.2 - Social Security number
- Social Security number requested on the education waiver application.7
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint and state background check | $66.053 | IDEMIA | – |
| Appointment fee | $12.803 | IDEMIA | Missed or uncancelled fingerprint appointment, or turned away for wrong ID/form |
| Name Change | $504 | REC | – |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI Services LLC3, when you schedule.
Renewal
- How often
- Every 2 years5
- When it expires
- Two-year term running July 1 of odd years to June 30 of the next odd year (current term July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027); renewal deadline June 30, 2027.1
- If it expires
- A license not renewed by June 30 expires; it may be reinstated within two years after the expiration date of the last license issued, through a New Jersey employing broker.1
Licenses that expired June 30, 2025 must be reinstated by June 30, 2027.10 - Renew online
- recbrokers.nj.gov5
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- New Jersey has no reciprocity agreement with any state.2
2. Every license level except Salesperson Licensed with a Real Estate Referral Company (referral agent)
Requirements
- Also required
- Good character, trustworthiness, honesty and integrity1
Renewal
- Continuing education
- At least 12 hours each renewal period6
- Required topics
- 2 credit hours ethics6
1 credit hour fair housing and NJ Law Against Discrimination6
1 credit hour agency6
2 credit hours any core topic (6 core hours in total)11
6 credit hours any combination of core and elective topics6 - Approved courses
- Courses must be NJREC-approved and taken from approved providers; credits are reported by the provider to PSI's CE tracking system.11
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $2001 (cE completed between May 1 and June 30, 2027)
3. Every license level except Real Estate Broker (Broker of Record / Sole Proprietor Broker)
How to apply
- Apply online
- recbrokers.nj.gov12
4. Real Estate Salesperson and Salesperson Licensed with a Real Estate Referral Company (referral agent)
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $1604 | REC |
How to apply
- Complete the 75-hour salesperson prelicensure course and school exam at a New Jersey licensed real estate school (or get an education waiver approved).2
- Book and pass the state exam with PSI (remote or at a test center), answering the character screening questions truthfully.9
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting with IDEMIA using the Universal Form and keep the payment receipt.3
- Have a New Jersey sponsoring broker submit your license application and fee (online through the broker portal is preferred), within one year of finishing the course.2
- Do not practice until the Commission approves the application and the license is active.12
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $1004
From another state
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- Education waiver only: salespersons or brokers licensed by exam in another state (active within the past three years) can have the 75-hour course waived, but must still pass the New Jersey exam, be fingerprinted and apply through a NJ broker within one year of approval.7
- Conditions
- Licensed by exam after a state-sanctioned prelicensure course; active within the past three years.7
License certification from the other state, received within 30 days of its issue date (not a copy of the license).7
Fewer than 75 education hours in the home state: make up the difference with home-state broker courses or the NJ 15- or 30-hour refresher.7
Pass the NJ combined state and national salesperson exam.13 - Fee
- $257
Military service members, veterans and spouses: Honorably discharged disabled veterans who are New Jersey residents: application fee waived, renewal fees waived. No military-spouse pathway is published on REC pages.2
5. Real Estate Broker-Salesperson and Real Estate Broker (Broker of Record / Sole Proprietor Broker)
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 150 clock hours2
Broker prelicensure education: 90-hour general real estate course first, then two 30-hour courses (Agency/Ethics; Office Management and related topics) at a licensed New Jersey real estate school2
Who may teach it: Licensed New Jersey real estate schools offering broker courses.5
Alternative: New York or Pennsylvania brokers with three years of full-time broker activity may waive the 90-hour course but must take both NJ 30-hour courses.14
Alternative: Honorably discharged disabled veterans (NJ): 225 college credits in real estate or related courses, or the 75-hour salesperson plus 150-hour broker courses.15 - Experience
- At least 3 years2
Continuously licensed and employed full time as a New Jersey real estate salesperson for the three years immediately before applying, shown on Experience Report(s) completed by the employing broker(s)2
Supervision: Under the direction of a licensed New Jersey employing broker5
License you must hold first: New Jersey real estate salesperson license5
Substitute: Out-of-state brokers (e.g. New York, Pennsylvania) with three years of full-time broker activity immediately before applying may count it via a broker waiver application.14
Substitute: Honorably discharged disabled veterans (NJ) are waived the 3-year experience requirement.15 - Exam
- Broker license examination2
Given by: PSI Services LLC3
When you can take it: After completing the prelicensure course and receiving a Certificate of Examination Eligibility from the Commission2
Retakes: The exam may be retaken as many times as needed within the one-year eligibility period.13
Time limit: One year from completing prelicensure education to pass the exam and file the license application.3
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $2704 | REC | – |
| Application fee | $255 | REC | – |
| Broker Education or Experience Waiver | $2514 | REC | Only applicants seeking an education or experience waiver. Not refundable |
| Other fee | $504 | REC | Change of Status (Sole Proprietor Broker, Broker of Record or Broker-salesperson) |
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
- Hold a NJ salesperson license and work full time under a NJ employing broker for the 3 years immediately before applying.2
- Complete the 90-hour broker general course, then the two 30-hour courses (Agency/Ethics; Office Management) at a licensed NJ school.2
- Send the school certificate, Experience Report(s) and the $25 processing fee to the Commission's Education Qualification Section.2
- Use the Certificate of Examination Eligibility to book and pass the broker exam with PSI.2
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting with IDEMIA.3
- Apply for the broker or broker-salesperson license within one year of finishing the broker courses; allow 30 business days for processing.2
- Processing time
- 30 business days for broker applications5
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $2004
- Exemptions
- The REC states the second-year exemption for salespersons only: salespersons first licensed in the second year of the term (on or after July 1, 2026 for the June 30, 2027 renewal) need no CE for that renewal. It does not state it for brokers; a broker who completed broker prelicensure courses during the term has that term's CE fulfilled.17
Completing a NJ broker prelicensure course within the term satisfies that term's CE.11
Brokers and broker-salespersons licensed in broker status for 40 years or more may apply for a CE exemption.18
From another state
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- Education/experience waiver only: an out-of-state broker with three years of full-time broker activity can apply for a broker waiver, but must take both NJ 30-hour courses and pass the NJ broker exam.14
- Conditions
- Current licensure history from the other state issued within 30 days, proof of legal presence, and an employing-broker letter certifying full-time employment for three years.14
Information sheets are published for New York and Pennsylvania brokers; other states use the general broker waiver application.16 - Fee
- $2514
Military service members, veterans and spouses: Honorably discharged disabled veterans who are New Jersey residents: application fee waived, renewal fees waived, and the 3-year salesperson experience requirement waived (education via 225 college credits or the 75-hour + 150-hour courses). No military-spouse pathway is published on REC pages.2
Who needs a Real Estate Salesperson license
Performs real estate brokerage activity only through and under the broker with whom licensed; all compensation must be paid through the employing broker.2
Requirements for a Real Estate Salesperson license
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.
- Education or training
- At least 75 clock hours2
75-hour salesperson prelicensure course at a New Jersey licensed real estate school2
Who may teach it: A real estate school licensed by the Commission; courses offered live remote or in person.19
Alternative: Education waiver for salespersons or brokers licensed in another state (actively licensed within the past three years, licensed by exam); those with fewer than 75 hours must make up the difference with broker courses from their state or the NJ 15- or 30-hour refresher.7
Alternative: Education waiver for attorneys licensed in New Jersey or another state.7
Alternative: Education waiver for a real estate degree, or 75+ hours of real estate college coursework within the last three years.7
Alternative: Honorably discharged disabled veterans (NJ): 75-hour course or 75 hours of real estate college credits.15 - Exam
- Real Estate Salesperson license examination2
Given by: PSI Services LLC3
When you can take it: After completing the prelicensure course9
Combined state and national salesperson exam13
Retakes: The exam may be retaken as many times as needed within the one-year eligibility period.13
Time limit: One year from completing prelicensure education to pass the exam and file the license application.3
How much a Real Estate Salesperson license costs
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesperson Education Waiver | $257 | REC | Only applicants seeking an education waiver. Not refundable |
| Transfers - Salesperson | $254 | REC | – |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Real Estate Broker-Salesperson
A licensed broker who works under (is employed by) another broker rather than running a firm.5
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Transfers - Broker-Salesperson | $254 | REC |
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
Real Estate Broker
Runs a brokerage as sole proprietor or as broker of record for a corporation, partnership or other entity, and supervises salespersons and broker-salespersons; mortgage brokering of commercial loans also needs a broker license.5
Requirements
- Business requirements
- Officers, directors, partners and controlling owners of an entity seeking a broker license must also be fingerprinted.3
- Business requirements
- Entity license (corporation, partnership, LLC) is separate from the individual broker-of-record license; contact the Commission for forms. An Irrevocable Consent to Service is filed per entity type.5
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporations, Partnerships and Other Entities (initial) | $2704 | REC | Brokerage entity license (in addition to the individual broker of record license) |
| Branch Office (initial) | $1504 | REC | Each branch office |
| Change of business address | $504 | REC | – |
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
- To open your own firm (corporation, LLC, partnership or sole proprietorship), call the Commission for the forms and instructions.5
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
Salesperson Licensed with a Real Estate Referral Company
Limited to referring prospective consumers of brokerage services to the employing broker or broker-of-record, and paid only by that broker; cannot hold another real estate license at the same time.8
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 75 clock hours2
The salesperson (75-hour) or broker prelicensure education8
Who may teach it: A real estate school licensed by the Commission.19 - Exam
- Real Estate Salesperson license examination (or broker examination)8
Given by: PSI Services LLC3
When you can take it: After completing the prelicensure course9
Combined state and national salesperson exam13
Retakes: The exam may be retaken as many times as needed within the one-year eligibility period.13
Time limit: One year from completing prelicensure education to pass the exam and file the license application.3 - Also required
- Applicant and broker must sign certifications that they reviewed the legal restrictions on referral agents.8
- Also required
- Must be employed by and supervised by a licensed broker.8
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Fee to change the license type of a salesperson or broker-salesperson to a referral agent | $508 | REC |
| Transfers | $258 | REC |
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
- On the license application, indicate the referral agent license type; you and your broker sign the certifications on the referral restrictions.8
- Application form
- Form (PDF, nj.gov)16
Renewal
- Exemptions
- CE is required to change license type from referral agent to salesperson, broker-salesperson or broker; the amount depends on the previous license type and time as a referral agent (N.J.A.C. 11:5-3.15).8
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
Real Estate Broker-SalespersonState license only: the New Jersey Real Estate Commission licenses real estate brokers and salespersons statewide.1
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a real estate agent in New Jersey, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in New Jersey is on the New Jersey license lookup page.
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Rule changes since January 2024
- July 1, 2025: New CE rule: all licensees except referral agents and 40-year-exempt brokers must include 1 credit hour in agency for renewal (first applies to the 2025-2027 term).1
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Real Estate Salesperson license in New Jersey?
The rules set at least 75 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 New Jersey?
REC publishes this route for the Real Estate Salesperson license: license by endorsement7. Conditions and forms.
Real estate agent licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Licensing and EducationNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- License requirementsNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Fingerprinting ProcessNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- License FeesNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Frequently Asked QuestionsNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Breakdown of Required CE Credit HoursNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Waiver of Education Criteria for SalespersonNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Licensing FAQ referral agentNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Notice to Candidates on Character-based ScreeningNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- License reinstatementNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- CE FAQNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Broker original applicationNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Waiver criteria New York salesperson licenseesNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Waiver criteria New York broker licenseesNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Veterans Waiver InformationNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Applications and FormsNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- Complete CE RequirementsNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- 40 year CE exemptionNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- About the CommissionNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026
- REC Complaint Resolution ProcessNew Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate CommissionChecked November 7, 2026