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How to get a Real Estate Broker license in Washington

Washington licenses real estate agents statewide through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).1 For the Real Estate Broker license you need at least 90 clock hours1 of education, a passing score on the Washington real estate broker examination (national and state portions)2 and a criminal background check1. The board lists $210 for the exam2 and $233 for the initial license3, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years4 and complete at least 30 clock hours of continuing education1.

Last checked · 15 official sources

Who issues it

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

Training and experience

Training: at least 90 clock hours1

Exam

Washington real estate broker examination (national and state portions)2

Fees the board lists

Exam fee: $2102
Initial license fee: $2333
FBI background check: $545

Renewal

Every 2 years4, at least 30 clock hours of continuing education1

From another state

License by endorsement, Military service members and spouses and Temporary license or permit671 Details

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

Washington real estate agent licenses

Washington 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
Real Estate BrokerWashington's entry-level real estate license (there is no separate 'salesperson' license): a broker performs real estate brokerage services on behalf of one firm, under the supervision of a designated or managing broker.7Training 90 clock hours1Yes1$2333
Real Estate Managing BrokerHigher-level license required to supervise brokers or other managing brokers; a managing broker may also serve as a firm's designated broker or as a branch manager (endorsements). Licensed to one firm at a time.1Training 90 clock hours2
Experience 3 years8		Yes1$3303
Real Estate FirmBusiness license for the brokerage entity; all brokerage services are conducted in the firm's licensed name, under a designated broker who holds a managing broker license. Separate licenses are needed for each assumed name and each branch office.1––$3042

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Washington 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)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
License verification to another state$403DOL

How to apply

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years412

2. Every license level except Real Estate Firm

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old78
High school diploma or GED
Required71
Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required2
The application asks legal-background questions (e.g. license discipline or gross misdemeanor/felony convictions within the last 5 years) with a written explanation for any 'Yes'; DOL also offers a criminal conviction history review form.9

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$2102PSI Testing ExcellenceEffective September 19, 2025
Exam retake fee$2102PSI Testing ExcellenceEffective September 19, 2025
FBI background check$545IdentoGO / Idemia–

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

Application form
dol.wa.gov9

Renewal

When it expires
Every 2 years from the original issue date; renewal opens 120 days before expiry; fingerprint background check renewed every 6 years.4
Continuing education
At least 30 clock hours each renewal period1
Approved courses
Courses must be approved under chapter 308-124H WAC (DOL Course Search); licensees attest online and provide proof only if audited.4
Exemptions
Inactive licenses: no CE needed to renew, but renewal and fingerprints must be kept current; reactivation after more than 3 years inactive requires a 30-clock-hour course within the prior year.4
If it expires
A license not renewed within 1 year of its renewal date is canceled; it can be reinstated within 2 years of cancellation with 60 clock hours (30 in Real Estate Law) taken within the prior year, all back renewal fees with penalty and a $100 reinstatement fee; after that the applicant must qualify as a new licensee.4

From another state

Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Service members and spouses/domestic partners moving to Washington on military orders may have a current out-of-state license recognized by providing the orders and proof of good standing; continuing education may be required. DOL also notes veterans may get partial reimbursement of fees.7
Route
Temporary license or permit
What the board says
Commercial real estate only: an out-of-state licensee approved by the director may act in Washington in cooperation with a Washington designated broker under a written agreement, instead of holding a Washington license.1

Who needs a Real Estate Broker license

Washington's entry-level real estate license (there is no separate 'salesperson' license): a broker performs real estate brokerage services on behalf of one firm, under the supervision of a designated or managing broker.7

Work that does not need this license:

  • Chapter 18.85 RCW does not apply to, among others: owners dealing in their own property, attorneys-in-fact without compensation, attorneys practicing law, court-appointed fiduciaries, office staff who perform no brokerage activity, referral providers not involved in negotiation, CPAs/escrow agents/investment counselors who do not promote specific property, and certain property-management assistants (see RCW 18.85.151 for the full list; a new version takes effect January 1, 2028).1

Requirements for a Real Estate Broker 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 90 clock hours1
90 hours of approved prelicensing education: a 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course (including 3 hours on fair housing and consumer protection) and a 30-hour Real Estate Practices course, each with a course exam, completed within 2 years before applying for the exam.7
Who may teach it: Courses must be approved by the director (DOL Course Search lists approved courses); the applicant must pass a director-approved course exam for each course.7
Alternative: The director may substitute equivalent coursework completed at an institution of higher education or degree-granting institution for the clock-hour requirement.1
Exam
Washington real estate broker examination (national and state portions)2
Given by: PSI Testing Excellence10
Passing score: Minimum scaled score of 70 on each portion2
When you can take it: After the school reports course completion to PSI (up to 7 days); exam approval expires 2 years from course completion.7
National portion2
State portion2
Retakes: Retake only the failed portion, but both portions must be passed within 6 months of each other or both must be retaken; each retake costs the reexamination fee.10
Time limit: Pass both portions within 6 months of each other; apply for the license within 1 year of passing the final exam.7
Exam waived: Applicants actively licensed at the same or greater level in another jurisdiction (now or within the past 6 months) take only the Washington law (state) portion.2
Also required
The broker license is issued to one firm at a time; the paper application is signed by the designated broker to whom the license will be issued, and a new licensee activates the license by accepting a firm's invitation online.6

How much a Real Estate Broker license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$2333DOLEffective September 19, 2025
License print fee$53DOLOptional: DOL prints and mails the license (self-print online is free)

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. Confirm you are 18+ with a high school diploma or equivalent, then complete the 90 hours of approved prelicensing education (60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals + 30-hour Real Estate Practices).7
  2. Your school reports your course completions to PSI; register for a PSI account from the email PSI sends you.7
  3. Schedule and pass both the national and state exams with PSI (online or 855-746-8168) within 6 months of each other.7
  4. After passing, submit fingerprints (IdentoGO in Washington; fingerprint card from out of state).7
  5. When DOL emails you (within about 72 hours of passing), apply and pay online through your SecureAccess Washington account, or mail the Real Estate License Application with a check; apply within 1 year of your final exam.7 dol.wa.gov9
  6. Join a firm: a firm invites you online and you accept to activate the license.6
Temporary or provisional license
A completed license application (with exam pass notice, fingerprint verification and fees) serves as an interim license for up to 45 days.2
Processing time
Fingerprint results take up to 14 business days to reach DOL; the online application invitation arrives within 72 hours of passing exams; mailed renewals take at least 21 days.7

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal fee
$2332
Required topics
First active renewal: 90 clock hours started after first licensure: 30-hour Advanced Practices, 30-hour Real Estate Law, 3-hour Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate (core), and at least 27 other hours, plus Washington Real Estate Fair Housing.2
Each later active renewal: 3 hours core (Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate) within 24 months of renewal.2
Fair housing: 3 hours each active renewal, or 6 hours if the initial 6-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course was not completed.4
Timing: at least 15 hours within 24 months of the renewal date; up to 15 hours completed within 48 months may be used if not used for a previous renewal.4
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $2732
Reinstatement fee: $1002 (license canceled less than 2 years; plus all back renewal fees with penalty)

Renewal planner

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

Moving to Washington with a license from another state

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

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Licensed in another state (active and in good standing now or within the past 6 months) at the same or higher level: upload a license history, pass only the Washington state exam (approval valid 6 months), fingerprint, then apply. You may apply at the same or a lower level than the license you hold.6
Conditions
License history from one state (Certificate of History / License Affidavit) is mandatory; copies of licenses or website screenshots are refused.6
Reciprocity exam approval lasts 6 months; retakes allowed as scheduling permits, no extension.10
Fee
$2102

Real Estate Managing Broker

Higher-level license required to supervise brokers or other managing brokers; a managing broker may also serve as a firm's designated broker or as a branch manager (endorsements). Licensed to one firm at a time.1

Requirements

Education or training
At least 90 clock hours2
90 clock hours of approved education beyond any hours used for other requirements: 30 hours brokerage management, 30 hours business management and 30 hours advanced real estate law, each course at least 30 clock hours with a comprehensive exam, completed within 3 years before applying for the exam.2
Who may teach it: Director-approved courses only (WAC 308-124H-820 subject matter), each with a comprehensive exam.2
Alternative: The same three courses used for continuing education within 3 years may count if a comprehensive exam was passed; equivalent college coursework may be substituted under RCW 18.85.141.2
Experience
At least 3 years8
3 years of licensed experience as a full-time real estate broker (in Washington or a comparable jurisdiction) within the 5 years before applying for the exam.8
Supervision: Experience must be as a licensed full-time broker (brokers work under a designated or managing broker).1
License you must hold first: Upgrade route requires an active broker license history; alternate-qualification and reciprocity routes do not require a Washington broker license.8
Substitute: Alternate qualifications (experience within the prior 6 years): real estate degree + 1 year as a licensed broker; 1 year as a real estate attorney; or 5 years full-time as a licensed mortgage broker/loan originator, limited practice officer/escrow agent, licensed/certified appraiser, or managing/leasing/selling/buying property for a third-party entity. One chance to pass both exams.2
Exam
Washington real estate managing broker examination (national and state portions, simulation format)2
Given by: PSI Testing Excellence12
Passing score: Minimum scaled score of 75 on each portion (and on each aspect of the national portion)2
When you can take it: After DOL approves the exam application in SecureAccess Washington (wait 4 business days after the approval email); upgrade approval expires 3 years from course completion.8
National portion (simulation: information gathering and decision-making)2
State portion (simulation: Washington law and closing/settlement)2
Retakes: Both portions must be passed within 6 months of each other or both retaken; alternate-qualification candidates who fail cannot retest on that basis.12
Time limit: Pass both within 6 months of each other; apply within 1 year of passing.12
Exam waived: Reciprocity applicants take only the state exam.8

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$3303DOLEffective September 19, 2025
License print fee$53DOLOptional printed license by mail
Get a designated broker's endorsement / branch manager's endorsement$03DOLManaging brokers only

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. Choose your route: upgrade (3 years full-time broker experience in the last 5), alternate qualifications, or reciprocity; complete the 90 hours (brokerage management, business management, advanced real estate law) within 3 years.8
  2. Apply online in SecureAccess Washington to be approved for the exams; wait 4 business days after the approval email.8
  3. Schedule and pass the PSI exams (state only for reciprocity).8
  4. Submit fingerprints after passing the exam (IdentoGO/Idemia in Washington).8
Processing time
Fingerprint results take up to 14 business days; wait 4 business days after exam approval before scheduling.8

Renewal

Renewal fee
$3302
Required topics
Each later active renewal: 3 hours core (Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate) within 24 months of renewal.2
Fair housing: 3 hours each active renewal, or 6 hours if the initial 6-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course was not completed.4
Timing: at least 15 hours within 24 months of the renewal date; up to 15 hours completed within 48 months may be used if not used for a previous renewal.4
CE courses must be started after the managing broker license is issued.13
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $3702
Reinstatement fee: $1002 (license canceled less than 2 years; plus all back renewal fees with penalty)

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Actively licensed in another state at the same or greater level (managing-broker level), in good standing now or within the past 6 months: upload a license history and pass only the Washington state exam.8
Conditions
License history from one state (Certificate of History / License Affidavit) is mandatory; copies of licenses or website screenshots are refused.6
Reciprocity exam approval lasts 6 months; retakes allowed as scheduling permits, no extension.10
Fee
$2102

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

Real Estate Firm

Business license for the brokerage entity; all brokerage services are conducted in the firm's licensed name, under a designated broker who holds a managing broker license. Separate licenses are needed for each assumed name and each branch office.1

Requirements

Business requirements
Must designate a managing broker as designated broker, disclose controlling-interest owners, and use a name not the same as/similar to existing licenses.1
Business requirements
Provide UBI number and Washington business and records addresses; entities other than general partnerships must be registered with the Secretary of State.1
Business requirements
Maintain an office or records depository accessible in Washington.1

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$3042DOLEffective September 19, 2025
Assumed name fee (per name)$3043DOLEach additional assumed name
Real estate branch: Original license$2882DOLEach branch office. Effective September 19, 2025

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. Register the entity with the Secretary of State (if not a general partnership) and obtain a UBI number.1
  2. Apply for the firm license (form 620-008, or online), naming a managing broker as designated broker and declaring controlling interest; pay the $304 fee (plus $304 per assumed name and $288 per branch).11

Renewal

When it expires
Two years from issuance; entity firm licenses expire with the Secretary of State registration; renewal requires a current business license.1
Renewal fee
$3042
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $3453

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No firm reciprocity; an out-of-state firm needs a Washington firm license with a Washington-licensed designated broker, except the commercial cooperation route for approved out-of-state licensees.1

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

City and county rules

Real Estate BrokerStatewide license from the Washington State Department of Licensing (Real Estate program); no local real estate agent license.1

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
professions.dol.wa.gov14
File a complaint
dol.wa.gov15

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Real Estate Broker license in Washington?

The rules set at least 90 clock hours1 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: Fingerprint results take up to 14 business days to reach DOL; the online application invitation arrives within 72 hours of passing exams; mailed renewals take at least 21 days.7

Can I transfer my real estate agent license to Washington?

DOL publishes these routes for the Real Estate Broker license: license by endorsement6 and temporary license or permit1. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Real Estate Broker license in Washington?

Every 2 years4. Continuing education: at least 30 clock hours1. The renewal fee is $2332.

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. Chapter 18.85 RCW: Real estate brokers and managing brokersWashington State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  2. Chapter 308-124A WAC: Real estate — Licensing and examinationWashington State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  3. Real estate feesWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  4. Renew or reinstate your license: real estate brokersWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  5. Fingerprinting and background checksWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Get your broker license by reciprocityWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  7. Get your real estate broker or managing broker licenseWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  8. Get your license: Real estate managing brokerWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  9. Real Estate License Application (form 620-004)Washington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  10. Exam: real estate brokersWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  11. Forms: real estate brokersWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  12. Exam: real estate managing brokersWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  13. Renew or reinstate your license: real estate managing brokersWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  14. Look up the status of a business or professional licenseWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 6, 2026
  15. File a complaintWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026