Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Delaware

To get a Delaware real estate license you must be 18+, complete 99 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $897–$1,794 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Delaware Real Estate Commission.

PNBy Priya Nandakumar
Housing Economist
NWReviewed by Naomi Whitfield
Real Estate Data Analyst
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
Pre-license hours
99
State-approved
Licensing exam
Pearson VUE
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$897+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Delaware path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Delaware also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 99 hours of approved pre-license education

Delaware requires 99 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Delaware licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Delaware-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Delaware Real Estate Commission.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Delaware salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Delaware Real Estate Commission, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Delaware Real Estate Commission

Visit →

A Delaware real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Delaware agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Delaware Real Estate Commission.

Delaware real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Delaware?
Delaware requires 99 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Delaware-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Delaware real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $897–$1,794 all-in for Delaware. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Delaware Real Estate Commission and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Delaware?
Most people finish the 99-hour Delaware coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Delaware?
No. Delaware does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 99 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
Who regulates real estate agents in Delaware?
The Delaware Real Estate Commission issues licenses and sets the rules for Delaware real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Delaware licensing rules.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Delaware are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Delaware Real Estate Commission before enrolling.
NW

Naomi Whitfield Real Estate Data Analyst

Naomi Whitfield is a real estate data analyst who builds metro-level price, inventory and days-on-market datasets from public MLS aggregates and county records. She reviews WealthyBud's market pages for data accuracy before they publish.