Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in District of Columbia

Everything it takes to get licensed in District of Columbia — 60 hours of pre-license education, the PSI exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP).

Pre-license hours
60
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$780+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 60 hours of approved pre-license education

District of Columbia requires 60 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the District of Columbia licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus District of Columbia-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 DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new District of Columbia 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 DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP)

Visit →

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

District of Columbia markets
Washington, DC real estate market→

District of Columbia licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia requires 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a District of Columbia real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $780–$1,560 all-in for District of Columbia: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in District of Columbia?
Most people finish the 60-hour District of Columbia coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in District of Columbia?
The DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) issues licenses and sets the rules for District of Columbia real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for District of Columbia are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the DC Real Estate Commission (DLCP) before enrolling.