Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Idaho

To get a Idaho real estate license you must be 18+, complete 90 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 $870–$1,740 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC).

PNBy Priya Nandakumar
Housing Economist
LVReviewed by Lena Voss
Housing Market Editor
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
Pre-license hours
90
State-approved
Licensing exam
Pearson VUE
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$870+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Idaho 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 Idaho also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education

Idaho requires 90 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Idaho licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Idaho-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 Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Idaho 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 Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC)

Visit →

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

Idaho markets
Boise, ID real estate market→Sun Valley, ID real estate market→Coeur d'Alene, ID real estate market→

Idaho real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Idaho?
Idaho requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Idaho-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Idaho real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for Idaho. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC) and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Idaho?
Most people finish the 90-hour Idaho 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 Idaho?
No. Idaho 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 90 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
Who regulates real estate agents in Idaho?
The Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC) issues licenses and sets the rules for Idaho real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Idaho licensing rules.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Idaho are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Idaho Real Estate Commission (IREC) before enrolling.
LV

Lena Voss Housing Market Editor

Lena Voss is a housing market editor who fact-checks WealthyBud's market and housing-policy coverage against primary government sources before publication. She focuses on keeping metro-level statistics current as new data releases land.