Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Minnesota

To get a Minnesota 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 Minnesota Department of Commerce.

AFBy Andre Fontaine
Mortgage Market Analyst

LVReviewed by Lena Voss
Housing Market Editor

Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026

Pre-license hours

State-approved

Licensing exam

Pearson VUE

Salesperson

Est. all-in cost

$870+

Course + fees

Typical timeline

2–5 mo

To activation

The Minnesota 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 Minnesota also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education

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

3/ 6

Pass the Minnesota licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Minnesota-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 Minnesota Department of Commerce.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Minnesota 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 Minnesota Department of Commerce, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Minnesota Department of Commerce

Visit →

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

Minnesota markets

Minneapolis, MN real estate market→

Minnesota real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Minnesota-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.

How much does a Minnesota real estate license cost?

Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for Minnesota. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and vary by school.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Minnesota?

Most people finish the 90-hour Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

No. Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

The Minnesota Department of Commerce issues licenses and sets the rules for Minnesota real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Minnesota licensing rules.

Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Minnesota are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Minnesota Department of Commerce before enrolling.

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.