Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in New York

Everything it takes to get licensed in New York — 77 hours of pre-license education, the State exam (DOS) exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the New York Department of State (DOS).

Pre-license hours
77
State-approved
Licensing exam
State exam (DOS)
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$831+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The New York 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 New York also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 77 hours of approved pre-license education

New York requires 77 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the New York licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (State exam (DOS)). It covers national real estate principles plus New York-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 New York Department of State (DOS).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new New York 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 New York Department of State (DOS), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

New York Department of State (DOS)

Visit →

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

New York markets
New York, NY real estate market→Rochester, NY real estate market→Buffalo, NY real estate market→Albany, NY real estate market→The Hamptons, NY real estate market→

New York licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in New York?
New York requires 77 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a New York real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $831–$1,662 all-in for New York: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the New York Department of State (DOS).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in New York?
Most people finish the 77-hour New York coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in New York?
The New York Department of State (DOS) issues licenses and sets the rules for New York real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for New York are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the New York Department of State (DOS) before enrolling.