Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Washington

To get a Washington 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 Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

JLBy Jasper Lindqvist
Commercial Real Estate Analyst
RKReviewed by Renata Kowalski
Metro Housing Analyst
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 Washington 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 Washington also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education

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

3/ 6

Pass the Washington licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Washington-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 Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Washington 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 Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

Visit →

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

Washington markets
Seattle, WA real estate market→Spokane, WA real estate market→

Washington real estate license FAQ

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

Renata Kowalski Metro Housing Analyst

Renata Kowalski is a metro housing analyst who reviews WealthyBud's city and metro market guides, verifying figures against county and state housing records. She focuses on cross-checking price and inventory claims before they go live.