Real Estate License Reciprocity: Which States Accept Your License?

If you already hold a real estate license in one state and want to practice in another, reciprocity agreements can save you significant time and money. But not every state participates, and the rules vary widely. This guide breaks down exactly which states offer real estate license reciprocity, what types of agreements exist, and what you need to do to take advantage of them.

Out of the 51 states in our database, 30 states offer some form of reciprocity or license recognition for out-of-state real estate agents. That means 21 states do not offer any reciprocity agreements, requiring you to complete their full licensing process from scratch.

What Is Real Estate License Reciprocity?

Real estate license reciprocity refers to agreements between states that allow licensed agents and brokers from one state to obtain a license in another state through a streamlined process. Instead of completing the full set of requirements (pre-licensing education, both exam portions, etc.), reciprocity agreements typically waive some or all of those steps.

Reciprocity exists because states recognize that a licensed professional who has already demonstrated competency in real estate fundamentals should not have to start over entirely. However, every state has unique laws governing real estate transactions, so most reciprocity agreements still require you to pass a state-specific exam covering local regulations.

It is important to understand that reciprocity is not the same as a nationwide license. There is no federal real estate license. Each state controls its own licensing, and reciprocity is a voluntary arrangement between states.

Types of Reciprocity Agreements

Not all reciprocity is created equal. The term is used loosely across the industry, but there are meaningful differences between the types of agreements states participate in.

Full Reciprocity (Universal License Recognition)

States with full reciprocity accept real estate licenses from any other state in the country. If you hold a current, active license anywhere in the United States, you can apply for a license in a full-reciprocity state through a streamlined process.

Full reciprocity typically still requires you to:

• Hold a current, active license in good standing in your home state
• Pass the state-specific portion of the real estate exam
• Submit an application and pay the application fee
• Complete a background check

The key benefit is that you can skip the pre-licensing education requirement and the national portion of the exam. This alone can save you hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars.

Partial Reciprocity (Selective Agreements)

Partial reciprocity means a state has agreements with specific other states rather than all states. If your home state is on the list, you get the streamlined process. If it is not, you must complete the full licensing requirements.

Partial reciprocity agreements are often based on comparable education requirements. States with similar pre-licensing hour requirements and curriculum standards are more likely to have reciprocal agreements with each other.

License Portability Agreements

License portability is a broader concept that goes beyond traditional reciprocity. Portability agreements allow agents to conduct certain real estate activities across state lines without obtaining a second license. This is especially relevant for agents working in border areas or with clients who are relocating.

The most prominent portability initiative is the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Cooperative Licensing Agreement, which several states participate in. Under these agreements, an agent may be able to participate in a transaction in another state under the supervision of a locally licensed broker, without holding their own license in that state.

Portability agreements vary significantly in scope. Some allow full transaction participation, while others only permit limited activities like showing properties or attending inspections.

Reduced Requirements (Not Quite Reciprocity)

Some states do not have formal reciprocity agreements but still offer reduced requirements for out-of-state licensees. For example, a state might waive a portion of the education requirement or allow you to skip the national exam section. These states do not technically have reciprocity, but they acknowledge your existing credentials.

States With Real Estate License Reciprocity

Based on our research, the following 30 states offer some form of reciprocity for out-of-state real estate licensees:

Full / Universal Reciprocity States

These states accept licenses from all other states. If you hold any active U.S. real estate license, you can apply for a license in these states through a reduced process:

• Alabama — Universal Conditional Reciprocity
• Colorado — Universal Partial Recognition
• Delaware — Universal Conditional Reciprocity
• Georgia — Universal Reciprocity
• Louisiana — Full Reciprocity (select states)
• Minnesota — Full Reciprocity (select states)
• Missouri — Universal Partial Reciprocity
• New Hampshire — Universal Reciprocity (All States)
• Pennsylvania — Full Reciprocity
• Utah — Full Reciprocity (select jurisdictions)
• Virginia — Universal Reciprocity

Partial Reciprocity States

These states have reciprocity agreements with select states only. Check each state's page to see if your current license qualifies:

• Colorado
• Missouri

Other Reciprocity Arrangements

These states offer reciprocity or license recognition that does not fall neatly into the full or partial categories:

• Arkansas — Reciprocal applicants generally required to pass the Arkansas state exam portion and meet Arkansas-specific requirements.
• Connecticut — New York TERMINATED its reciprocal agreement with CT — NY applicants must now use the Non-Reciprocity pathway. All reciprocal applicants must provide certification of license history from the reciprocal state and all states where ever licensed.
• District of Columbia — DC recognizes reciprocal agreements with PA and OK. Applicants from these states may have streamlined requirements but should confirm current terms with DLCP.
• Florida — All mutual recognition applicants must: be 18+, have high school diploma, hold valid/current/active license in originating state, NOT be a Florida resident, and not have obtained original license through reciprocity. Must pass 40-question Florida law exam (30+ correct to pass).
• Iowa — Reciprocity does NOT apply once applicant has moved to Iowa. Non-reciprocal state licensees may use Rule 5.3 pathway: state exam only (except CA, FL, NJ, NY, WI which require full national + state exam). Must hold active license, not inactive/expired >6 months.
• Kentucky — West Virginia reciprocity status uncertain — some sources indicate it may have been discontinued due to statutory changes. All reciprocal applicants must complete 40-hour KY Reciprocal License Law course, pass course final (75%), pass KY state exam, complete background check, and obtain license history from all states where licensed.
• Maryland — All other out-of-state licensees undergo individual Out-of-State License Recognition evaluation (10–12 business days processing). Must pass MD state exam.
• Massachusetts — Full reciprocity (11 states): no exam required — need Letter of Good Standing, CORI, photo, application fee. Conditional (3 states): exam waiver varies. All other 35 U.S. states: education waiver available (can skip 40-hour course and sit for full MA exam). Education waiver valid for 2 years.
• Nebraska — Nebraska's License by Recognition system covers approximately 27 states — much broader than traditional reciprocity. Applicants with an equivalent license in good standing from a recognized state may qualify. NE-specific requirements may still apply. See NREC website for the full current list of recognized states.
• Nevada — Some sources list up to 16 reciprocal states (adding IL, IN, IA, OK, SC, WA). Official NRED Form 501 is the definitive source. All reciprocal applicants must still complete 90 hrs NV education (Principles + Law including 18 hrs NV law), pass NV state exam, background check, and find sponsoring broker. Applies to salesperson licenses only — not broker transfers.
• New Mexico — Reciprocity primarily applies to broker-level licenses, not salesperson. Salesperson applicants from other states must generally meet full NM requirements.
• North Dakota — Reciprocal applicants from GA, IA, and MN who are both licensed and reside in those states may qualify for a ND license without the licensing exam. Must still meet application requirements, fees, E&O insurance, and background check.
• Ohio — All reciprocal applicants must pass Ohio state-specific exam, submit application, find sponsoring broker, complete background check, and provide letter of good standing. Timeline: ~4–6 weeks. SB 131 (2023) streamlines recognition of substantially similar out-of-state licenses.
• Oklahoma — Non-reciprocal state licensees with 2+ years active experience in the last 5 years may also apply — must complete 3 one-hour OK-specific courses and pass OK state exam. All applicants must complete background check.
• Oregon — Oregon also has a reciprocal agreement with Alberta, Canada. Despite having 'reciprocity,' there are NO waivers of education or license examinations — all applicants must meet full Oregon requirements. OREA recommends contacting them directly for details. Military members/spouses may qualify for expedited professional authorization.
• Rhode Island — Reciprocal applicants from MA and CT may have streamlined requirements but must still pass the RI state exam portion and meet application requirements.
• South Carolina — All other states: endorsement path available. Must pass SC state exam and meet education requirements. Active out-of-state license or expired <6 months required.
• South Dakota — Reciprocal applicants from MN, ND, and IA may qualify for an expedited licensing process. State exam and application requirements still apply.
• Wisconsin — From other states: must complete a DSPS-approved 13-hour pre-license program (not full 72 hours) and pass the full state exam. Must have held an active license within past 2 years. Non-residents must file Irrevocable Consent form.

States Without Real Estate License Reciprocity

The following 21 states in our database do not offer reciprocity agreements. If you want to practice real estate in these states, you will need to complete their full licensing requirements, including all pre-licensing education and both portions of the exam:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Maine
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Note that even states without reciprocity may offer some reduced requirements for experienced out-of-state agents. For example, a state might waive the education requirement if you have held an active license for a certain number of years, or allow you to skip the national portion of the exam. Always check the specific state page for the most current details.

How to Use Reciprocity to Get Licensed in Another State

If you are already licensed and want to expand into a reciprocity state, here is the general process:

Step 1: Verify the Agreement Applies to You

Confirm that the target state has a reciprocity agreement with your home state. For full-reciprocity states, any active U.S. license qualifies. For partial-reciprocity states, your specific home state must be on their list.

Step 2: Request a License Certification

Your home state's real estate commission will need to provide a certification letter (sometimes called a "license history" or "letter of good standing") confirming that your license is current, active, and in good standing. Some target states require this letter to be dated within 90 days of your application.

Step 3: Study for and Pass the State Exam

Nearly every reciprocity agreement still requires you to pass the state-specific portion of the real estate exam in the target state. This covers local laws, regulations, and practices unique to that state. The national portion is typically waived.

Do not underestimate this requirement. State-specific laws vary significantly, and the exam covers material you may not have encountered in your home state.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Submit the reciprocity application (usually a separate form from the standard new-license application), pay the application fee, and complete any required background check. Processing times vary by state but typically range from one to four weeks.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker

Just like with a new license, you will need a sponsoring broker in the target state to activate your license. Some agents choose national brokerages that operate in multiple states to simplify this step.

Common Reciprocity Pitfalls to Avoid

Reciprocity sounds straightforward, but there are several common mistakes that can delay your licensing:

• Assuming reciprocity is automatic. You still need to apply, pass the state exam, and complete the full application process. Reciprocity reduces the requirements; it does not eliminate them.
• Letting your home license lapse. Most reciprocity agreements require your existing license to be current and active. If your home license is expired, suspended, or inactive, you will likely not qualify for reciprocity.
• Forgetting about continuing education. Holding licenses in multiple states means meeting continuing education requirements in each state independently. Track your renewal deadlines carefully.
• Ignoring experience requirements. Some reciprocity agreements have minimum experience thresholds. For example, a state might only waive the education requirement if you have been actively licensed for two or more years.
• Not budgeting for multiple license fees. You will pay application fees, exam fees, and renewal fees in every state where you hold a license. These add up quickly.

Does Reciprocity Affect Your Continuing Education?

No. Reciprocity only affects the initial licensing process. Once you hold licenses in multiple states, you must meet each state's continuing education requirements independently. Some courses may count toward requirements in multiple states, but this is not guaranteed.

If you practice across state lines, budget time and money for CE in every jurisdiction where you are licensed. Missing a CE deadline can result in your license lapsing, which could then affect your ability to use reciprocity for future applications.

What About the ARELLO Reciprocity Database?

The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) maintains a database of reciprocity and portability agreements between states. This is a useful starting point for research, but always verify the details directly with the target state's real estate commission. Agreements change, and the ARELLO database may not reflect the most recent updates.

Should You Get Licensed in Multiple States?

Multi-state licensing makes sense if you:

• Work in a metro area that spans state lines (e.g., Kansas City, Washington D.C., Memphis, New York City)
• Specialize in relocation services
• Want to expand your referral network and serve clients moving between states
• Plan to build a team or brokerage with multi-state coverage

However, holding licenses in multiple states comes with ongoing costs (renewal fees, CE courses, E&O insurance in some states) and administrative overhead. Make sure the business case justifies the investment before committing.

Explore Reciprocity by State

For detailed reciprocity requirements, application forms, fees, and state-specific exam information, visit our complete reciprocity guide or browse individual state pages:

Key Takeaways

• 30 of 51 states in our database offer some form of reciprocity for out-of-state real estate licensees.
• Full reciprocity states accept licenses from all other states; partial reciprocity states only have agreements with specific states.
• Even with reciprocity, you almost always need to pass the state-specific exam and complete a full application.
• Reciprocity only applies to initial licensing. Continuing education and renewal requirements must be met independently in each state.
• Always verify reciprocity details directly with the target state's real estate commission, as agreements can change.

Sources

• Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) — arello.org
• National Association of Realtors — Reciprocity and Portability Overview — nar.realtor/license-portability
• Individual state real estate commission websites (linked above for each state)
• LicenseMap state research data — last updated February 2026