South · Real Estate License
Maryland
Salesperson License Requirements
Governing Authority
MREC
Maryland Real Estate Commission, Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Official website →60
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$142
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
4–14 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
15 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 60-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Enroll in an MREC-approved 60-hour salesperson pre-licensing course (classroom or online). Includes mandatory 3-hour ethics component.
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Schedule and Pass the PSI Exam
Register via PSI website or call 1-800-733-9267. Pay $44 exam fee. Pass both National (56/80 = 70%) and State (21/30 = 70%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Receive Registration Number
After passing, MREC emails a registration number within 3–5 business days.
Estimated time: 3–5 business days
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Secure affiliation with a licensed Maryland broker. Broker's registration number required on application.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit Online Application
Apply online via MREC. Pay $98 application fee (includes $20 Guaranty Fund).
Estimated time: 2–5 business days processing
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified60 hours from an MREC-approved school, including a mandatory 3-hour real estate ethics component. Coursework valid for 1 year from completion.
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Course (60 hrs — MD real estate law, contracts, financing, titles, appraisals, settlements, property management, fair housing, agency, environmental concerns, real estate math, 3 hrs ethics)
Provider type: MREC-approved schools (in-person and online/distance learning)
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Maryland-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice, in-person only at PSI test centers.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 90 min | 70% |
| State (Maryland) | 30 | 30 min | 70% |
| Total | 110 | 120 min | — |
Retake policy: Unlimited retakes within 1-year education validity window. 24-hour wait between attempts. $44 per attempt. Only failed section needs retaking.
Test centers: Baltimore, College Park, Crofton, Hagerstown, Lanham, Salisbury. Results delivered on-screen immediately.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Maryland real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application/License Fee Note: Maryland OneStop lists $90; official MREC Forms and Fees page (April 2024) lists $98. The $98 figure includes the $20 Guaranty Fund and is the authoritative amount. (Alt: $90 per Maryland OneStop portal) | $98.00 | MREC | |
| Exam Fee (per attempt) | $44.00 | PSI Services | |
| Estimated Total | $142.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or GED
Residency
Not required
Non-residents may obtain a license.
Citizenship
Not explicitly required
Statute does not mandate citizenship. SSN or TIN needed for practical purposes.
Background Check
Self-disclosure
Maryland does NOT require fingerprinting for salesperson applicants. Relies on self-disclosure of criminal history on the application, with case-by-case review by MREC.
Character
Required
Must be of good character and reputation per GBO 17-303(a)(2).
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must have a sponsoring broker before applying. Broker's registration number needed on application.
Reciprocity
Maryland has reciprocity agreements
Type: Limited Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (2)
Pennsylvania
Reciprocal license — must meet MD requirements and pass MD state exam.
Oklahoma
Reciprocal license — must meet MD requirements and pass MD state exam.
All other out-of-state licensees undergo individual Out-of-State License Recognition evaluation (10–12 business days processing). Must pass MD state exam.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
15 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$78.00
First Renewal Notes
Licensees obtaining license after Oct 1, 2023 have 6 mandatory CE topic areas for first renewal totaling 15 hours. Out-of-state CE cannot be substituted.
Deadlines
Biennial from date of issuance. CE must be completed 30 days before renewal date (effective Oct 1, 2024).
Late CE completion results in $168 reinstatement penalty. Transfer to another broker: $28 fee.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Maryland requires 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
SB 542: Brokerage agreement transparency requirements — written agreements mandatory with specific disclosures.
Effective: 2024-10-01 · Affects: requirements
New CE completion deadline: must be done 30 days before renewal date. Late completion results in $168 reinstatement penalty.
Effective: 2024-10-01 · Affects: renewal
NAR settlement: buyer agency agreements now required before showing property in Maryland.
Effective: 2024-08-01 · Affects: requirements
Fee schedule updated. Application fee now $98 (includes $20 Guaranty Fund).
Effective: 2024-04-29 · Affects: fees
Sources
https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mrec/
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https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mrec/mreclic.shtml
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https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/mrec/mrecaff.shtml
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https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mrec/mrecexam.shtml
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https://labor.maryland.gov/license/mrec/mreceducreq.shtml
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gbo§ion=17-303&enactments=false
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mrec/mrecrecip.shtml
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://candidate.psiexams.com
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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