Washington, D.C. Salesperson Reciprocity Requirements
If you’re already a licensed real estate agent, the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission may recognize your salesperson or broker status from a different state. This expedited licensing process is called reciprocity, and when used, will cost you less time and money to become an agent in D.C.
If you’re already licensed in another state, according to the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, you’ll still have to meet some basic D.C. requirements.
You must be a high school graduate or the holder of a high school equivalency certificate.
You must not have had a real estate application denied within the last year, other than failure to pass the required examination.
You must not have had a real estate license suspended or revoked in D.C. or elsewhere.
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You’ll also need:
A 2” x 2” photo passport-style photo in .jpeg format;
An unexpired government-issued form of identification; and
A debit or credit card to cover fees associated with the licensing process.
Additionally, licensed real estate agents seeking reciprocity must:
Have two (2) years’ experience as a licensed salesperson. The active license must immediately precede the application date;
Complete a 3-hour D.C. Real Estate Commission-approved fair housing course;
Complete a 3-hour D.C. property management course;
Submit an application and fees to the Commission within six months of examination; and
Submit a letter of license certification from the original licensing state with official seal, dated within 90 days.
D.C. License Portability and Reciprocity
Portability: Physical Location
Reciprocity: Full - All states
Here are the steps to obtain your D.C. Real Estate License through reciprocity:
Salesperson:
You must meet or exceed the District’s 60-hr. Pre-Licensing education requirements in the jurisdictions from which you’re applying.
Complete a 3-hour DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC) approved Fair Housing course and a 3-hour DC property management course.
You’re required to pass the state (D.C.) portion of the Salesperson exam with a minimum 75% passing score.
You must submit the original letter of license certification from your licensing jurisdiction. The certification letter has to be dated within 90 days and contain the official seal. Pocket cards and license copies will not be accepted.
Broker:
Broker applicants must meet The District’s 135-hr. requirement plus submit two consecutive years of active sales experience immediately preceding the application.
You must complete a 3-hour DC Real Estate Commission (DCREC) approved Fair Housing course and a 3-hour DC Real Estate Commission approved 3-hour Property Management course.
You need to earn a passing score (75%+) on the D.C. portion of the Broker exam.
You must submit an application for a license to the Commission with the required fees within six months of passing the examination, including the original letter of license certification from your licensing jurisdiction.
For more information on obtaining a reciprocal real estate license in D.C, visit the D.C Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ website.
Tips for Getting Your Washington, D.C. Reciprocity Completed Faster
Having your application and supporting documents ready to go will help your licensing request be completed more quickly. Make sure that the dates of your documents are within the mandatory time frame and are sealed appropriately. Once you are ready to apply, register on the Access DC website.
States Where Washington, D.C. Agents Commonly Get Another License
Some Washington, D.C. real estate agents become licensed in additional states to grow their business. The following states, most of which are near Washington, D.C., are some of the more common states in which agents have dual licenses.
