In order to kickstart your real estate career in Maine, it’s essential to obtain a Maine Real Estate License. However, despite the fact that the application process is mainly completed online nowadays, many applicants can still find it quite confusing and complicated.
For this reason, this How to Get a Real Estate License in Maine article will break down the main steps involved in the licensing process, covering everything from educational requirements to exam preparation and having your fingerprints taken.
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Maine Real Estate License
In order to get your Maine real estate license and start working in the real estate industry, there are several key steps you’ll need to complete, including:
- Ensuring You Meet the Licensing Eligibility Requirements
- Completing the Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
- Passing the Maine Real Estate Exam
- Submitting a License Application
In the sections below, we’ve explored each of these steps in more detail.
Step 1: Meet the Maine Real Estate License Requirements
Before continuing ahead with your application for a Maine real estate license, you’ll first need to confirm that you’re actually eligible for it by ensuring you meet the following prerequisites:
- You will have to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent
- You will have to be at least 18 years of age at the time you apply for the license
- You will have to demonstrate a reputation for honesty, truthfulness, fair-dealing, and competency
Note: A reciprocal license will be issued to individuals who hold an active real estate license in a jurisdiction with equivalent licensing requirements; these individuals will have to affiliate with a licensed Maine real estate agency in order to provide brokerage services.
Step 2: Complete the Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
In addition to the general requirements outlined above, there are certain educational prerequisites you’ll be expected to meet in order to be able to apply for a Maine real estate license.
In particular, under §13200 and Rule Chapters 360 Section (4)(3) and 390 Section (1), you will be required to complete a 55-hour pre-license course that’s titled “The Sales Agent Course.”
To officially “pass” and complete the course, you will need to obtain a minimum score of 75% on the final test.
Important
Even though completing the courses is mandatory, it would be a mistake to think of this step as just “checking a box”. This is because your pre-licensing education is what will prepare you to both pass your exam and become a better real estate agent.
For this reason, we always encourage our readers to invest in high-quality and reliable courses, as their study materials (like real estate practice tests and flashcards) can be invaluable during the exam prep stage.
On top of this, some of the top courses also offer money-back guarantees in the event that you do not pass your exam on your first attempt after taking their course.
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Step 3: Pass the Maine Real Estate Exam
The next step you’ll need to complete is to pass the Maine Real Estate Exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE.
This exam is divided into two parts: the general practice portion, consisting of 80 scored items, and the Maine Law portion, which includes 40 scored items.
You will have a total of 2.5 hours to complete the general practice portion and 1.5 hours to complete the Maine Law portion; both sections require a minimum passing score of 75%.
In order to schedule your real estate exam, you’ll need to head over to the Pearson VUE website and make an online reservation. If this is your first time using the platform, you’ll be required to create an account, after which you’ll be shown step-by-step instructions on how to complete the reservation.
Alternatively, you can schedule your examination via phone by calling Pearson VUE directly at (877) 543-5220.
Please note that you will need to pay a non-refundable and non-transferable examination fee of $85 in order for your registration to be processed.
It’s important to remember that you will need to sit for the Maine Real Estate Exam within one year of completing your pre-licensing course.
You will also need to submit your application within one year of passing your exam (in order to avoid having to retake it).
Step 4: Submit a License Application
After passing the state real estate exam and satisfying all other licensing requirements, you’ll be ready to move onto submitting your license application. This can be done in one of two ways:
- Online Submission: You can submit your application online through the Maine Real Estate Commission’s licensing portal. Once there, you will need to select the Sales Agent license option to start the application process. You will need to attach your Sales Agent Course Completion Certificate and Sales Agent exam results in order for your application to be processed
- Mail Submission: Alternatively, you can download the Individual License Application form, complete it, and either mail it or drop it off at the following address:
- State of Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333
Regardless of the submission method chosen, you will need to pay an Application fee of $100 and a Criminal Records Check Fee of $21.
This is because the Commission conducts a mandatory background check to ensure the integrity and safety of the real estate profession.
Step 5: Application Review
If you’ve managed to get this far, congratulations! With your application submitted and all the other licensing requirements satisfied, in most cases you should receive a letter from the Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation containing a license document within five business days (although this can vary depending on the current volume of applications).
Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!
Note: You can monitor the status of your application on the Maine Professional Licensing website; once your license status changes from PENDING to ACTIVE, you will be authorized to practice real estate.
Maine Real Estate License Renewal
In order to keep your license valid and continue working as a real estate sales agent, you’ll need to renew your license every two years.
The renewal date is set on the anniversary of the original license issuance, and it requires a biennial renewal fee of $100.
Keep in mind that you will receive an email reminder from the Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation at least 30 days before your license expires, and you can renew it online through the Real Estate Commission’s Licensing Portal.
Note: To be allowed to renew your real estate license, you need to have completed at least 21 hours of approved Continuing Education during the previous renewal period; out of these, three hours must be from a mandatory core course chosen by the MREC.
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Maine Professional & Financial Regulation
Mailing Address:
Maine Real Estate Commission
35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0035
Phone: (207) 624-8521
Fax: (207) 624-8637
Email: rlestate.com@maine.gov
Website: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/real-estate-commission
Maine Real Estate License FAQ
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Maine?
The time it takes to become a real estate agent in Maine can vary, but generally, you can expect to complete the process in a few months.
For more information on this topic, you can have a look at our How to Get a Real Estate License in Maine guide.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Maine?
To get a real estate license in Maine, you will need to pay $85 to Pearson VUE for the licensing exam and $121 to the Maine Real Estate Commission for the records check and license application fee.
Additionally, you will need to pay for a real estate pre-licensing course, which typically costs between $200 and $600, depending on the provider.
Interested in finding out more? You can have a look at our state specific How to Get a Real Estate License guide.
How hard is the real estate exam in Maine?
The Maine real estate licensing exam is generally considered challenging as it covers a broad range of topics and requires a thorough understanding of both general real estate practices and Maine-specific laws.
Having said that, if you allocate sufficient time for study and review all required materials thoroughly, you can significantly increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Interested in advancing your career and getting an associate broker license? Real Estate Sales agents can have a look at our How to Get a Broker License in Maine guide.
What do you need to get your real estate license in Maine?
To get your real estate license in Maine, you will need to be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), complete a 55-hour pre-licensing course, and pass the Sales Agent licensing examination.
Once these steps are completed, you will need to submit your license application — along with the required fees — to the Maine Real Estate Commission.
