How to Get a Real Estate License in Maryland

In order to kickstart your real estate career in Maryland, it’s essential to obtain a Maryland 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 Maryland 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.

Maryland Real Estate License

In order to get your Maryland real estate license and start working in the real estate industry, there are several key steps you’ll need to complete, including:

1. Ensuring You Meet the Licensing Eligibility Requirements
2. Completing the Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
3. Passing the Maryland Real Estate Exam
4. Finding a Sponsoring Broker
5. Submitting a License Application

In the sections below, we’ve explored each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Meet the Maryland Real Estate License Requirements

Before continuing ahead with your application for a Maryland real estate license, you’ll first need to confirm that you’re actually eligible for it by ensuring you meet the following prerequisites:

• You must be at least 18 years old when you submit your application
• You will need to demonstrate good character and possess a reputable background

The Maryland Real Estate Commission, which will be responsible for processing your application, is also required to govern real estate laws, apply regulations equally to all, and impartially conduct disciplinary actions.

Note: A felony or misdemeanor conviction will not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a real estate license; in fact, the state’s Real Estate Commission advises everyone to apply, as each case is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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 Maryland real estate license.

In particular, you will need to complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education that has been approved by the Maryland Real Estate Commission.

This can be completed in various formats, including in-person classes, online courses, video conferencing, and self-paced study programs.

It’s important to note that within these 60 hours, the Commission has specifically incorporated a 3-hour course on real estate ethics, which is designed to ensure that all professionals adhere to the highest standards of practice.

Once you successfully complete the course, your chosen education provider will submit your results to PSI (which is the state’s designated exam administrator), after which you’ll have one year to take the exam.

Step 3: Pass the Maryland Real Estate Exam

The next step you’ll need to complete is to pass the Maryland Real Estate exam, which is administered by PSI and is divided into two parts: a National portion and a State portion.

Below we’ve provided a brief overview of each one:

• National Portion: This section consists of 80 questions and allows a total of 90 minutes to complete them; to pass, you will have to achieve a minimum score of 56 out of 80
• State Portion: This section consists of 30 questions with a time allowance of 30 minutes; to pass, you will have to achieve a minimum score of 21 out of 30

In order to schedule your real estate exam, you’ll need to head over to the PSI 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 register by phone by calling PSI directly at (855) 744-0318.

Keep in mind that you will need to pay a non-refundable fee of $44 for each exam attempt — regardless of whether you are sitting for both portions or just one.

Note: You must take this final exam within one year of the date you completed the pre-licensing course — failing to do so will result in you having to redo this requirement.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker

All Maryland real estate agents are required to find a sponsoring broker in order to obtain an “active” license. This is a licensed real estate broker who supervises and mentors you, ensuring you comply with essential legal and ethical standards.

While a legal requirement, it’s important you don’t treat this as just a rule you need to follow.

This is because these real estate brokers provide essential professional assistance, training, and access to valuable networks that will help you to learn the industry, avoid pitfalls, and grow your business effectively.

Note: If you haven’t found a sponsoring broker but wish to move forward with your application, it will be issued in “inactive” status; it’s important to note that this does not qualify you to operate as a real estate agent.

Step 5: 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 apply for your license online by visiting the Maryland Department of Labor’s official website. Once there, you’ll need to create an account and select the “real estate salesperson license” option to proceed with your application
• Request a Paper Application: If you prefer to submit a paper application, you will need to email dlmrec-labor@maryland.gov to request all of the necessary forms

Regardless of the method you choose, you will need to pay a fee of $98 in order to submit your application.

Note: Once you’ve applied for an original license and chosen to place it on inactive status, you will have up to three years from the date the license was made inactive to affiliate with a licensed broker.

Step 6: 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 Maryland Real Estate Commission containing a license document within two to five business days (depending on the thoroughness of your application and the current workload of the Commission).

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: Your license may take up to 14 business days to be issued.

Maryland 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 process requires completing 15 hours of mandatory continuing education in the following topics:

• Contracts
• Principles of Brokerage Relationships and Disclosure Requirements for Sellers
• Principles of Real Estate Practice
• Property Management and Landlord and Tenant Laws
• Professionalism
• Real Estate Financing

These mandatory topics cannot be substituted and must be completed before submitting a renewal application.

To renew your license, you will need to submit your application online and pay a $78 renewal fee to the Maryland Department of Labor.

Maryland Department of Labor

Mailing Address: 

Maryland Real Estate Commission
1100 North Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone: (410) 230-6200

Fax: (410) 333-0023

Email: dlmrec-labor@maryland.gov

Website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mrec/