How to Get a Real Estate License in Virginia

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

Virginia Real Estate License

In order to get your Virginia 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 Virginia Real Estate Exam
4. Passing a Background Check
5. Submitting a License Application

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

Step 1: Meet the Virginia Real Estate License Requirements

Before continuing ahead with your application for a Virginia 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 need to be at least 18 years of age
• You will need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent

Note: If you are currently licensed as a real estate professional in another state and your license has not expired, you will only be required to pass the state-specific portion of the Virginia real estate examination.

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 Virginia real estate license.

In particular, you’ll be expected to complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board, which delves into important areas such as property laws, ethics, real estate finance, and contract management.

This course is offered both online and in traditional classroom settings, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your learning style and schedule.

Step 3: Pass the Virginia Real Estate Exam

The next step you’ll need to complete is to pass the Virginia real estate exam, which is administered by PSI.

This exam is divided into two sections, which you have the option to take together within a total time frame of 150 minutes:

• National Portion: This part consists of 80 scored questions and covers broad real estate principles and practices relevant across the United States
• State-Specific Portion: This section, specific to Virginia, consists of 40 scored questions and focuses on the unique legal and regulatory aspects of the Virginia real estate market

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 also schedule your examination via phone by calling PSI at (855) 340-3910.

Please note that the examination fee is $60, regardless of whether you take one or both test sections.

Keep in mind that passing exam scores only remain valid for one year from the date you took the test. This means that you’ll need to apply for your license within this timeframe in order to avoid having to retake the exam.

Step 4: Pass the Background Check

Prior to submitting your license application, you will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based background check.

This check will be conducted by the Virginia Central Criminal Records Exchange in order to access both state and national criminal history records and can be completed in one of two ways:

• PSI Testing Locations: You can have your fingerprints at the same location where you will take your real estate exam, either during regular testing hours or at a scheduled appointment specifically for fingerprinting. The fee for this service is $52, payable to PSI
• Fieldprint Services: Alternatively, you can use Fieldprint for your fingerprinting needs by visiting their website, clicking the “Schedule an Appointment” button, and entering the specific Fieldprint Code for your license type, which is “FPDPORRES” for Real Estate Salespersons

In both cases, the processing of your fingerprints typically takes between four and six weeks. Once your background check has been cleared, you’ll need to submit your completed application to the Board within 45 calendar days.

If the application is not received within this timeframe, you’ll be required to complete this fingerprinting process before your license can be issued.

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.

To do this, you will need to download the Salesperson License Application Form, complete it, and mail it to the following address:

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Real Estate Board
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233-1485

Along with your completed application, you must also include a $170 licensing fee made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

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 communication from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation within one month.

Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!

Virginia 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.

To do this, you will need to complete a total of 16 hours of Continuing Education, which must include:

• Ethics & Standards of Conduct (3 hours)
• Fair Housing (2 hours)
• Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (1 hour)
• Real Estate Agency (1 hour)
• Real Estate Contracts (1 hour)

The remaining eight hours can be fulfilled with electives or additional coursework in any of the subjects mentioned above.

We always encourage our readers to think of the post licensing course they take as an investment in their future career — higher quality, more reliable course content is a central part of ensuring you continue to grow professionally.

Once you’ve completed the required Continuing Education, you’ll be eligible to renew your Virginia real estate sales agent license, which can be done either online or by mail.

To renew your license online, you will need to visit the DPOR website, log in to your online account, and complete the following steps:

1. Click on the “Renew License” link
2. Enter your license number and the expiration date
3. Pay the renewal fee of $65

Alternatively, if you opt to renew your license by mail, you’ll need to download the renewal form from the DPOR website, fill it out, and send it to the following address:

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233-1485

Along with the completed form, you’ll also need to include a copy of your Continuing Education completion certificate and a $65 renewal fee.

Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Mailing Address: 

Virginia Real Estate Board
9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233

Phone: (804) 367-8526

Fax: (866) 826-8863

Email: REBoard@dpor.virginia.gov

Website: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Real-Estate