How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Virginia in 2026

Virginia has a well-defined licensing path for a new real estate agent, and the Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB) - operating under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) - runs the whole show. If you know the sequence, there aren't many surprises.

That sequence involves pre-licensing education, a state exam, a background check, and finding a broker willing to sponsor you. Below is exactly what to expect on fees, timelines, and requirements if you're starting this process in 2026.

Baseline Requirements for a Virginia Real Estate License

You need to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. That's the floor. The VREB also requires a background check, and any prior criminal convictions have to be disclosed - the board reviews those individually to decide whether you're eligible to proceed.

Age and Education Prerequisites

You can start your coursework as soon as you're 18 and have your high school credential in hand. For a salesperson license, the state requires 60 hours of Board-approved pre-licensing education covering the principles of real estate practice. If you're thinking ahead to a broker license, that number jumps to 180 hours - but that's a different conversation for later in your career.

Background Checks and Fingerprinting

Virginia uses fingerprint-based background checks for all real estate applicants, and DPOR authorizes two primary vendors. You can walk into a PSI Virginia testing site for electronic fingerprinting at roughly $52, or book an appointment through Fieldprint's Livescan service for about $37.50. Either way, those results need to be on file before the board will process your application.

The Licensing Process for Virginia Real Estate Agents

Three things have to happen before you hold an active license: finish the required coursework, pass the official state exam, and get a sponsoring broker. Everything flows from that 60-hour "Principles of Real Estate" course, which must come from a provider the Virginia Real Estate Board has approved. When you finish, you'll sit for a course-specific final exam before you're eligible to register for the state test.

Passing the Virginia Salesperson Exam

PSI Services LLC administers the official salesperson exam, and the fee is $60 per attempt - paid directly to PSI. The test covers both national real estate concepts and Virginia-specific law, and you have to pass both portions to qualify for a license.

Submitting the Salesperson Application

Once you've passed, you submit your formal application to DPOR. Your fingerprinting results need to already be on file at that point. You'll also need a sponsoring broker - if you apply without one, DPOR issues an inactive license and it stays that way until you affiliate with a recognized brokerage.

Costs Associated With a Virginia Real Estate License

Budget carefully, because the range here is wider than most people expect. Pre-licensing courses in Virginia typically run roughly $150 to $500, though depending on the school and format, you might find options as low as about $99 or as high as around $764.

On top of tuition: the PSI exam costs $60 each time you sit for it, and the salesperson license application fee is $244.50, which includes a $7.25 annual technology fee that took effect on July 1, 2026. All in, most people spend somewhere between $450 and $800 to get through the full process.

Selecting a Brokerage to Hold Your License

Your license stays inactive until a managing broker agrees to sponsor you. That relationship matters more than most new agents realize - it shapes where you work, how you get paid, and how much support you actually get in those first couple of years.

Brokerages break down into two broad camps: large national franchises and smaller local boutique firms. Franchises tend to offer more structured training programs; boutiques often provide closer mentorship. Neither is automatically better - it depends on how you learn and what you need when you're starting out.

When you're talking to potential brokers, pay attention to commission splits, monthly desk fees, and what kind of lead generation support they offer. Interview more than one before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it total in fees and coursework to get a real estate license in Virginia?

Plan on somewhere between $450 and $800 for the full process. That breaks down as roughly $150 to $500 for the 60-hour pre-licensing course, $60 for the PSI exam, $37.50 to $52 for fingerprinting, and $244.50 for the DPOR application fee.

How long does it take to complete the real estate licensing process in Virginia?

It depends on your schedule and how seriously you study. Most applicants wrap up the 60 hours of coursework, pass the PSI exam, and clear the background check within two to four months.

Can I still get a Virginia real estate license if I have a criminal record?

Possibly. DPOR reviews criminal records on a case-by-case basis during the fingerprinting and background check process - there's no blanket answer here.

Do I need a sponsoring broker before I can take the Virginia real estate exam?

No. You can finish the 60-hour course and pass the PSI exam without a sponsor lined up. Just know that if you submit your final application without one, DPOR will issue an inactive license and it won't activate until you have a broker on board.

What happens if I fail the Virginia real estate salesperson exam on the first try?

You can retake it. You'll pay the $60 exam fee to PSI again for each subsequent attempt.