Basic Eligibility and Getting Started

The District of Columbia Real Estate Commission requires all applicants to meet a few baseline standards before enrolling in any coursework. You must be at least 18 years old to hold a real estate license in the city. You also need a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate.

Applicants must be able to read, write, and understand English. The Commission also reviews past disciplinary actions, meaning you cannot have a real estate license suspended or revoked in another jurisdiction. If you had a real estate application denied within the past year for reasons other than failing the exam, you will not be eligible.

Before you invest money in classes, you should review your background and ensure you meet these baseline rules. The application process includes a background check, and any major legal or financial issues could delay or prevent your approval.

Completing Your Pre-Licensing Education

Every new agent in the District must complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education. You can take these classes in person or online, as long as the provider is officially approved by the DC Real Estate Commission.

The curriculum focuses primarily on consumer protection, contracts, fair housing, and local finance laws.

The 60-hour course is not designed to teach you sales tactics or marketing strategies. Instead, it ensures you understand the legal obligations of representing buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction. You will learn about agency relationships, property disclosures, and the specific rules the Commission expects you to follow once licensed.

At the end of the 60 hours, you must pass the course provider's final exam. Passing this test earns you a completion certificate, which you need to register for the official state exam. Keep this document safe, as you will upload it during the final application phase.

Passing the Real Estate Exam and Finding a Broker

The official licensing exam is administered by a testing company called PSI and costs $69 per attempt. The test is divided into two sections: a national portion covering general real estate principles and a state portion focused specifically on Washington, DC law.

You must score at least 75% on both sections to pass.

You have a total of four hours to complete the exam. The national section contains 80 questions, while the state-specific section contains 30 questions. If you fail one portion but pass the other, you only need to retake the failed section.

Passing the exam does not automatically make you an active agent. You must select a sponsoring broker to hold your license. You cannot legally practice real estate in the District without this affiliation.

Applying for Your License and Reciprocity

The final application fee for a new salesperson license is $295, submitted through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) online portal. This total includes a $65 application fee, a $170 license fee, and a $60 fee for the Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund. You must submit your application and pay these fees within six months of passing the PSI exam.

When you apply, you will upload your education certificate, your passing exam score report, and documentation from your sponsoring broker. The state will also process your background check during this phase. Once the DLCP approves your application, your broker will receive your active license, and you can begin representing clients.

If you already hold an active real estate license in Maryland, Virginia, or another state, you can apply through endorsement or reciprocity. Agents licensed outside of DC must complete a 3-hour DC Fair Housing course and a 3-hour Property Management course. You will also need to pass the state-specific portion of the PSI exam and provide a letter of certification from your original licensing jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Washington, DC?

The timeline depends on your personal schedule and how fast you finish the 60 hours of coursework. Most people complete the education, pass the exam, and clear the background check within three to four months. Online, self-paced courses allow some students to finish in as little as 30 days.

How much does it cost to get a DC real estate license?

You should budget around $600 to $800 total for the entire process. The application fee is $295, and the PSI exam costs $69 per attempt. The 60-hour pre-licensing course usually ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the school you choose.

Can I take the 60-hour pre-licensing course online?

Yes, the DC Real Estate Commission allows students to complete their education online. The course must be taken through an approved provider. Online options include both live virtual classrooms and self-paced modules.