How to Get Your Real Estate License in New York (2026): Cost, Timeline & Requirements
Everything the Department of State requires before you can start selling homes in New York — including the lowest exam fee in the country.
New York has one of the largest and most active real estate markets in the country, and getting licensed here is more approachable than you might expect. Compared to states like Texas or California, New York requires fewer education hours and charges the lowest exam fee in the nation.
Here’s exactly what the New York Department of State (DOS) requires in 2026.
Meet New York’s Basic Requirements
Before you enroll in a course, make sure you qualify. The Department of State requires that you:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have legal U.S. work authorization
- Hold a current NYS photo driver’s license or non-driver ID card
New York has no residency requirement — you don’t need to live in the state to apply.
Complete the 77-Hour Pre-License Course
New York requires a single 77-hour DOS-approved salesperson course, covering real estate principles, law, finance, and agency. The curriculum was expanded in 2022 to include fair housing, implicit bias, and cultural competency modules.
You’ll need to pass the course’s own final exam with 70% or higher before you’re eligible to sit for the state exam. Most students complete the full 77 hours in 2–4 weeks studying part-time — online courses let you move at your own pace. Budget $300–$700 for the course itself, depending on the provider.
Which New York course is actually worth it?
We compare pricing, pass rates, and format for every DOS-approved provider.
See New York Course Comparison →Pass the New York Real Estate Exam
Once you’ve completed your course and passed its final, you’re eligible to schedule the state exam through the eAccessNY portal. Here’s what to expect:
- 75 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute time limit
- Passing score: 70% (53 of 75 correct) — New York reports pass/fail only, not a numerical score
- $15 exam fee per attempt — the lowest of any state in the country, making retakes very affordable
- No mandatory waiting period between retakes
- Testing is proctored in person at locations within New York State
The first-time pass rate is roughly 70% statewide — solid odds, especially since the $15 retake fee means a failed attempt won’t set you back much financially.
Submit Your Application & Get Fingerprinted
After passing the exam, log into eAccessNY to complete your salesperson application:
- License application fee: $65
- Fingerprinting: roughly $35–$56
- Upload your course completion certificate as part of the application
Processing typically takes 5–15 business days once submitted.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
A New York salesperson cannot operate independently — you must be sponsored by a licensed broker to activate your license. Many candidates start reaching out to brokerages while finishing their coursework, so they’re ready to go the moment they’re licensed.
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing course (77 hrs) | $300–$700 |
| Exam fee | $15 (per attempt) |
| License application | $65 |
| Fingerprinting | $35–$56 |
| Total | ~$310–$700+ |
What Happens After You’re Licensed?
New York licenses renew every 2 years. Renewal requires 22.5 hours of continuing education, covering mandatory topics in fair housing, agency, ethics, and implicit bias. You’re eligible to renew up to three months before your expiration date, so it’s worth planning your CE hours well ahead of the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking at other states?
Licensing requirements, costs, and timelines vary a lot from state to state.