How long does it take to get a real estate license in Washington, D.C.?

Most people go from enrollment to license in about 4 to 10 weeks. The 60-hour course is the long pole — two to six weeks depending on your pace — and PSI exam appointments in the DC metro area are usually available within days. Just don't dawdle after passing: you have 6 months to submit your application before your exam results expire.

How much does a DC real estate license cost?

Roughly $460 to $800 all-in. Typical numbers: $200-$500 for the 60-hour course, $61.50 for the PSI exam (one fee covers both portions), a $65 application fee, and a $130 two-year salesperson license fee paid to DLCP.

What score do I need to pass the DC real estate exam?

75% on each portion. The PSI exam has 80 scored national questions and 30 scored DC-specific questions, and you must pass both. If you fail one portion, you only retake that portion — and note that PSI's single $61.50 fee structure covers a sitting whether it's one portion or both.

Do I need a sponsoring broker to get licensed in DC?

Yes — DC requires sponsorship by an active DC-licensed broker, and your salesperson license is issued under that broker. Interview brokerages while you're taking the 60-hour course so the sponsorship is ready when you apply, especially since you're working against the 6-month post-exam application deadline.

Can I get a DC real estate license with a felony or criminal record?

A record isn't an automatic bar. DC doesn't fingerprint salesperson applicants; instead, you answer disclosure questions on the application and submit court documentation for anything you report. The Real Estate Commission evaluates each case individually — the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all factor in. Full disclosure is essential.

I'm licensed in Maryland or Virginia — can I get a DC license faster?

Often, yes. Because the DMV market straddles three jurisdictions, DC offers a path for agents already licensed in another state: applicants with a current license who passed a comparable national exam can typically qualify by passing just the DC-law portion of the PSI exam, skipping the repeat 60 hours of education. Check the current PSI candidate bulletin and DLCP guidance for the exact endorsement requirements before scheduling.

Washington, D.C. · DC

How to get your Washington, D.C. real estate license

Everything you need to earn a Washington, D.C. salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.

Requirements last verified July 8, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.

Quick answer · Verified July 8, 2026

How to get a Washington, D.C. real estate license

Hours required: 60 hrs
Total cost: $460 – $800
Typical timeline: 4–10 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a Washington, D.C. real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Washington, D.C. real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Step 2

Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: The District requires a 60-hour salesperson pre-licensing course from a provider approved by the DC Real Estate Commission (part of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, DLCP). Because so many DC agents also work Maryland and Virginia, many schools sell multi-jurisdiction packages — but the 60 DC hours must be DC-approved coursework.

Complete the 60-hour DC salesperson pre-licensing course with a DC Real Estate Commission-approved education provider (online or classroom).
Pass the course final exam and obtain your certificate of completion.
Register with PSI (psiexams.com) and schedule the DC Real Estate Salesperson exam — one $61.50 fee covers the sitting whether you take one portion or both.
Pass both the national and DC portions of the PSI exam with at least 75% on each.

Step 3

Pass the Washington, D.C. real estate exam

Washington, D.C. uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 75% on each portion (national and DC). The exam fee is $61.5. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: Computer-based at PSI test centers (including the DC metro area) or via remote online proctoring. 80 scored national questions plus 30 scored DC-law questions; the $61.50 exam fee covers one or both portions and payment is valid for one year..

Step 4

Apply for your Washington, D.C. license

Pass both portions of the PSI exam, then watch the calendar: DC requires you to submit your license application within 6 months of passing, or your exam results expire and you retest.
Secure sponsorship from an active DC-licensed real estate broker — your license is issued under your sponsoring broker, so you need the brokerage relationship locked in at application time.
Apply through the DLCP/PSI licensing portal and pay the fees: $65 application fee plus the $130 salesperson license fee.
Answer the criminal-history and license-discipline disclosure questions; DC does not fingerprint salesperson applicants, but you must provide documentation (court records, dispositions) for anything you disclose, and the Commission reviews it case-by-case.
Upload your 60-hour course completion certificate and exam score report with the application.
Once approved, your license is issued as active under your sponsoring broker; licenses then renew on the District's fixed two-year cycle.

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Washington, D.C. license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.

Washington, D.C. real estate license cost breakdown

Here's a realistic estimate of everything you'll pay to earn your license. Course price is the largest variable — state fees are fixed.

Cost breakdown
Item	Amount
60-hour pre-licensing course (typical online price)	$300
PSI exam fee (covers both portions in one sitting)	$61.50
DLCP application fee	$65
Salesperson license fee (two-year license)	$130
Estimated total	$556.50

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: 2 years — DC salesperson licenses run on a fixed cycle ending February 28 of odd-numbered years, with 15 hours of Commission-approved CE required each cycle (including required fair housing coursework)..

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