How long does it take to get a Maryland real estate license?

Most people finish in 1 to 3 months. The 60-hour course can be knocked out in 2–4 weeks full-time (or 6–10 weeks part-time), PSI offers exam appointments year-round at five Maryland test centers, and once your broker signs off on your application MREC typically issues the license within days since there's no fingerprint step to wait on.

How much does a Maryland real estate license cost?

Roughly $300–$650 total: $150–$500 for the 60-hour course, $44 for the PSI exam, and $98 for the license application (which includes a $20 payment into Maryland's Real Estate Guaranty Fund — a consumer protection pool all licensees fund). No fingerprinting fee, because Maryland doesn't require it for salespersons.

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

70% on each portion, scored separately — the exam is 110 questions (80 national, 30 Maryland-specific). If you pass one portion and fail the other, you only retake the failed portion. Your passing result is good for one year, so apply for the license before it expires or you'll retest.

Do I need a broker before I can get my Maryland license?

Yes — this one's non-negotiable in Maryland. Your application requires a written commitment from a licensed Maryland broker that you'll affiliate with them, and the license is issued directly under that brokerage. Interview brokerages while you're studying so your application isn't stuck waiting on a signature.

Can I get a Maryland real estate license with a criminal record?

Often, yes. Maryland doesn't fingerprint salesperson applicants; instead you disclose criminal history on the application and MREC evaluates it under its 'good character and reputation' standard, looking at the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and evidence of rehabilitation. Failing to disclose is treated far more harshly than the conviction itself.

Does Maryland have license reciprocity with neighboring states?

Maryland has full reciprocity with Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, and conditional arrangements for licensees from other states — out-of-state agents can often skip the 60-hour course and take only the Maryland law portion of the exam. If you're licensed in DC, Virginia, or Delaware and work the DMV market, ask MREC about the streamlined path before starting from scratch.

Maryland · MD

How to get your Maryland real estate license

Everything you need to earn a Maryland 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 Maryland real estate license

Hours required: 60 hrs
Total cost: $300 – $650
Typical timeline: 4–12 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a Maryland real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Maryland 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: Maryland requires a single 60-hour salesperson pre-licensing course approved by the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) — one of the lighter education loads in the region. Notably, Maryland does not require a high school diploma or GED to qualify. You must apply for the license within one year of passing the exam.

Complete the 60-hour MREC-approved salesperson pre-licensing course (online or classroom)
Pass the course final exam and receive your certificate of completion
Register with PSI and pass both portions of the Maryland salesperson exam ($44 per attempt)
Keep your score report — you have one year from your passing date to apply for the license

Step 3

Pass the Maryland real estate exam

Maryland uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 70% on each portion (national and state), scored separately. The exam fee is $44. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 110 questions total — 80 national + 30 Maryland state law; computer-based at PSI test centers in Baltimore, College Park, Crofton, Hagerstown, and Lanham.

Step 4

Apply for your Maryland license

Pass both exam portions, then obtain a commitment from a licensed Maryland real estate broker — the application requires the broker's sign-off
Apply online with the $98 original license fee (includes a $20 Real Estate Guaranty Fund payment)
Disclose any criminal history on the application — Maryland does NOT require fingerprinting for salesperson applicants; it relies on application disclosure and its good-character requirement
MREC issues the license electronically to your sponsoring broker; you cannot hold an original salesperson license without a broker affiliation, so it issues active under that brokerage

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Maryland 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.

Maryland 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 education	$150 – $500
PSI exam fee	$44 per attempt
License application fee (incl. $20 Guaranty Fund)	$98
Fingerprinting / background check	Not required for salespersons
Estimated total	$300 – $650

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The Maryland Licensing Checklist

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: Every 2 years (tied to your issue date) with a $78 salesperson renewal fee. 15 hours of MREC-approved CE per cycle, including required topics like the MREC legislative update, fair housing, and ethics. No separate post-licensing course..

Moving your license?

See how Maryland handles out-of-state licenses — full reciprocity, partial agreements, recognition, or start-over — and how every other state stacks up.

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