New York · NY
How to get your New York real estate license
Everything you need to earn a New York salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.
Requirements last verified July 6, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.
Quick answer · Verified July 6, 2026
How to get a New York real estate license
- Hours required
- 77 hrs
- Total cost
- $300 – $650
- Typical timeline
- 8–20 weeks
- Minimum age
- 18+
Confirm you're eligible for a New York real estate license
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a New York real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.
Complete 77 hours of pre-licensing education
Note: 77-hour qualifying course (raised from 75 hours effective Dec 21, 2022; old 75-hour grads can add a 2-hour fair housing/implicit bias course). School-administered proctored final exam required in addition to the state exam.
- Complete the 77-hour qualifying course at a NY Department of State-approved school
- Pass the school's proctored final exam for your completion certificate
- Create an eAccessNY account and schedule the state exam ($15/attempt)
- Pass the state exam: 75 questions, 90 minutes, 70% to pass (result valid 2 years)
Pass the New York real estate exam
New York uses NY Department of State, Division of Licensing Services (via eAccessNY at state exam sites) to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 70%. The exam fee is $15. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 75 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes; pass/fail only.
Apply for your New York license
- Secure a sponsoring broker — required before your license can be issued (education and exam can come first)
- Apply through eAccessNY with the $65 fee
- Your sponsoring broker authorizes the application from their own eAccessNY account
- Answer background/legal questions; DOS issues the 2-year license
Find a sponsoring broker
Your New York 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.
New York 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.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $180 – $500 |
| State exam fee | $15 per attempt |
| Application fee | $65 |
| Fingerprinting | Not required for salespersons |
| Estimated total | $300 – $650 |
Free download
The New York Licensing Checklist
Every step, fee, and deadline on one page. Print it, tape it to your desk, and check items off as you go.
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Our top pick
The CE Shop — New York Pre-Licensing
Approved for New York. 100% online, self-paced coursework with real state-by-state pass-rate reporting.
- State-approved & state-specific curriculum
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Frequently asked questions
Renewal: 2 years; 22.5 hours CE per cycle including fair housing, ethics, agency, and implicit bias topics.
Moving your license?
See how New York handles out-of-state licenses — full reciprocity, partial agreements, recognition, or start-over — and how every other state stacks up.