Texas · TX
How to get your Texas real estate license
Everything you need to earn a Texas 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 Texas real estate license
- Hours required
- 180 hrs
- Total cost
- $650 – $1,500
- Typical timeline
- 8–24 weeks
- Minimum age
- 18+
Confirm you're eligible for a Texas real estate license
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Texas real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.
Complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education
Note: Six 30-hour qualifying courses: Principles of Real Estate I & II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance (180 hours — the most of any state)
- Confirm eligibility: at least 18, U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and able to meet TREC's honesty/trustworthiness/integrity standards (no Texas residency required)
- Complete 180 hours of TREC-approved qualifying education (six 30-hour courses)
- Have course completion certificates filed with TREC
- Consider exam prep — roughly 57% pass the exam on the first attempt
Pass the Texas real estate exam
Texas uses Pearson VUE to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of National: 56/85; State: 21/40 (each portion passed independently). The exam fee is $43. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 125 questions total: 85 national (150 min) + 40 state (90 min), computer-based.
Apply for your Texas license
- Apply to TREC online through the REALM portal — $206 application fee (fee schedule effective Dec 15, 2025)
- Fingerprint through IdentoGO by IDEMIA (~$38.25) for state and federal background check
- Receive TREC eligibility letter, then schedule with Pearson VUE ($43/attempt); you have one year from filing to finish
- Pass both portions — license issues INACTIVE; a sponsoring broker must accept you in TREC's system to activate
Find a sponsoring broker
Your Texas 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.
Texas 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 | $350 – $1,000 |
| TREC application fee | $206 |
| Fingerprinting (IdentoGO) | ~$38 |
| Pearson VUE exam fee | $43 per attempt |
| Estimated total | $650 – $1,500 |
Free download
The Texas 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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Frequently asked questions
Renewal: Every 2 years; first renewal requires 90 hours of SAE courses + Legal Update I & II; then 18 hours CE per cycle.
Moving your license?
See how Texas handles out-of-state licenses — full reciprocity, partial agreements, recognition, or start-over — and how every other state stacks up.