If you want to become a real estate agent in Minnesota, you must earn your real estate license.

This article will tell you how to get your license, step-by-step.

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Minnesota

Below are the necessary steps you need to complete to get your license and start your new career.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you start the licensing process, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Be prepared to undergo a background check
• High school diploma or equivalent

Once you confirm that you meet these prerequisites, you’re ready to begin the pre-licensing education required to apply for a Minnesota real estate license.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

The first step to obtaining your Minnesota real estate license is completing 90 hours of pre-licensing education from a state-approved school. 

This coursework is divided into three 30-hour courses, each designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed. Here is an overview of the topics covered:

Course 1: Real Estate Principles and Practices

• The basics of real estate transactions
• Roles and responsibilities of real estate professionals
• Types of property ownership and real estate interests
• Real estate contracts and forms

Course 2: Minnesota Real Estate Laws and Regulations

• Minnesota’s statutes governing real estate activities
• Legal obligations of agents and brokers
• Fair Housing laws and ethical practices
• Licensing requirements and prohibited activities

Course 3: Property Management and Real Estate Finance

• Property valuation and appraisal methods
• Overview of mortgages, loans, and financing
• Principles of property management
• How to manage real estate investments

These courses are available online and in-person through approved providers, offering flexibility to study at your own pace.

If you want to enroll in a real estate school, we partnered with Kaplan to provide exceptional real estate courses to Minnesota students. 

Sign up through US Realty Training and get a discount.

Step 3: Apply for the Minnesota Real Estate Exam

Once you complete the 90 hours of education, the next step is to apply for the Minnesota real estate licensing exam. 

The exam is managed by Pearson VUE, and here's how you can apply:

1. Create an account with Pearson VUE: Visit the Pearson VUE website and create an account to register for the exam.
2. Submit your application: Provide the following documents:some text
   • Completion certificate for the 90-hour pre-licensing education
   • Personal identification (driver’s license or passport)
   • Your contact information
3. Pay the exam fee: The fee for the exam is $63, payable during registration.

Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on scheduling your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or an online proctored exam.

Step 4: Pass the Minnesota Real Estate Exam

The Minnesota real estate exam consists of two sections, and you must pass both to obtain your license.

• National Section: 80 multiple-choice questions covering general real estate principles.
• Minnesota-Specific Section: 50 multiple-choice questions focused on state laws and practices.

You’ll have 4 hours to complete the entire exam, which gives you enough time to carefully review your answers. 

The duration of the national section is 150 minutes (2.5 hours), and for the State section, the time is 90 minutes (1.5 hours). You need at least 75% on each section to pass.

We provide a Michigan real estate crash course and exam prep package to make studying and passing easy. This program provides 8+ hours of video content that explains concepts, vocabulary, historical events, and laws on the exam. 

You get unlimited practice exams, vocab flashcards, an eBook study guide, and 2,000+ question and answer videos.

Step 5: Get Fingerprinted and Undergo a Background Check

All applicants must complete a background check as part of the licensing process. 

Visit an approved fingerprinting site, submit your fingerprints, and pay the required fee of approximately $30-$50. 

Processing can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.

Step 6: Apply for Your Minnesota Real Estate License

After passing the exam, the next step is to submit your license application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. 

In your application, you must include

• Proof of exam completion
• License application
• Confirmation of a sponsoring brokerage
• Application fee $100

Ensuring that all your documents are accurate and complete will help avoid any delays in processing your license.

Once your application is approved, you are an active agent.

FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in Minnesota

Below are the most common questions we receive from students who are becoming a real estate agent in Minnesota.

How much do Minnesota real estate agents make?

The average salary for real estate agents in Minnesota can vary widely based on experience, market conditions, and property type. 

According to CareerExplorer, the median annual income is approximately $37,200, though more experienced agents in the 90th percentile can earn up to $96,530 per year. 

Salary.com provides a slightly different picture, showing that the typical median income for real estate agents and realtors in the state is around $107,531. These figures highlight how earnings can increase with experience and performance​.

This variation underscores that real estate is a performance-based industry—your income will depend heavily on the volume and value of your transactions, market specialization, and networking efforts.

How much does a Minnesota real estate license cost?

Expect to spend between $600 and $800 to get licensed. This includes:

• Pre-licensing education: $400–$600
• Exam fee: $63
• Application fee: $100
• Fingerprinting and background check: $30-$50

Is becoming a real estate agent in Minnesota worth it?

Yes, a career in real estate offers flexibility and high earning potential. However, it requires persistence and the ability to network effectively. Success takes time, but for those committed to the profession, it can be a rewarding career.

What should I know before becoming a real estate agent?

Before becoming a real estate agent, it’s important to understand the demands and challenges of the career. Real estate agents work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate clients' schedules and show properties. 

Building a strong client base requires time, persistence, and consistent effort—new agents may need several months before they close their first few deals. 

Additionally, networking and self-promotion are critical to growing your business. Successful agents actively connect with potential clients, maintain relationships within their community, and market themselves both online and offline to attract leads and referrals. 

Patience, resilience, and a proactive approach are key to thriving in this competitive field.

Can I get a Minnesota real estate license if I’m already an agent in another state?

Minnesota offers real estate license reciprocity with several states, making it easier for licensed agents from these locations to obtain a Minnesota real estate license. 

However, even with reciprocity, agents are generally required to pass the Minnesota-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill additional state-specific requirements to ensure they are familiar with Minnesota's laws and practices.

Here are the states with reciprocity agreements:

• Colorado
• Iowa
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Wisconsin

If you're licensed in one of these states, you’ll benefit from a more streamlined licensing process. 

However, it’s recommended to contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce to confirm the latest requirements and ensure you meet all necessary criteria

How often do I renew my Minnesota real estate license?

Minnesota real estate licenses must be renewed every two years, and agents are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period. 

The CE coursework must include specific topics, such as agency, law, and ethics, to ensure that agents stay updated on the latest legal and professional standards. 

Out of the 30 hours, at least one module must focus on fair housing laws, which is a critical component of maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.

Final Thoughts

Earning your real estate license in Minnesota can open the door to exciting career opportunities. 

With the right preparation, dedication, and a solid work ethic, you can build a thriving career in the Minnesota real estate market.

If you’re ready to get started, enroll in our partnered Minnesota real estate licensing course today and get a discount.