How to Get a Missouri Real Estate License: Step-by-Step Guide

Nov 19, 2024

6 min

To become a real estate agent in Missouri, you must first get a real estate license.

This guide will walk you through the steps required to become a licensed, answer frequently asked questions, and provide key insights into the profession.

Let’s get started.

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Missouri

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Missouri involves several steps, but with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to launch your new career. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process.

Step 1: Meet the Requirements

You’ll first have to meet the basic requirements to get a license. They are:

at least 18 years old.
be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

To earn your Missouri real estate license, you must complete 72 hours of pre-licensing education, which includes:

48-hour Salesperson Course: Provides a comprehensive overview of real estate principles and practices.
24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) Course: Focuses on Missouri-specific laws, regulations, and contracts.

These courses can be taken either in-person or online through a real estate school approved by the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).

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

Step 3: Apply for the Missouri Real Estate Exam

Once you’ve completed your pre-licensing education, the next step is to apply for the real estate exam.

The exam is administered through PSI. You can apply for and schedule the exam through their website.

When you apply, you must submit:

Certificate of Completion: Proof that you have completed the 72 hours of pre-licensing education.
Valid ID: A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
Exam Fee: The exam fee is $62 per attempt. Payment is made online during the application process.

Make sure to apply as soon as you complete your coursework so you can schedule the exam without delays.

You’ll receive instructions from PSI on what to bring on exam day, including acceptable forms of ID.

Step 4: Pass the Missouri Real Estate Exam

The Missouri real estate exam consists of two parts, both of which must be passed to earn your license. These are the national portion and state portion:

National portion: 100 multiple-choice questions on general real estate principles.
State portion: 40 multiple-choice questions focused on Missouri-specific laws and regulations.

The total time allotted for the exam is four hours—2.5 hours for the national portion and 1.5 hours for the state portion.

To pass, you must achieve at least 75% on the state exam and 70% on the national portion.

Your results will be provided immediately after completing the exam. If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam by reapplying and paying the $62 fee per attempt.

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: Complete a Background Check

Missouri requires all real estate license applicants to undergo a fingerprint-based background check.

You’ll need to schedule this through a state-approved vendor, and the results will be sent directly to the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).

Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Broker

All real estate agents must work under a brokerage.

Start interviewing brokers in your area to find one that aligns with your career goals and offers the support you need to succeed.

You can schedule interviews by calling the brokerage or simply walking up to the front desk.

Step 7: Apply for Your Missouri Real Estate License

Submit your license application through the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) portal at MREC.

Make sure to apply within 6 months of passing the state exam, as failure to do so will require you to retake the exam.

When you submit your application, be sure to include:

Completed Application Form
Certificate of Course Completion
Exam Results
Background Check Results
Sponsoring Broker Information
Application Fee ($90)

MREC will process your application within 2-4 weeks. You’ll be notified by email or mail once your application has been approved.

After receiving your license, you can officially start your career as a Missouri real estate agent!

FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in Missouri

Below are the most common questions students ask us as they start their career.

How Much Do Missouri Real Estate Agents Make?

The average annual income for real estate agents in Missouri is approximately $48,590, though it can range from $23,270 at entry level to as high as $96,520 for top earners.

Agents working in more lucrative markets, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, tend to earn higher commissions due to increased transaction volumes.

Experience, market conditions, and specialization can significantly impact earnings, with more experienced agents typically commanding higher incomes

How Much Does a Missouri Real Estate License Cost?

Getting a real estate license in Missouri involves several expenses:

Pre-licensing education: $400 to $700, depending on the school and course format.
Exam fee: $62 per attempt.
Fingerprinting and background check: Around $50.
Application fee: $100.

In total, expect to spend between $600 and $900 to get fully licensed.

Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Missouri Worth It?

If you’re passionate about real estate and enjoy flexible working hours, becoming a real estate agent can be a rewarding career.

While it takes time to build a client base and generate consistent income, the potential for high earnings makes it a viable long-term career path.

Missouri’s active housing market offers plenty of opportunities for motivated agents.

What Should I Know Before Becoming a Real Estate Agent?

Before starting, understand that real estate is a people-driven business requiring excellent communication skills, persistence, and self-discipline.

New agents often face a learning curve, working long hours to establish their client base.

Building relationships through your Sphere of Influence (SOI) will be crucial to getting your first deals.

Can I Get a Missouri Real Estate License if I’m Already an Agent in Another State?

Yes! Missouri offers reciprocity agreements with all other U.S. states. If you have an active license in another state, you apply for reciprocity in Missouri.

However, there are still a few steps you’ll need to follow:

Complete the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) Course to satisfy the state-specific education requirement.
Pass the state portion of the Missouri real estate exam (40 questions focused on Missouri-specific laws).
Submit a background check using fingerprinting through an approved Missouri vendor.
Provide a letter of good standing from your current state’s real estate commission.
Submit your application for a Missouri license within six months of completing these steps.

This process allows agents from other states to bypass the full pre-licensing education required for new agents.

How Often Do I Renew My Missouri Real Estate License?

Missouri real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. During each renewal period, agents are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education:

3 hours of core education on mandatory topics like fair housing and real estate law.
9 hours of elective courses related to real estate practice.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Missouri Real Estate License

Becoming a real estate agent in Missouri requires commitment and preparation, but it can be an exciting and profitable career.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to earning your license and launching your new career.