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

Thinking about a career in real estate? Washington’s growing housing market offers exciting opportunities for aspiring real estate professionals. 

However, becoming a licensed real estate broker involves meeting several state-specific requirements. 

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of earning your Washington real estate license, answering common questions, and providing helpful insights to ensure a smooth start to your new career.

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Washington

To legally practice real estate in the Evergreen State, you must follow a series of steps set by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Below is a detailed breakdown of the process.

1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Washington real estate license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.

There are no citizenship or residency requirements, but you will need to provide a Social Security number during the application process.

2. Complete 90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

To qualify for the Washington real estate exam, you must complete two courses totaling 90 hours:

• Real Estate Fundamentals (60 hours)
• Real Estate Practices (30 hours)

These courses must be taken from an approved real estate school, which offers both online and in-person options.

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

Sign up through US Realty Training and get a discount. 

Upon completing the courses, you’ll need to pass final exams for both courses with a minimum score of 70% to receive your completion certificates. 

These certificates are required to register for the state exam.

3. Apply for the Washington Real Estate Exam

Once your pre-licensing education is complete, the next step is to apply for the exam. Here’s how:

• Where to apply: Register through Professional Service Industries (PSI), the official testing provider for Washington real estate exams. You can apply online via PSI’s website or call their registration hotline.
• Application materials: You’ll need to provide:some text
  • Completion certificates from both pre-licensing courses (Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practices)
  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • Payment for the exam fee (currently $210)

Once your application is approved, you can schedule the exam at one of PSI’s testing centers or take the exam remotely via PSI’s online proctoring service.

4. Pass the Washington Real Estate Exam

The exam is divided into two sections:

• National section: 100 multiple-choice questions
• State-specific section: 30 multiple-choice questions

You’ll have 3.5 hours to complete the exam, with 2.5 hours for the national section and 1 hour for the state section. To pass, you must score at least 70% on both sections.

You will receive your exam results immediately after completion. If you fail one section, you only need to retake that portion.

Important: Both the state and national exams must be taken with a passing grade within six months of each other or they will have to be retaken. You will also have just one year to apply for your license after passing the exams.

How to Prepare for the Washington Real Estate Exam

We provide a Washington 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.

5. Submit Your Fingerprints for a Background Check

After passing the exam, you must complete a fingerprint-based background check as part of the licensing process. 

Washington requires this to ensure that all licensees meet the state’s ethical and professional standards. 

Please note: you will have to pass the exam before submitting your fingerprints for the background check.

• How to submit fingerprints: Schedule an appointment through a state-approved vendor, such as IdentoGO, to submit your digital fingerprints. The DOL suggests using Idemia.
• Cost: The fingerprinting process typically costs between $50 and $100.
• Processing time: Background checks can take a few days to a couple of weeks. Be sure to complete this step early to avoid delays in your licensing process.

6. Apply for Your Washington Real Estate License

Once you’ve passed the exam and your background check clears, you can apply for your real estate license through the Washington DOL's online portal.

Here’s how to apply:

• Create an account on the DOL website.
• Register as a student with PSI Testing Excellence before completing education.
• Upload your course completion certificates and exam results.

Submit payment for the license application fee (currently $146.25). 

The DOL will review your application and notify you once your license is approved. 

This process typically takes a few days, at which point your license will be issued, allowing you to begin practicing real estate.

7. Find a Sponsoring Broker

In Washington, real estate brokers must work under the supervision of a licensed brokerage. You’ll need to be affiliated with a managing broker to activate your license and legally represent clients.

Here are a few tips to find the right managing broker:

• Research brokerages in your area and attend informational meetings or interviews.
• Consider factors like commission splits, training programs, mentorship, and company culture.
• Some brokerages offer comprehensive support to new brokers, including marketing assistance, technology tools, and lead generation services.

Once you select a broker, they will help you complete the necessary paperwork to finalize your affiliation with their office.

FAQs about Getting a Real Estate License in Washington

Here are common questions we receive from students becoming real estate brokers in Washington.

How Much Do Washington Real Estate Brokers Make?

The average annual income for real estate brokers in Washington is approximately $92,089, with entry levels starting around $45,024 and experienced brokers earning up to $188,351. 

Your earnings can vary based on experience, market demand, and the number of transactions completed. Brokers in markets like Seattle tend to earn higher commissions due to elevated property values. 

How Much Does a Washington Real Estate License Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved in obtaining a real estate license in Washington:

• Pre-licensing courses: $300–$500
• Exam fee: $210
• License application fee: $146.25
• Fingerprinting and background check: $50–$100

In total, you can expect to spend between $877 and $1,156.80 throughout the licensing process.

Is Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Washington Worth It?

For individuals who enjoy flexibility and entrepreneurial opportunities, becoming a real estate broker in the Evergreen State can be very rewarding. However, the job comes with challenges—like working irregular hours and building a client base from scratch. The strong demand for real estate brokers and the potential for high earnings make this career worth it for motivated individuals.

What Should I Know Before Becoming a Real Estate Broker?

In real estate, income is commission-based, meaning it can take months before you close your first deal and begin earning. 

Building a strong network is essential since success often relies on leveraging connections within your community to generate leads and referrals. 

Time management is crucial, as you’ll need to juggle personal time with client meetings, showings, and administrative tasks. 

Additionally, learning never stops in this industry—staying competitive requires ongoing education, market research, and staying current with trends and regulations.

Can I Get a Washington Real Estate License if I’m Already a Broker in Another State?

Washington offers real estate license reciprocity with several states, streamlining the process for agents already licensed elsewhere. 

If you hold a valid license in another state, you typically only need to pass the Washington state-specific exam to earn your license. 

However, your license must be in good standing, and you’ll need to follow the DOL application procedures, including a background check and submission of necessary documents.

States with Reciprocity Agreements:

• Alabama
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Oklahoma
• West Virginia

These agreements make it easier for brokers from these states to transition into the Washington real estate market without needing to complete additional pre-licensing education.

How Often Do I Renew My License?

Washington real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. 

The renewal process requires completing 30 hours of continuing education, including a three-hour core course. 

Make sure to stay ahead of deadlines to avoid late fees or license suspension.

What Should I Do After Getting My Washington Real Estate License?

After receiving your license, take these steps to build your real estate career:

• Join the National Association of Realtors (NAR): This gives you access to the REALTOR® title and valuable industry resources.
• Set up a business plan: Outline your income goals, marketing strategies, and client acquisition tactics.
• Invest in a CRM system: Use customer relationship management tools to manage leads and maintain client relationships.
• Stay engaged with your brokerage: Participate in mentorship programs, attend training, and network with other brokers.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Real Estate License in Washington

Obtaining your Washington real estate license requires dedication, but the steps are manageable with the right guidance. 

From completing pre-licensing education to joining a brokerage, each part of the process is designed to prepare you for success in the real estate industry.

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