Licensing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Real Estate Commission
- How do I apply for a license?
- How do I obtain a Certificate of Licensure?
- How do I obtain the education for my license?
- What is the difference between a commercial and residential license?
- How do I obtain a copy of my license?
- What are the continuing education requirements?
- How long can my license be expired before I have to retest?
- Can you tell me how many CE hours I have received credit for?
- How do I apply for a reciprocal license?
- How do I change/update my information (name, nickname, address, etc.)?
- How do I transfer my license?
- I want to put myself on inactive/active status, etc.?
- How do I become a broker?
- How do I see if an agent is licensed?
- How do I file a complaint against an agent?
- I can’t afford a lawyer, who can help me?
- How can I find out if an agent has any disciplinary actions?
- How much does it cost to get a license, certificate, transfer, etc.?
- Can I obtain a Real Estate license if I have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?
- Once I pass the Maryland Real Estate Exam, how long can I wait to apply for a Maryland license?
- After applying for my original license, how long can I wait to affiliate with a brokerage?
1. How do I apply for a license?
You will need to take the 60-hour pre-licensing course with an approved education provider. Once you have completed the course you may schedule to take the exam through PSI. After you have passed both portions of the exam (national and state), you will receive an email within 5-7 business days with your registration/license number and steps to apply for the license online.
2. How do I obtain a Certificate of Licensure?
You may request a Certificate of Licensure online on our website. Under Features, choose Licensing Applications & Information, and then select Request a Certificate of Licensure from the options on the page.
3. How do I obtain the education for my license?
You can complete your education (pre-licensing education or continuing education) with any of the providers listed on our website. Under Features, choose Education and then select Approved Education Providers from the options on the page.
4. What is the difference between a commercial and residential license?
With a COMMERCIAL LICENSE, you are ONLY eligible to perform commercial transactions. With a RESIDENTIAL license, you are able to perform BOTH commercial and residential transactions.
5. How do I obtain a copy of my license?
The commission does not mail hard copies of licenses. If you are an active licensee, you will contact your broker to obtain a copy of your license. If you are inactive, once the license has been issued, you will receive an e-mail containing instruction on how to print out your license.
6. What are the continuing education requirements?
You can find the continuing education requirements at our website. Under Features, choose Education and then select Continuing Education Requirements from the options on the page.
7. How long can my license be expired before I have to retest?
Your license can be expired for a maximum of three years before you have to retest. Note: A real estate license cannot be inactive or expired for more than three years.
8. Can you tell me how many CE hours I have received credit for?
The Continuing Education Status Query tool shows which classes you have received credit for. Under Features, choose Education and then select Verify Credits Earned from the options on the page.
9. How do I apply for a reciprocal license?
If you were originally licensed in OK: Please contact the MREC Education Department at: dloplrecec-labor@maryland.gov
If you were originally licensed in PA: Once you have requested your original certificate of licensure with a raised seal from PA, have it mailed to the Maryland Real Estate Commission. Note: The certificate can be emailed to the commission; it must come directly from the PA Commission email. Then complete the application for an Original Reciprocal License that is online at our website. From the Features menu on the left, please select Licensing Information and Applications, then select Apply for a Reciprocal License. For Associate Brokers and Salespersons once this office has received your certificate, license history form and letter from the Broker you are affiliated with specifying he or she will supervise you a license will be issued. For Brokers, your license will be issued once we receive your original certificate of license, Articles of Incorporation or Organization, license history form and proof your company is registered with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
If you were originally licensed in any other state: You may qualify to be licensed in Maryland through out-of-state license recognition. From the Features menu on the left, select Licensing Applications and Information. When the options appear in the center, select Out of State License Recognition.
10.How do I change/update my information (name, nickname, address, etc.)?
You may change your information online. Under Features, select Change Your Information or Status. Select the change you are requesting under Make the Following Changes Online – Electronic Licensing log in and make the changes inside the application. You will need your registration/license number and password to log in.
11. How do I transfer my license?
You may transfer your license online. Under Features, select Change Your Information or Status. Select Broker Trade Address and make the changes inside of the application. You will need to log in with your registration/license number and password. Once inside the application, enter your new broker’s registration/license number in the section that reads, “You may transfer the brokerage or branch office your license is currently affiliated with here.”
12. I want to put myself on inactive/active status, etc.?
You may change your status online. Under Features, select Change Your Information or Status, and then choose inactive/reactivate. You will need to log in with your registration/license number and password. As soon as you log into the system, you will be asked if you would like to change your license status.
To qualify for a broker license, you must have held an active real estate license for at least three consecutive years immediately prior to applying. There must be no breaks in licensure during this period, such as inactive status, reinstatements due to late renewal, or suspensions.
You are required to complete a 135-hour broker pre-licensing course from an approved education provider and pass the broker exam administered by PSI.
14. How do I see if an agent is licensed?
You may use the license search feature on our website. Under Features, select License Search. You will be able to search for an agent by name or registration number, or a brokerage by location.
15. How do I file a complaint against an agent?
You may file a complaint against an agent on our website. From the “Features” menu on the left, please select “For Consumers.” From the center of the page, select file a complaint.
If you have additional questions about your situation or would like to inquire on the status of your complaint, you may contact our complaint department:
- 410-230-6205 - Complaint
- 410-230-6212 - Paralegal
- 410-230-6204 - Paralegal
16. I can’t afford a lawyer, who can help me?
Please follow this link to find legal assistance.
17. How can I find out if an agent has any disciplinary actions?
View disciplinary actions.
18. How much does it cost to get a license, certificate, transfer, etc.?
A list of our fees is available under Features -> Forms & Fees.
19. Can I obtain a Real Estate license if I have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?
A felony or misdemeanor conviction does not automatically make you ineligible for a real estate license. We encourage everyone to apply for a license. Each conviction is weighed on a case by case basis, and you will have the right to file an appeal should your application be denied. When applying, you will need to submit True Test copies of the proceedings surrounding the conviction with your application.
20. Once I pass the Maryland Real Estate Exam, how long can I wait to apply for a Maryland license?
If you have passed the exam, you have one year from the date you took the exam to apply for a license.
21. After applying for my original license, how long can I wait to affiliate with a brokerage?
Once you’ve applied for an original license and placed it on inactive status, you then have three years from the date you placed the license on inactive to affiliate with a broker. However, if you want to be active right away, you must immediately affiliate with a broker.