Since getting your real estate license can be both time consuming and expensive, real estate license reciprocity, the ability for agents or brokers licensed in one state to more easily get a license in another state, is pretty important for the travelling agent.
In this guide we put together the real estate license reciprocity rules for all fifty states. We also cover the real estate license portability rules.
Moving to a state without reciprocity for your current license? Career Webschool empowers you to get your real estate license on your own time with their self-paced online courses. Click here to check it out.
What is Real Estate License Reciprocity?
Real estate license reciprocity is an agreement between multiple states that allows a real estate salesperson or broker licensed in one state to receive a real estate license in a reciprocal state without taking the required real estate pre-licensing courses in that state. For example, if you have a New York State real estate salesperson’s license, you can apply for and get a Connecticut real estate salesperson license without taking the coursework required for licensure in Connecticut. You would, however, still need to take the Connecticut state portion of the exam. (But the specific requirements will vary from state-to-state.)
Contrary to popular opinion, a reciprocity agreement between two states does not mean that a real estate salesperson or broker can take part in real estate transactions in a reciprocal state without getting a license in that state. For that, you need to understand the state laws for real estate license portability.
What is Real Estate License Portability?
Real estate license portability describes state laws which allow for out-of-state real estate agents or brokers to take part in real estate transactions in their state. For example, a real estate agent licensed in New York may have a client looking to purchase property in Georgia. Under Georgia state law, this agent can represent their client purchasing a home in Georgia if certain conditions are met.
Generally speaking, there are three classifications of real estate license portability:
1. Cooperative State
A Cooperative state allows licensed real estate agents or brokers to physically enter their state to conduct real estate business via property showings, closings, negotiations etc. However, an agent or broker coming into a cooperative state to conduct business must have a co brokerage agreement in place with a licensee of that state. There are 26 cooperative states.
2. Physical Location State
A physical location state on the other hand, allows agents and brokers to conduct business in their state, but does not allow them to physically enter the state to conduct that business. That means that an agent or broker from another state must conduct all business remotely and may not enter the state for showings, closings, or any other reason.
For example, in a physical location state you can send your clients to go view properties, submit offers on their behalf, and negotiate transactions as long as you physically remain in the state which you are licensed.
There are 21 physical location states, including Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington DC.
3. Turf State
A turf state does not allow out-of-state agents or brokers to conduct any business in their state either in person or remotely. The only option to work with clients in a turf state is to refer them to a licensee of the turf state. There are 4 turf states; Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
Real Estate License Reciprocity and Portability by State
Important note: You should consult an attorney or legal counsel before becoming involved in a transaction in another state. Failure to observe the law may result in loss of commission, or worse, even jeopardize your license. The following guide is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as legal advice.
Click on your state below or keep scrolling to learn the reciprocity and portability rules in your state. Mobile users: if you don’t see your state swipe to the left to view more states.
Things To Keep in Mind When Operating in Other States
Working with buyers who are looking for a property in another state can be very tricky. If you were an agent working with buyers who had representation in another state wouldn’t you try to convince them to ditch the out of state agent?
Unless you have a great relationship with your clients, I would highly suggest trying to get an exclusive buyer’s agreement signed. Of course this can present problems on it’s own as most exclusive buyer’s representation contracts are only valid in the state you’re licensed in.
Unless you are either very experienced, have a great lawyer, or the supervision of a broker who has done many out of state transactions, offering the client up as a referral would probably be your easiest course of action.
State by State License Reciprocity and Portability
Alabama
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Alabama has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- All States
Alaska
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Alaska has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Arizona
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Arizona has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Arkansas
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Washington
- West Virginia
California
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: California has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Where should you move your license? For an 85% commission split and no monthly fee, you can use Real as your broker. Real is a licensed broker in multiple states and not a franchise. This means that you can operate in multiple states with one broker! Learn more about Real.
Colorado
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Colorado has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- All states
Connecticut
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Connecticut has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
Delaware
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Delaware has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Florida
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Florida has mutual recognition agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas Real Estate licensees must have held an active broker’s or sales associate’s license for at least 24 months during the preceding five years if the applicant is a broker.
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Rhode Island
Where should you move your license? For an 85% commission split and no monthly fee, you can use Real as your broker. Real is a licensed broker in multiple states and not a franchise. This means that you can operate in multiple states with one broker! Learn more about Real.
Georgia
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Georgia has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- All states but Florida.
- Florida license holders must take Georgia state exam
Hawaii
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Hawaii has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Idaho
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Idaho has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Wyoming
- Oregon
- Montana
Illinois
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Illinois has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
Indiana
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Indiana has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- Wisconsin
Iowa
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Iowa has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
Kansas
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Kansas has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Kentucky
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Kentucky has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Louisiana
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
Maine
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Maine has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Any state
Maryland
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Maryland has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Pennsylvania
- Oklahoma
Massachusetts
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Massachusetts has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Washington
Michigan
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Michigan has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Minnesota
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
Mississippi
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- All states
Missouri
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Missouri has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Montana
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Montana has reciprocity agreements with the following Canadian Province:
- Alberta, Canada
Nebraska
Real Estate License Portability: Turf State
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alberta, Canada
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Nevada
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Nevada has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Arizona
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Ohio
- Texas
- Utah
- West Virginia
New Hampshire
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: New Hampshire has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Vermont
- Tennessee
- Georgia
New Jersey
Real Estate License Portability: Turf State
Real Estate License Reciprocity: New Jersey has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
New Mexico
Real Estate License Portability: Turf State
Real Estate License Reciprocity: New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
New York
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: New York has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
North Carolina
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: North Carolina has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
North Dakota
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: North Dakota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Tennessee
Ohio
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Ohio has reciprocity agreements with the following states :
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Oklahoma
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Oklahoma has reciprocity agreements with the following states :
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
Oregon
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Oregon has reciprocity agreements with the following states :
- Alabama
- Alberta
- Georgia
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
Pennsylvania
Real Estate License Portability: Turf State
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with the following states :
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New York
- West Virginia
Rhode Island
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Rhode Island has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
South Carolina
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- North Carolina
- Georgia
- West Virginia
South Dakota
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: South Dakota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Tennessee
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Texas
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Texas has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Where should you move your license? For an 85% commission split and no monthly fee, you can use Real as your broker. Real is a licensed broker in multiple states and not a franchise. This means that you can operate in multiple states with one broker! Learn more about Real.
Utah
Real Estate License Portability: Turf State
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Utah has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Georgia
- Mississippi
- Alberta, Canada
Vermont
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Vermont has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Virginia
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Virginia has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- All states
Washington
Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Washington has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
West Virginia
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Wisconsin
Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
Wyoming
Real Estate License Portability: N/A
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Wyoming has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- None
Don’t forget to check out Career Webschool to get your real estate license on your own time. Click here to learn more.
Richard Pinkertoon
I have been an active broker in Ohio since 1975. I’m ready to spend 3 or more months in Florida and would like to get a Florida salesman’s license so I can work while being there. What would be the requirements. Or should I get a Florida Broker’s license?
Thanks,
Richard
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Hey Richard,
Florida does not have reciprocity with Ohio, so you would need to take the courses and pass the test to get licensed in Florida.
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Renata Stano
Hello, I just passed my AMP test in Illinois and I’m moving to Georgina within 2 months. Do I need to obtain my license in Illinois first? Thank you.
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Hey Renata. That’s a good question. I am fairly sure that you would have to get licensed and affiliated with a brokerage before you would be able to take advantage of reciprocity in another state. To make sure, I would try and call the Georgia
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Rhonda
Hello.
I am starting research to obtain my real estate license. Currently live in upstate NY, but moving to NC in 2018.
Should I start some coursework in NY? Would like to get started, but unsure of what is transferrable from NY to NC.
Please advise & thank you!
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Hi Rhonda,
Since North Carolina does not have reciprocity with New York, you would need to take the course and exam in North Carolina. Hope that helps and best of luck!
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Jim
Hello,
I am a licenced real estate agent in Florida. I’m thinking of moving back to Illinois where I never had a real estate licence. What would be the procedure to obtain my licence in Illinois? I see that Florida has a mutual recognition with Illinois….Thanks for your help!
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Hi Jim,
You should be able to just take the Illinois exam and then get your license. Note that Illinois has an unusual naming standard for real estate agents. There are basically three tiers: Real Estate Leasing Agent, Real Estate Broker (what we call agents or salespersons), and managing broker.
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Jennifer Whittern
Hi,
Have you checked the recriprocal list lately for these states especially Florida? Because at least four of those states on your list have dissolved mutual recoginition since 2009. Or is your list update from 2017 and forward? I have been a real estate agent since 2005 and became a broker in 2012 to present. I under the impression I will have to take courses for broker then exam. I am moving from Indiana to Florida. Do you know how long I have to be a resident before I start this process?
Thank you,
Jennifer
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Hey Jennifer,
We update our articles very frequently, but sometimes information changes faster than we can update. I just double checked the mutual recognition rules for Florida and Indiana is no longer included on the list. Although we pride ourselves on having the most up to date information possible, always check with the real estate commission of the state you’re thinking of working in before making any business decisions.
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