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.
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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
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- Iowa
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: Physical Location
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:
- None
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
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Unfortunately I believe your site is in need of some major updating or possibly just better research. I’m currently trying to gather a list of all states and with whom they have reciprocity agreements with and what I’m finding on the individual state government sites is sometimes different from what you have. I understand that things change but why have something like this out there if it’s inaccurate?
Hi Margaret, You are 100% correct!
We’ve grown so fast as a company (doubled in size this year) and are behind on some of our updates. This article is in the queue for an update within the next 60-90 days. Meanwhile, have you checked out our sister website specific to real estate? https://theclose.com/
We found that our real estate readers needed their own site! Thank you for your patience with us as we grow — it’s now our 5th year as a start up!
Best!
Laura, Staff Writer (hired last year when we had only 47 employees, now we have well over 100!)
Hello, so my boyfriend recently got his license in the state of New Jersey. If he moved to Wisconsin, would he have to retake the test or the course?
Hi, Carissa. Thank you so much for your question! The Wisconsin Realtors Association can provide you with the most up-to-date information about out-of-state licensing. Check out their website here: https://www.wra.org/Education/Careers/Reciprocity/Out-of-State_Licensee_Information/
Best of luck!
Kiah
Tracy Painter
Hi, I have a Georgia RE license and would like to obtain a Florida and Alabama license. Do I have to take any portion of the Florida and Alabama test?
Hi Tracy –
For the most up to date information, your best bet is to contact the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and ask about current reciprocity agreements and procedure. Their number is 404-656-3916 and you can speak with them during normal business hours.
Brien
Hi Emile,
I’m about to take the first time salesman exam in Texas. If I get my license in Texas, go with a National sponsoring broker such as Coldwell Banker and they have a cooperative agreement in Colorado, does that mean I can list with a local agent in say Denver and have full use of licensure in that location? Not that I would go with CB or live in Denver, they are strictly examples…
Hi Brien,
I would reach out to the managing broker of whatever brokerage you’re thinking of joining and asking them what their policies are. Just because something may be legal doesn’t mean your broker will condone it. Best of luck!
Richard Tri
I have a real estate sales person license in CT. My brother in law wants to buy in CA, is there a way for me and my brokerage to represent him? (Brokerage licensed in CT too). I know I can do a referral but would prefer more commission.
If there is a way what would my next steps need to be?
Thanks
I am in Florida and worked a deal for my brother in California. It was a sight unseen purchase so I didn’t have to do a showing which you would not be able to do without a CA license. If your brother knows exactly what house he wants you can do it. If there are a few house they want to see then you should call the listing agent directly and tell them your situation and send them a referral agreement in the amount of the buyer’s broker commission amount then offer THEM a % of that commission for showing the house and writing the contract, home inspections, etc…. When I did this I did receive the full commission on the buyers side.
Hey Richard,
You will not be able to enter the state of California to conduct the showings or transaction. You may have a hard time finding listing agents willing to work with you.