Real Estate License Reciprocity and Portability Guide 2017

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:

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:

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:

Indiana 

Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Indiana has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

Iowa 

Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Iowa has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

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:

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:

Michigan

Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Michigan has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

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:

Nevada

Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Nevada has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

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:

North Carolina

Real Estate License Portability: Cooperative
Real Estate License Reciprocity: North Carolina has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

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 :

Oklahoma

Real Estate License Portability: Physical Location
Real Estate License Reciprocity: Oklahoma has reciprocity agreements with the following states :

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 :

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:

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:

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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