How much does it cost to get a Texas real estate license in 2026?

To get your Texas real estate license, you should budget between $800 and $1,300 in total. This breaks down into your 180-hour pre-licensing education (typically $500 to $1,000 depending on the provider), the TREC sales agent application fee ($206), the Pearson VUE state exam fee ($43 per attempt), and IDEMIA fingerprinting ($37 to $38.25).

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Texas?

Most students complete the entire licensing process in 3 to 6 months. Because the mandatory 180 hours of TREC-approved coursework is available online, you can study at your own pace. Motivated students treating the coursework like a full-time job can complete the education in just a few weeks, while part-time learners may take a few months. Once completed, you should account for an additional 2 to 4 weeks for TREC application processing, background checks, and scheduling the state exam.

What is the passing score for the Texas real estate exam?

The Texas real estate sales agent exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 125 total questions. To officially pass the exam, you must correctly answer at least 56 out of 85 questions on the National portion, and 21 out of 40 questions on the State portion. Because the pass rate for first-time test takers hovers around 56%, investing in a robust exam prep course is highly recommended.

Can I get a Texas real estate license with a criminal record?

Yes, but the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) evaluates all applicants to ensure they meet strict standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. If you have a prior criminal offense, unpaid judgments, or disciplinary action on another professional license, you can submit a voluntary "Fitness Determination" form to TREC (for a $52 fee). It is highly recommended to submit this form before paying for any pre-licensing courses to determine if your specific background will disqualify you from licensure.

Total Estimated Cost

All required fees to get licensed

~$800 - $1,300

Depending on course selection

Pre-Licensing Course (180 Hours)

TREC-approved education (6 courses)

$499 - $899

Background Check & Fingerprinting

Via IdentoGO / MorphoTrust

$38.25

Salesperson License Application

Submitted to TREC

$206.00

State Examination

Paid to Pearson VUE

$43.00

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect

Here's a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with getting your Texas real estate license

STEP

Meet Basic
Requirements

STEP

Submit to
TREC

STEP

180-Hour
Course

STEP

Pass Real
Estate Exam

STEP

Background
Check

STEP

Secure
Sponsoring Broker

texas carolina licensing guide

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Texas

Your complete step-by-step guide to becoming a licensed real estate professional in the Lone Star State. From education requirements to exam preparation, we'll walk you through everything you need to know.

Licensing Timeframe

4 TO 6 MONTHS

Secure a Sponsoring Broker

In Texas, your license is issued in inactive status after passing the exam. To activate your license and begin practicing real estate, you must secure a sponsoring broker who will submit a sponsorship request through TREC's online system. Your license becomes active only once the sponsorship is approved.

Choosing the Right Brokerage

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Research brokerages that align with your career goals — consider commission splits, training programs, office culture, and market specialization. Interview multiple brokers before committing. Popular options in Texas include national franchises like Keller Williams (founded in Austin, TX), RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21, as well as boutique independent brokerages throughout cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin.

Broker Sponsorship Requirements

Your sponsoring broker must hold an active Texas real estate broker license. Unlike some states, in Texas the broker initiates the sponsorship through TREC Online Services — they submit a sponsorship request which you then accept. Once approved, your license becomes active and you can legally practice real estate under their supervision.

Schedule and Pass the Real Estate Exam

Once your application is approved by TREC, you will receive an authorization to test (ATT) letter to schedule your Texas real estate salesperson exam through Pearson VUE, the state's official testing provider. You must pass both the national and state portions of the exam.

Scheduling Your Exam

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Once TREC approves your application, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. Use this to register and schedule your exam at PearsonVUE.com/trec. You can choose from multiple testing centers across Texas in cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The exam fee is $54. Online proctored testing may also be available.

Exam Details

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The Texas Salesperson exam consists of two portions: a National section (85 questions) and a Texas State section (40 questions), for a total of 125 questions. A passing score is 70% on each portion. The exam covers topics including real estate principles, law, contracts, finance, property ownership, and Texas-specific regulations. If you do not pass one or both sections, you may retake the failed portion(s) by scheduling a new appointment and paying the exam fee again.

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Submit Your License Application to TREC

Once you have completed your 180-hour pre-licensing education and your fingerprinting, you are ready to submit your Salesperson License Application to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) through their online portal.

Where to Apply

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Submit your Salesperson License Application through the TREC Online Services portal at trec.texas.gov. The application fee is $185. You'll need to create a TREC account, upload your course completion certificates, and provide your fingerprinting confirmation. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after all documents are received.

What to Include in Your Application

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Your application must include: the completed application form via TREC Online Services, the $185 application fee, all six 30-hour pre-licensing course completion certificates (totaling 180 hours), and your fingerprinting receipt/confirmation. Incomplete applications will be returned and may delay your exam eligibility authorization.

Secure a Sponsoring Broker

Texas requires all real estate salesperson applicants to submit fingerprints and complete a criminal background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI. This must be completed as part of your license application process with TREC.

Finding a Fingerprinting Location

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Fingerprinting is conducted through MorphoTrust (IdentoGO) locations authorized by TREC across Texas. Visit the TREC website to find an approved fingerprinting location near you. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to your appointment. Results are submitted electronically to TREC. You must complete fingerprinting before your application can be fully processed.

Criminal History Review

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. TREC reviews each application individually and considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. You may request a Fitness Determination (FD) from TREC before investing time and money in your education to get an early ruling on your eligibility.

Complete 180 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Enroll in and complete a TREC-approved 180-hour Salesperson Pre-Licensing education program. The curriculum is divided into six 30-hour courses: Principles of Real Estate I & II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance. You must pass each course's final examination to receive your completion certificates.

View Pre-Licensing Courses

Important:

Your pre-licensing education must be completed within one year of passing the state exam. Ensure you keep your completion certificate on file as it will be required when submitting your application.

Meet Baseline Eligibility Requirements

Before starting your real estate education, ensure you meet Texas's basic eligibility requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

Age Requirement

Must be at least 18 years old

U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident

Must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien

Legal Status Requirement

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Honesty & Trustworthiness

Must demonstrate honest, trustworthy, and integrity-driven conduct

Your Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these proven steps to become a licensed real estate professional in Texas

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about getting licensed and advancing your real estate career in Texas

o get your Texas real estate license, you should budget between $800 and $1,300 in total. This breaks down into your 180-hour pre-licensing education (typically $500 to $1,000 depending on the provider), the TREC sales agent application fee ($206), the Pearson VUE state exam fee ($43 per attempt), and IDEMIA fingerprinting ($37 to $38.25).
Most students complete the entire licensing process in 3 to 6 months. Because the mandatory 180 hours of TREC-approved coursework is available online, you can study at your own pace. Motivated students treating the coursework like a full-time job can complete the education in just a few weeks, while part-time learners may take a few months. Once completed, you should account for an additional 2 to 4 weeks for TREC application processing, background checks, and scheduling the state exam.

The Texas real estate sales agent exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 125 total questions. To officially pass the exam, you must correctly answer at least 56 out of 85 questions on the National portion, and 21 out of 40 questions on the State portion. Because the pass rate for first-time test takers hovers around 56%, investing in a robust exam prep course is highly recommended.
Yes, but the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) evaluates all applicants to ensure they meet strict standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. If you have a prior criminal offense, unpaid judgments, or disciplinary action on another professional license, you can submit a voluntary "Fitness Determination" form to TREC (for a $52 fee). It is highly recommended to submit this form before paying for any pre-licensing courses to determine if your specific background will disqualify you from licensure.