Louisiana Real Estate License Requirements (2025)

Louisiana's real estate licensing process is administered by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 37, Chapter 5 (RS 37:1430–1474). Here's a complete guide to getting your salesperson license.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility

To apply for a Louisiana salesperson license:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED
Pass a criminal background check (LREC reviews on a case-by-case basis)
Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien

Step 2: Complete Prelicense Education

Louisiana requires 90 hours of approved prelicense coursework from an LREC-approved school. The curriculum covers:

National real estate principles (property, finance, agency, contracts)
Louisiana-specific law under RS Title 37, Chapter 5
Louisiana civil law concepts: immovables, usufruct, predial servitude, Act of Sale, community property
Louisiana Property Disclosure Document requirements
LREC rules and disciplinary procedures

Courses are available in-person and online. Completing the 90 hours makes you eligible to register for the PSI exam.

Step 3: Pass the PSI Salesperson Exam

80 national questions — 75% passing (60 correct)
55 state questions — 75% passing (42 correct)
Time limit: 4 hours

Louisiana's 75% passing threshold is among the highest in the country. Both sections must be passed independently. You can retake failed sections within your PSI eligibility window.

Step 4: Complete Your License Application

After passing the exam, apply to LREC for your salesperson license. You'll need:

Completed application and fee
PSI exam results (sent directly from PSI to LREC)
Background check documentation
Sponsoring broker information

A licensed Louisiana principal broker must sponsor your license before it is active. Without a sponsoring broker, your license is inactive.

Step 5: License Activation

Your salesperson license is active only when affiliated with a licensed principal broker. Louisiana salespersons cannot practice independently — all transactions must be conducted under broker supervision.

License Renewal

Louisiana salesperson licenses renew every 2 years. Renewal requirements:

12 hours of CE per 2-year cycle
CE from LREC-approved providers
Online renewal through the LREC portal

Louisiana's 12-hour CE requirement is standard for a 2-year cycle. Complete hours in advance — don't wait until the deadline.

Louisiana Broker License

After gaining experience and completing additional education, Louisiana salespersons can upgrade to a broker license. A broker license allows independent practice or management of a brokerage. Requirements include additional education hours and experience.

The Role of the Notary in Louisiana

Unlike any other state, Louisiana real estate transactions require a notary public to execute the Act of Sale (closing). The notary authenticates the transfer of title. Licensees should understand their role vs. the notary's role:

Licensee — facilitates the transaction, represents clients, markets property
Notary — authenticates and executes the Act of Sale

This division is a tested concept on the Louisiana state exam.

Summary

| Requirement | Detail | |-------------|--------| | Age | 18+ | | Prelicense hours | 90 hours | | Exam questions | 135 (80 national + 55 state) | | Passing score | 75% each section | | Renewal cycle | 2 years | | CE hours | 12 per cycle | | LREC members | 9 (7 licensees + 2 consumers) | | Governing statute | RS Title 37, Chapter 5 | | Civil law system | Yes — based on Napoleonic Code |

Start your Louisiana exam prep at [CARealestate.com/states/louisiana](https://carealestate.com/states/louisiana).