New York Real Estate Salesperson License Requirements (2025)

New York has a straightforward licensing process, but specific requirements around the 75-hour course and DOS application process matter. Here's the complete guide for 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

At least 18 years old
New York State resident OR maintain a principal place of business in New York
No specific education requirement (high school diploma not required)
Fitness for licensure: no felony convictions that directly relate to real estate practice (case-by-case review)

Step 1: Complete the 75-Hour Prelicense Course

Complete 75 hours of approved prelicense education from a DOS-approved school. The course covers: - New York real estate law (Article 12-A) - Real estate principles and practices - Agency law and disclosure requirements - Contracts and closings - Fair housing law

Cost: $200-$600 depending on provider (online courses available) Timeline: Minimum completion time varies by provider; most candidates finish in 3-8 weeks

You must pass the school's final exam to receive a completion certificate.

Step 2: Apply Through eAccessNY

Submit your application at eAccessNY (the DOS online portal): - Completed application - Application fee: $55 - Upload course completion certificate (submitted by your school or directly) - Disclosure of any criminal history

DOS reviews applications and issues eligibility. Processing: 1-3 weeks.

Step 3: Pass the State Exam

Once DOS approves your eligibility, schedule the exam through PSI (New York's exam vendor): - 75 questions, 90 minutes - Passing score: 70% (53/75) - Exam fee: $15

Testing locations throughout New York, or online with remote proctoring.

Step 4: Get Sponsored by a Licensed Broker

Your license is issued in inactive status (associated salesperson). To practice, you need sponsorship from a licensed New York real estate broker.

The broker submits a sponsorship affidavit to DOS
Your license activates upon approval
You can only work under your sponsoring broker

License Renewal

New York salesperson licenses renew every 2 years through eAccessNY.

Renewal requirement: 22.5 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, including: - 3 hours: Fair housing and/or discrimination - 3 hours: Ethics - 3 hours: Agency - 11.5 hours: Elective topics

Renewal fee: $55

Upgrading to Broker License

To become a broker in New York, you need: - At least 2 years of experience as a licensed salesperson (3,500 points of experience) - 45-hour broker course - Pass the broker exam - Demonstrate active experience in real estate transactions

[Start practicing for the NY exam at CARealestate.com/states/new-york](https://carealestate.com/states/new-york)