Washington Real Estate License Requirements: Step-by-Step

Washington Real Estate License Requirements

Washington real estate licenses are issued by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), Real Estate Program — there is no separate real estate commission. The DOL administers licensing under RCW Chapter 18.85 and WAC 308-124.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal resident of the United States
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• No requirement to be a Washington state resident

Step 2: Complete 90 Hours of Pre-License Education

Washington requires 90 clock hours of approved real estate education before applying for a broker license:

• 60 hours: Real Estate Fundamentals (Washington Real Estate Fundamentals course)
• 30 hours: Real Estate Practices (Washington Real Estate Practices course)

Both courses must be completed at a DOL-approved school. Online and in-person options are available. The courses cover both national and Washington-specific content but are not a substitute for dedicated exam prep.

Step 3: Submit Fingerprints for Background Check

Washington requires fingerprint-based background screening through the Washington State Patrol and FBI. You must submit fingerprints through a DOL-approved vendor. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify applicants — the DOL reviews each case individually.

Step 4: Apply Through the DOL Online Portal

Submit your broker license application through the DOL's online portal. Required at application: - Proof of completed education (school certificates) - Fingerprint confirmation number - Application fee (approximately $146 as of recent DOL schedules — verify current fee on dol.wa.gov)

Step 5: Pass the PSI Licensing Exam

Schedule your exam through PSI at psiexams.com. The exam consists of: - 80 national questions (70% passing = 56 correct) - 50 state questions (70% passing = 35 correct) - Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes

You must pass both sections independently. Failing one section requires retaking only that section (within 1 year of passing the other).

Step 6: Activate Your License with a Managing Broker

A Washington broker license is issued inactive. To activate it, you must affiliate with a licensed Washington Managing Broker. Your Managing Broker submits the affiliation through the DOL portal.

License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: every 2 years
• Continuing education: 30 hours, including a 3-hour mandatory core curriculum
• Renewal is completed through the DOL online portal

New brokers must complete a 90-hour post-license course within their first renewal cycle as an additional requirement.