Maryland licensing guide
How to Get a Real Estate License in Maryland
A practical step-by-step guide to Maryland licensing requirements, estimated costs, timeline, official resources, and what to do after you pass.
Maryland licensing snapshot
Last reviewed May 29, 2026
- License type
- Salesperson
- Minimum age
- 18
- Pre-license education
- 60 hours
- Exam provider
- PSI Services LLC
- Estimated cost
- $800–$1,500
- Estimated timeline
- 2–4 months
- Renewal cycle
- Biennial (every 2 years)
Salespersons must complete 15 hours of approved continuing education every two years, including mandatory courses on legal and legislative updates, fair housing, ADA, ethics, agency relationships and brokerage relationships.
Licensing path
Step-by-step licensing path
Use this as a planning sequence, then confirm each requirement with the official state source.
Meet eligibility requirements
Be at least 18 years old and meet the MREC’s character and education requirements.
Complete 60‑hour pre‑licensing course
Enroll in and complete the state‑approved 60‑hour salesperson pre‑licensing course.
Apply and schedule the exam
After completing the course, submit your application through MREC and schedule the state and national exams with PSI; pay the $44 exam fee.
Pass both portions of the exam
Pass both the national and Maryland portions of the salesperson exam.
Submit fingerprints and license application
Obtain a criminal background check, pay the license fee ($98 for initial license) and submit your application along with sponsorship by a licensed broker.
Complete continuing education and renew
Complete 15 hours of approved continuing education every two years to renew your license.
Budget planning
Estimated costs
Estimated total cost: $800–$1,500. Actual costs vary by provider, application path, exam retakes, and local business setup choices.
| Cost item | Estimated amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑licensing education | $300–$600 | Typical cost of the 60‑hour pre‑licensing course. |
| Exam fee | $44 | Fee charged by PSI for the salesperson exam. |
| Application & initial license fee | $98 | MREC charges a $98 fee for original salesperson license. |
| Fingerprint/background check | $50–$70 | Approximate cost for fingerprinting and background check. |
| Continuing education | $100–$300 | Cost for a 15‑hour CE package every two years. |
Renewal planning
Continuing education
Questions
FAQs
How long is the Maryland pre‑licensing course?
Applicants must complete a 60‑hour pre‑licensing course before taking the exam.
What continuing education is required to renew a Maryland real estate license?
Salespersons must complete 15 hours of CE every two years, covering legal and legislative updates, fair housing, ethics, agency relations and other mandated topics.
After you pass the exam
Passing the exam does not create an operating system. New agents still need to manage contacts, follow-ups, active deals, deadlines, client communication, partners, and daily priorities.
New Agent Checklist
Set up the business basics, contacts, partners, follow-up habits, and first-deal readiness.
First 30 Days
Build a practical launch rhythm for contacts, partners, client conversations, and daily work.
License Cost Calculator
Estimate state licensing costs, education, exam, application, background, and setup expenses.
First-Year Budget Calculator
Plan startup and operating costs before your first year gets noisy.
Agent Nook workflow
Licensed is only the beginning.
Agent Nook helps new agents keep deals, deadlines, clients, partners, and daily work organized from the first transaction forward.