Minnesota licensing guide
How to Get a Real Estate License in Minnesota
A practical step-by-step guide to Minnesota licensing requirements, estimated costs, timeline, official resources, and what to do after you pass.
Minnesota licensing snapshot
Last reviewed May 29, 2026
- License type
- Salesperson
- Minimum age
- 18
- Pre-license education
- 90 hours
- Exam provider
- PSI Services LLC
- Estimated cost
- $500–$800
- Estimated timeline
- 3–4 months
- Renewal cycle
- Annual (license expires June 30)
Licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education each licensing period, including at least one annual general module course and 1 hour each of agency law and fair housing law; at least 15 hours must be completed before June 30 of the previous year.
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 have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete Course I (30 hours)
Finish the first 30‑hour pre‑license course (Course I) before sitting for the exam.
Pass the state exam
Register with PSI to take the Minnesota salesperson exam, pay the exam fee, and pass both the national and state portions.
Complete Courses II and III
After passing the exam, complete Courses II and III (30 hours each) before submitting your license application.
Apply for licensure
Apply for a license through the Minnesota Department of Commerce, pay the license fee, and affiliate with a broker.
Complete continuing education
Every licensing period, complete 30 hours of continuing education, including required modules on agency law and fair housing.
Budget planning
Estimated costs
Estimated total cost: $500–$800. Actual costs vary by provider, application path, exam retakes, and local business setup choices.
| Cost item | Estimated amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑licensing courses | $300–$400 | 90‑hour course package cost for Courses I, II and III. |
| Exam fee | $68 | PSI exam fee for the Minnesota salesperson examination. |
| License application fee | $130 | Fee for initial salesperson license application. |
| Fingerprint/background check | $65 | Estimated cost for background check and fingerprinting. |
| Continuing education | $100–$200 | Cost for annual 30‑hour continuing education courses. |
Renewal planning
Continuing education
Questions
FAQs
How many pre‑license courses do I need for a Minnesota salesperson license?
You must complete three 30‑hour courses (Course I, II and III) for a total of 90 hours.
What are the continuing education requirements for Minnesota licensees?
Licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education each licensing period, including a general module and 1 hour each of agency law and fair housing.
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.