Texas licensing guide
How to Get a Real Estate License in Texas
A practical step-by-step guide to Texas licensing requirements, estimated costs, timeline, official resources, and what to do after you pass.
Texas licensing snapshot
Last reviewed May 25, 2026
- License type
- Sales Agent
- Minimum age
- 18
- Pre-license education
- 180 hours
- Exam provider
- Pearson VUE
- Estimated cost
- $1,000–$1,500
- Estimated timeline
- 4–6 months
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
Sales agents must complete 18 hours of continuing education during each two‑year license period, including 4 hours of Legal Update I, 4 hours of Legal Update II, 3 hours of contract‑related coursework and 7 hours of elective topics. For first‑time renewals, licensees must also complete 270 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE) and, if supervising, a 6‑hour Broker Responsibility course.
Licensing path
Step-by-step licensing path
Use this as a planning sequence, then confirm each requirement with the official state source.
Meet basic requirements
Be at least 18 years old and meet TREC’s integrity, honesty and residency standards.
Complete 180 hours of pre‑licensing education
Finish six 30‑hour courses: Principles of Real Estate I & II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms and Real Estate Finance.
Submit your application and fingerprints
Create an online account through TREC’s portal, submit the ‘Application for Inactive Sales Agent License,’ pay the application fee and schedule digital fingerprinting for a background check.
Obtain eligibility and schedule exam
After education and background check are verified, TREC sends exam eligibility information. Schedule the state exam with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee.
Pass the exam and find a sponsoring broker
Pass the national and state portions of the exam. Within one year of passing, locate a sponsoring Texas broker who will activate your license.
Complete post‑licensing education (SAE)
For the first renewal, complete 270 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education and, if you supervise others, the 6‑hour Broker Responsibility course.
Renew your license
Every two years, complete 18 hours of continuing education including Legal Update I & II, contract coursework and electives before renewing the license.
Budget planning
Estimated costs
Estimated total cost: $1,000–$1,500. Actual costs vary by provider, application path, exam retakes, and local business setup choices.
| Cost item | Estimated amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑licensing courses | $350–$800 | Cost of six qualifying courses through approved education providers. |
| Application fee and related state fees | $206 | TREC’s fee schedule lists a $150 application fee plus $3 Texas Online fee, $20 Texas A&M Research Center fee and $10 Real Estate Recovery fee. |
| Fingerprinting and background check | $38.25 | Typical cost for digital fingerprinting services in Texas. |
| Exam fee | $43 | Pearson VUE examination fee for the Texas sales agent exam. |
| SAE courses for first renewal | $300–$600 | Cost of 270 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education required before first renewal. |
| Continuing education | $50–$150 | Cost to complete 18 hours of CE for each two‑year renewal. |
Renewal planning
Continuing education
Questions
FAQs
How long do I have to pass the Texas exam after completing the courses?
You must pass both portions of the exam within one year of TREC issuing your exam eligibility; otherwise you must reapply.
What are the continuing‑education requirements for Texas sales agents?
After the first renewal, license holders must complete 18 hours of CE every two years, including Legal Update I & II, contract‑related coursework and elective courses.
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.