Real Estate License Reciprocity in New York

New York State Real Estate License Reciprocity Update 2024

In the constantly changing landscape of real estate, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the newest developments, particularly in relation to license reciprocity.

As of February 1, 2023, New York has ceased reciprocal agreements with other states.

This means if you’re licensed in another state and wish to practice in New York, you’ll need to meet New York’s specific licensing requirements, just like any new licensee.

For all real estate professionals in New York, whether new or experienced, ongoing education is a must.

In today’s real estate market, getting hired without experience is challenging, yet achievable with dedication and ongoing education.

To renew your real estate license, you must complete 22.5 hours of mandatory education.

This education includes specific topics to ensure comprehensive knowledge and ethical practice: 3 hours of fair housing and/or discrimination training, 1 hour of agency (increased to 2 hours for new licensees), 2.5 hours in ethical business practices, 1 hour on recent legal matters, 2 hours on cultural competency, and 2 hours on implicit bias.

It’s important to note that New York has also eliminated the “grandfathering” exemption, meaning that long-time brokers are no longer exempt from completing continuing education.

These requirements highlight New York’s aim for an informed and ethical real estate sector, underscored by the NY 77-hour licensing course.

The 77-hour real estate license course covers crucial topics, including property law, ethics, market analysis, and fair housing principles, underscoring New York’s commitment to a knowledgeable and ethical real estate environment.

2023 Background:

If you’re licensed in another state and thinking of getting your New York real estate license you may be wondering about New York’s real estate license reciprocity guidelines. Read on to learn all you need to know about real estate license reciprocity in New York.

What Is A Reciprocal Licensing Agreement?

A reciprocal licensing agreement refers to an arrangement where you, as a real estate professional, can obtain a license in New York without having to retake all the required coursework or examinations, provided you already hold a valid real estate license in another state. This agreement is rooted in cooperation between states and the New York Department of State, which oversees real estate licensing.

Licensing: To benefit from reciprocity, your current license must be in good standing in your home state.
Reciprocity: Not all states have reciprocal arrangements with New York. Check the Department of State’s website to see if your state is included.
Real Estate License: Your out-of-state real estate license allows you to expedite the process of becoming licensed in New York.
Department of State: The authority that manages licensing, ensuring you meet all real property law requirements.
eAccessNY: This is an online portal for all licensing services where you can apply and manage your New York real estate license.
Regulations: Reciprocity is regulated by state laws and requires adherence to specific regulations.

To use the license reciprocity agreement, you typically need to provide proof of your current license, pass the New York licensing examination, and pay any applicable fees. While some states allow a direct transfer, others might still require you to take a portion of the training or test. It is crucial to review the licensing requirements carefully on the Department of State’s website or eAccessNY to ensure you have all the necessary information.

The Basics of Real Estate License Reciprocity

Real estate license reciprocity is the ability of a real estate license earned in one state to be used in other states. Real estate license reciprocity varies by state and the type of real estate license.

What States Have Real Estate License Reciprocity with New York?

New York currently has real estate license reciprocity with 9 states. Check out the table below to view the states and what is required.

Reciprocity States	Type Of License Required	Requirements
Arkansas	Broker only. Two years licensure and current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Arkansas.
Colorado	Broker and Associate Broker. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Colorado.
Connecticut	Broker and Sales. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Connecticut.
Georgia	Broker and Sales. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Georgia. Must have obtained license by passing Georgia exam.
Massachusetts	Broker only. Two years licensure and current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Massachusetts.
Mississippi	Broker only. Two years licensure and current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Mississippi.
Oklahoma	Broker and Sales. Two years licensure and current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Oklahoma.
Pennsylvania	Broker and Sales. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Pennsylvania.
West Virginia	Broker and Sales. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in West Virginia.

Reciprocity States	Type Of License Required	Requirements
Arkansas	Broker only. Two years licensure and current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Arkansas.
Colorado	Broker and Associate Broker. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Colorado.
Connecticut	Broker and Sales. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Connecticut.
Georgia	Broker and Sales. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Georgia. Must have obtained license by passing Georgia exam.
Massachusetts	Broker only. Two years licensure and current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Massachusetts.
Mississippi	Broker only. Two years licensure and current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Mississippi.
Oklahoma	Broker and Sales. Two years licensure and current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Oklahoma.
Pennsylvania	Broker and Sales. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in Pennsylvania.
West Virginia	Broker and Sales. Current active license.	Business and Residence must be in West Virginia.

Steps To New York Real Estate License Reciprocity

To obtain a New York real estate license on the basis of reciprocity, you must have a real estate license in one of the states in the table above and meet these requirements:

Step 1: Current Real Estate License

Have a current license, dated within six months from the Real Estate Commission where license was obtained.

Step 2: Home-State Broker Sponsorship

You must be sponsored by your home-state broker who must also hold a current New York State broker’s license.

Step 3: Cultural Competency Training

Obtain proof of completion of at least two hours of training on the topic of cultural competency.

Step 4: New York Real Estate License Application

Submit a completed New York State Real Estate License Application and the license application fee.

New York Real Estate License Reciprocity FAQ

Does New York offer reciprocity with other states?

Yes, New York State offers real estate license reciprocity with 9 other states: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia.

How do I get my NY real estate license via reciprocity?

To get your New York Real Estate Salespersons License via reciprocity, you must:

1) Hold a current real estate license in your home state

2) Be sponsored by your home-state broker who must also hold a current NY broker’s license

3) Submit a completed NY Real Estate Salesperson Application

4) Pay the $65 application fee

5) Submit an irrevocable consent form.

How can I get my NY license if I'm licensed in another state that doesn't share reciprocity with New York?

If you want to get your NY real estate license and are licensed in a state that doesn’t share license reciprocity with NY, you must obtain your license the same way as any non-licensee. This includes:

1) Completing the New York 77-hour Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

2) Pass your proctored School Final Exam

3) Pass the New York State Real Estate Licensing Exam.

4) Choose a sponsoring broker in New York

5) Submit your NY State Real Estate Salesperson application.

Can I get my New York real estate license if I have a New Jersey real estate license?

New York does not offer real estate license reciprocity with New Jersey. However, the Department of State may waive the 77-hour real estate pre-licensing course requirement if you can show evidence that you have completed the NJ pre-license course. This means you will only have to pass the New York State Real Estate Licensing Exam and apply for your NY Real Estate Salesperson License.

Can I get my New Jersey real estate license if I have a New York real estate license?

New Jersey does not offer real estate license reciprocity with New York. However, if you hold an active New York Real Estate Salesperson License, New Jersey may waive their pre-license course requirement, which means you only have to pass the NJ state licensing exam and apply for an NJ real estate salesperson license.

How can I get my New York real estate license if I’m licensed in another state that doesn’t have license reciprocity with New York?

If you aren’t eligible to apply for an New York real estate license via reciprocity, you must obtain your license the same way as any non-licensee. Click here to learn everything you need to know about getting your real estate license in New York.

Can I get my New York real estate license if I’m not a resident in New York?

Yes, you are not required to be a New York State resident to get your New York State Real Estate Llicense. However, you must complete both the school’s proctored final exam and the proctored New York State real estate licensing exam at approved proctoring locations within New York State.