If you’re a real estate agent planning to move to Georgia, you’ve probably got one burning question: Can I bring my license with me?
The answer is yes! Unless you’re coming from Florida, you can apply for a reciprocal Georgia license without taking the Georgia salesperson exam.
If you’re a Floridian, you’ve got to do a little extra to get your Georgia license, but it’s not impossible. Here’s how it works.
Qualifications for Georgia Reciprocal Licenses
To qualify for a reciprocal license, you must have a license in good standing from a U.S. state other than Florida. That means a current license, not lapsed or expired, with no disciplinary investigations pending against you.
Note that you can only apply for a Georgia reciprocal license at the same license level you hold in your home state. So for example, if you’re a sales associate, you can’t get a Georgia broker license through reciprocity. You would have to take the broker exam.
How to Get Your Reciprocal Real Estate License in Georgia
Georgia allows real estate license reciprocity with every state in the U.S. except for Florida. Here’s how you apply for your reciprocal license:
Submit proof of a current (not lapsed or expired) real estate license from another state.
Pay the $170 fee by cashier's check or money order (payable to the Georgia Real Estate Commission).
Submit the Application for Reciprocity and supplemental materials (more on those below).
Secure a sponsoring broker (unless you’re a broker yourself).
Provide any other documents or signed agreements requested by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC).
What to Submit With Your Georgia Reciprocal License
When you’re applying for your Georgia reciprocal license, you must provide GREC with documentation proving you are who you say you are: a licensee in good standing.
The four required documents are:
The completed application for reciprocity
A criminal history report from your state of residence — if you’ve lived in Georgia, you have to include your Georgia Crime Information Report
A recent (less than a year old), certified copy of your licensing history from your home state’s real estate commission, attesting that you’re a current licensee and that you received your license by exam
A current, certified copy of any disciplinary actions taken against your license from any state where you’ve ever held a license
GREC may ask for more documentation if you have a criminal history or if they are unclear on any details from your past.
What If You’re from Florida?
If you’re a Florida resident applying for a Georgia real estate license, you’ve got an additional hurdle to clear. Instead of just submitting the application for reciprocity and going on your merry way, you’ve got to take and pass the Georgia Supplemental Exam.
The Georgia Supplemental Exam
The Georgia Supplement Exam tests applicants on Georgia law and real estate practices that are specific to Georgia. It includes 52 multiple-choice questions.
The sign-up process and administration of the exam is similar to the salesperson and broker exams - it's scheduled and conducted by a third party testing provider.
What It’s Like to Be a Georgia Real Estate Agent
Still not sure about a real estate agent living in the peach state? Find out how much the average Georgia real estate agent makes and more at our Georgia career center. If you are ready to become a Georgia real estate agent, check out our course!