Colorado Real Estate License Reciprocity: Transfer Your License Easily

Good news if you're a licensed agent looking to move to Colorado: the state offers reciprocity with all 50 states and U.S. territories. Depending on your experience level, you may be able to skip most of the pre-licensing education and get licensed in just a few weeks.

Here's how the process works and what you'll need to do to transfer your license.

What Is Real Estate License Reciprocity?

Reciprocity is an agreement that allows real estate agents licensed in one state to obtain a license in another state without completing the full pre-licensing education. Instead of starting from scratch, you can leverage your existing credentials to fast-track the process.

Colorado is one of the more reciprocity-friendly states—it has agreements with every U.S. state and territory. However, "reciprocity" doesn't mean you can just show up and start selling houses. You'll still need to pass Colorado's state exam, complete a background check, and meet a few other requirements. The good news is that experienced agents can skip a significant chunk of the process.

For a broader overview of how reciprocity works across the country, check out our reciprocity guide for all statesReal Estate License Reciprocity Career Center.

Colorado Reciprocity Requirements by Experience Level

The biggest factor in Colorado's reciprocity process is how long you've been licensed. The state draws a clear line at two years of experience, and which side you fall on determines your path forward.

If You've Been Licensed for 2+ Years

If you've held an active or inactive broker license for at least two years, Colorado makes the transfer relatively straightforward. You won't need to complete any additional pre-licensing education—your experience speaks for itself.

You will need to pass the Colorado state portion of the broker exam (you can skip the national section since you've already demonstrated that knowledge). You'll also need to submit fingerprints for a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, find a sponsoring broker in Colorado, and obtain Errors & Omissions insurance.

With this pathway, you can qualify as an Independent Broker or even an Employing Broker, depending on your goals. Most agents complete this process in 4-8 weeks.

If You've Been Licensed for Less Than 2 Years

If you have less than two years of experience—or if your license has expired—you'll need to complete some additional education before you can get licensed in Colorado.

The exact hours depend on your current license level. If you're coming from another state as a salesperson, you'll need 120 hours of pre-licensing education. If you're already a broker in your current state, you'll need 72 hours.

You'll also need to pass both the national and state portions of the Colorado broker exam, not just the state section. After passing, you'll start at the Associate Broker level, which means you'll work under the supervision of an employing broker.

This pathway typically takes 2-4 months, including the time to complete your education.

For more details on coursework, see our guide on what courses are required for a Colorado real estate licenseColorado What Courses Are Required For A Colorado Real Estate License Career Center.

Understanding Colorado Broker Levels

Colorado doesn't have a "salesperson" license like many other states—everyone starts as a broker. But there are different levels of broker licensure, and where you land depends on your experience.

Associate Broker is the entry level. You'll work under the supervision of an employing broker while you build experience. This is where you'll start if you have less than two years of experience transferring in.

Independent Broker status requires at least two years of experience. You can work more autonomously, though you'll still need to be affiliated with an employing broker.

Employing Broker is the highest level. At this point, you can hire and supervise other agents. To reach this level, you'll need to complete an additional 24-hour supervising broker course.

How to Transfer Your License to Colorado

Here's the step-by-step process for getting your Colorado license through reciprocity:

Verify your current license status. Confirm how long you've been licensed and whether your license is active or inactive. This determines which pathway you'll follow. If you need to check your status, you can look up your real estate license hereHow Look Your Colorado Real Estate License Blog.

Request a certified license history. Contact your current state's licensing authority and request a certified copy of your license history. Colorado requires this document to be dated within the last 90 days.

Complete pre-licensing education if required. If you have less than two years of experience, you'll need to complete 72-120 hours of coursework before you can sit for the exam.

Register for the Colorado broker exam. Schedule your exam through PSI, Colorado's testing provider. If you have 2+ years of experience, you'll only take the state portion. Otherwise, you'll take both national and state sections.

Submit your fingerprints. Colorado requires a fingerprint-based background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, so don't wait until the last minute.

Find a sponsoring broker. You'll need an employing broker to sponsor your license application before you can become active. Start networking and interviewing brokerages while you're completing other steps.

Submit your license application. Apply through the Colorado Division of Real Estate (DORA) with your sponsoring broker's endorsement.

Purchase E&O insurance. Errors & Omissions insurance is required for all Colorado brokers. Expect to pay $300-$800 per year depending on your coverage level.

Receive your license. Once DORA approves your application, you're officially a Colorado broker and ready to start working.

Costs to Transfer Your License

Budget for the following expenses when transferring your license to Colorado:

The exam fees run $160-$200 depending on whether you're taking just the state portion or both sections. The background check costs $40-$60, and the license application fee is $172. You'll also need E&O insurance, which typically runs $300-$800 per year.

If you need to complete pre-licensing education, add the cost of your coursework to these figures. Total out-of-pocket costs for most transferring agents range from $700-$1,200, not including education.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Start your background check early. It's one of the longer wait times in the process, and you don't want it holding up your license after you've passed your exam.

Research Colorado brokerages before you move. The brokerage you choose will impact your commission splits, training, and support—especially important when you're new to a market. Our guide on how to choose your first real estate brokerage in ColoradoColorado How To Choose Your First Real Estate Brokerage In Colorado Career Center can help you evaluate your options.

Study Colorado-specific laws and practices. Even if you're an experienced agent, the state exam will test you on Colorado contracts, disclosure requirements, water rights, and other local regulations. Don't assume your experience elsewhere will carry you through—take time to learn how Colorado does things differently.

Ready to Make the Move?

Transferring your real estate license to Colorado is straightforward once you understand the requirements. Whether you're taking the fast track with 2+ years of experience or completing additional education, you could be selling Colorado real estate within a few weeks to a few months.

Need to complete your pre-licensing hours? Start your Colorado real estate course todayColorado Real Estate License and get one step closer to your new license.