What States Have Real Estate License Reciprocity with New York?

Licensing regulations are subject to change at any time. The state of New York has gone back and forth on its stance regarding reciprocity for real estate licenses. If you’ve worked towards getting a New York real estate license in the last few years then you probably already know that these days reciprocity isn’t available for anyone. 

Read on to learn all you need to know about real estate license reciprocity in New York. Plus, how to start taking the 77-hour New York real estate course today.

What is Real Estate License Reciprocity?

If you have earned your real estate license in one state, will it be valid when you move to another? Not exactly, but you might be able to bypass some of the requirements in the new state. 

Some states fast-track their licensing process for licensed real estate agents. In those cases, reciprocity allows you to simply pass the state exam to get a license. But when a reciprocity agreement doesn't exist you'll have to meet all the basic requirements.

What is New York’s Reciprocity Regulation?

If you’re looking to continue your real estate career in New York State you’ll have to complete the required education, even if you already have an active license that’s in good standing in another state. In 2023 New York changed its policies and did away with reciprocity all together. 

What States Used to Have Real Estate License Reciprocity With New York?

Which states shared real estate license reciprocity with the state of New York not long ago? There had been nine states, each with their own respective qualifications:

• Arkansas: Available for brokers who had current licenses. They also needed to have had their license for two years.

• Colorado: Available for brokers and associate brokers with current licenses.

• Connecticut: Available for brokers and salespersons with current licenses.

• Georgia: Available for brokers and salespersons with current licenses. They had to get their license by passing the Georgia exam.

• Massachusetts: Available for brokers with current licenses. They also needed to have had their license for two years.

• Mississippi: Available only for brokers with current licenses. They also need to have had their license for two years.

• Oklahoma: Available for brokers and salespersons with current licenses. They also need to have had their license for two years.

• Pennsylvania: Available for brokers and salespersons with current licenses.

• West Virginia: Available for brokers and salespersons with current licenses.

No matter where real estate agents and brokers were coming from, they all needed a current license certification from the Real Estate Commission in their previous state. 

What to do With No Real Estate License Reciprocity in New York

You have a real estate license in your current state, but you’re moving to New York soon. What should you do to get licensed in New York? To get your real estate license in New York without a reciprocity agreement there are few routes you could take:

Make a Written Waiver Request 

If you have an active real estate license in good standing, particularly in one of the nine states that used to have reciprocity with New York, then you can submit a written request with the Department of State. 

The request should be for a waiver to bypass the 77-hour required education course. You’ll have to also produce proof you completed the course in your current state and that there was at least 77 hours of instruction. 

Show Proof of a College Degree in Real Estate

If you earned a bachelor’s degree in real estate that can also exempt you from the required education. You’ll need to provide your college transcripts with a waiver request to qualify. 

Complete the Required Education

Not eligible for a waiver? You’ll need to complete a qualifying 77-hour education course approved by the Secretary of State then pass the licensing exam provided by the Department of State. On the bright side, more education never hurts and completing the New York course could make you eligible for reciprocity in other states!

What’s Next?

You'll need a broker that holds a valid New York broker's license to sponsor you. 

What About Real Estate Brokers in New York?

If your goal is to become a real estate broker in New York then there are a few other requirements that have to be met:. Real estate brokers will need:

• To be a Real Estate Salesperson for at least two years;

• To have three years of general real estate experience;

• Or have a qualifying combination of both.

They'll also need to complete the 77-hour qualifying course plus an additional 45-hour approved real estate broker course. Lastly, they'll need to pass the exam from the Department of State.

Ready to start your real estate career in New York? You can complete the necessary requirements online at your own pace with Aceable's New York real estate course. Learn more today!