Quick Answer: No — Texas does not have license reciprocity or portability with other states. To practice real estate in Texas, you must meet the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requirements, complete pre-licensing education, and pass the state exam.
Thinking about moving to Texas and wondering if your existing real estate license will carry over? While Texas doesn’t recognize reciprocity, the process of getting relicensed is clear once you understand how portability and licensing work here. By completing the right courses, applying to TREC, and passing the state exam, you can continue your real estate career in Texas without starting over entirely.
Texas is considered a turf state when it comes to license portability. This means you cannot practice real estate in Texas with an active license from another state, nor can you conduct real estate business in Texas remotely (for example, helping clients buy Texas property while physically in another state).
If you want to legally represent buyers or sellers in Texas, you must hold an active Texas real estate license. Learn more on the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Sales Agent licensing pageSales Agent Become LicensedSales Agent Become LicensedSales Agent Become Licensed.
Every new Texas sales agent must complete 180 hours of pre-licensing educationTexas Real Estate LicenseTexas Real Estate License, which covers key topicsTexas Courses Required To Earn Texas Real Estate License Career Center like Principles of Real Estate, Law of Agency, and Real Estate Finance. Even if you already hold a license elsewhere, these hours are required unless TREC grants you a waiver.
Certain applicants — such as those with a law degree or a bachelor’s degree in real estate — may be able to substitute their education for some or all of the required hours. You’ll need to submit transcripts to TREC for evaluation.
Once your education is complete, the next steps are:
Submit your application through the TREC online portal for sales agentsSales Agent Become LicensedSales Agent Become LicensedSales Agent Become Licensed.
Provide fingerprints for a background check.
Schedule and pass the licensing exam with Pearson VUE’s Texas Real Estate testing pageEn Tx Realestate.html UsEn Tx Realestate.html Us.
The exam includes both national and Texas-specific real estate topics. For a closer look at test format and difficulty, see this breakdown of what’s on the Texas real estate examTexas What Is On The Texas Real Estate Exam Career Center.
If you’re already licensed and experienced in another state, your background can help you work toward becoming a Texas broker.
TREC allows you to apply out-of-state experience toward the four-year active experience requirement for a broker license (after you obtain your Texas sales agent license). Review the full criteria on TREC’s page to become an individual real estate brokerIndividual Real Estate Broker Become LicensedIndividual Real Estate Broker Become Licensed.
The total cost of getting licensed in Texas typically ranges from $800 to $1,200, which covers courses, exam fees, and application expenses. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to the cost of a Texas real estate licenseTexas Cost Of Texas Real Estate License Career Center.
Most students complete their pre-licensing course and pass the exam within 4–6 months, though motivated learners may move faster. For planning purposes, this timeline guide explains how long it takes to get a Texas real estate licenseTexas How Long To Get Texas Real Estate License Career Center, with scenarios for full-time and part-time study.
If you’re relocating to Texas and want to keep your real estate career moving forward, here’s a clear roadmap:
Review TREC’s Sales Agent licensing requirementsSales Agent Become LicensedSales Agent Become LicensedSales Agent Become Licensed.
Enroll in a self-paced program from the Texas Real Estate License courses pageTexas Real Estate LicenseTexas Real Estate License.
Submit your application and fingerprints through TREC.
Register and test via Pearson VUE for Texas Real EstateEn Tx Realestate.html UsEn Tx Realestate.html Us.
Consider how your prior experience can help you qualify for a broker license using TREC’s broker licensing requirementsIndividual Real Estate Broker Become LicensedIndividual Real Estate Broker Become Licensed.
While you can’t transfer your real estate license directly to Texas, you don’t have to start from zero. By completing TREC’s required education, passing the exam, and leveraging your prior experience, you can establish yourself as a Texas sales agent and even work toward broker status. With online education and clear state requirements, your path to continuing your real estate career in Texas is within reach.
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