Real estate license cost in 2026
Real estate license costs $400 to $1,500 per license in 2026, and most people pay about $950.
What moves the price
- The state sets the exam and license fees.
- Required course hours differ by state.
- The school and course package change the price.
- Background check and fingerprint fees are often separate.
- Retaking the exam adds fees.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The range is per license (course, exam, application, background check). The price here covers the course, state exam, license application and background check. Exam prep, errors and omissions insurance, and board and MLS fees in the first year are extra and can bring the first year to $1,500 to $4,000.
Real estate license cost items
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing course (StateRequirement) | $150 to $1,500 |
| Pre-licensing course (Pass and Earn) | $100 to $900 |
| State exam fee (Pass and Earn) | $50 to $100 |
| License application (Pass and Earn) | $50 to $300 |
| Background check (Pass and Earn) | $30 to $50 |
| Fingerprints (Colibri) | $40 to $70 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: StateRequirement.
State fees for exam and license (Colibri, 2025)
| State | Exam | License |
|---|---|---|
| California | $100 | $350 |
| Texas | $43 | $110 |
| Florida | $36.75 | $64 |
| New York | $15 | $65 |
| Georgia | $119 | $170 |
| Illinois | $58 | $200 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: StateRequirement.
Ways to pay less
- Pick a basic online course instead of a premium package.
- Compare schools, since course prices range widely.
- Study well to avoid paying exam fees twice.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- StateRequirement: How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost
- Pass and Earn: How Much Does Real Estate School Cost? Complete 2026
- Colibri Real Estate: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in the U.S.A.
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Real estate license costs $400 to $1,500 per license in 2026, and most people pay about $950. Most people pay about $950 per license. The low end is $400 and the high end is $1,500.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The state sets the exam and license fees; Required course hours differ by state; The school and course package change the price.
How can I pay less?
Pick a basic online course instead of a premium package. Compare schools, since course prices range widely. Study well to avoid paying exam fees twice.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: StateRequirement, Pass and Earn, Colibri Real Estate. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
Related costs
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