Get Your New York Real Estate License

New York Real Estate Pre-License Courses

Step by Step: How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New York

There are two types of real estate licenses in New York:

• Salesperson: An agent supervised by a licensed broker.
• Broker: Independent business manager that supervises other agents.

Real estate agents in New York are licensed by the New York Department of State (NY DOS), Division of Licensing Services. Licenses are issued for two-year terms. Salespersons work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Completing OnlineEd's 77-hour pre-license course is the first step in the licensing process.

Step 1: Complete Pre-License Education

New agents need to complete a salesperson pre-licensing course before they can take the licensing exam.

Complete the OnlineEd pre-license course and pass the final exam within 12 months of starting the course. Download and save the course completion certificate for your records.

Step 2: Create Your eAccessNY Account

New York uses the eAccessNY licensing system to schedule state licensing exams and submit license applications.

If you do not already have an account, visit the eAccessNY Create Account page.

1. Enter your personal and contact information.
2. Select "Preview" to review your information, then "Save" to complete your registration.
3. Check your email for a temporary password from the Department of State. Follow the instructions to sign in and create a permanent password.

Step 3: Schedule Your Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing your pre-license course:

1. Log in to your eAccessNY account.
2. From the Main Menu, select "Apply to Take an Exam".
3. Select the real estate salesperson exam, review the exam policies, and choose your preferred testing location and date.
4. Pay the $15 examination fee and complete your registration.
5. Print and save the "Summary of Your Submission" page, which is required on exam day.

Step 4: Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam

The New York real estate salesperson licensing exam is a 90-minute, multiple-choice exam held at a Department of State testing location.

• On exam day: Arrive early and bring a current government-issued photo ID with a signature.
• After the exam: Log in to your eAccessNY account and select "View Exam Results." Results are reported as Pass or Fail, and passing results remain valid for two years.

Step 5 (Salespersons): Secure a Sponsoring Broker

Salespersons must secure sponsorship from a licensed New York real estate broker before submitting the salesperson license application. Once sponsorship is confirmed, obtain the broker's Unique ID (office license number) that is required for the application through eAccessNY.

Step 6: Submit a Real Estate License Application

Salesperson License Application

1. Log in to your eAccessNY account.
2. From the Main Menu, select "Apply for Initial Salesperson License (qualifying by Exam only)".
3. Enter your sponsoring broker's Unique ID and select the correct brokerage office.
4. Select the school and enter the pre-license course completion date.
5. Review the application, pay the $65 application fee, and submit.
6. Ask your sponsoring broker to log in to eAccessNY and select "Authorize Initial Salesperson License" to approve the application.

Step 7: Confirm License Issuance

Once the New York Department of State approves the application, the salesperson license will be mailed to the sponsoring broker's business address. A pocket card will be issued to the licensee. Check with your sponsoring broker to confirm that the license has been issued. Once confirmed, you can begin working as a licensed New York real estate salesperson!