What Are the Requirements for a Texas Real Estate License?
Short answer. To get a Texas sales agent license, you must be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, finish 180 classroom hours of qualifying courses, meet TREC's honesty standard, have fingerprints on file with Texas DPS, and pass the state and national exams. TREC is the source for each item.
The short list from TREC
TREC is the Texas Real Estate Commission. It issues the license. Its sales agent page lists what an applicant must do. Here it is in plain words.
| Requirement | What TREC says |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years of age or older |
| Status | A citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien |
| Education | 180 classroom hours of qualifying real estate courses |
| Honesty standard | Meet TREC's qualifications for honesty, trustworthiness and integrity |
| Fingerprints | Fingerprints on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a background check |
| Exams | Pass the state and national exams, given by Pearson |
| Time limit | The application expires one year after it is filed |
Do you need a degree or a GED?
The requirements list on the TREC page does not mention a college degree, a high school diploma or a GED. The education it asks for is the 180 hours of qualifying courses.
If you have a question about your own situation, ask TREC before you pay for courses. Schools do not decide who qualifies. TREC does.
The 180 hours of courses
TREC says the 180 hours are six courses of 30 hours each.
- Principles of Real Estate I
- Principles of Real Estate II
- Law of Agency
- Law of Contracts
- Promulgated Contract Forms
- Real Estate Finance
The honesty standard
TREC asks every applicant to meet its standard for honesty, trustworthiness and integrity. If you have a past arrest, charge or conviction, or any other concern, TREC suggests you think about a Fitness Determination before you apply. It is optional.
Read the TREC page for how that works. Do not guess about your own case.
Fingerprints and exams
Fingerprints must be on file with Texas DPS for this purpose. TREC says prints on file for another agency do not count.
You take two exams, a state one and a national one, through Pearson. TREC says that if you fail either exam three times, you must complete more education before you test again.
Watch the one-year clock
Your application expires one year after the date you file it. All of the requirements need to be met inside that year. Plan your courses, fingerprints and exam dates with that date in mind.
Education only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm licensing rules with TREC, because requirements and fees can change.
A simple order to work in
The TREC list is not a step by step order, so you choose one. This is a planning idea from us, not a state rule. Check the TREC page for current instructions before you start.
The goal is to avoid paying for something before you know it will count, and to keep the one-year clock in view once you file.
| Step | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read the TREC sales agent page top to bottom | It is the source for every item in this guide |
| 2 | Write down any question about your age, status or background | Ask TREC early, before you spend money |
| 3 | Pick courses that match the six course names | The names should match what TREC lists |
| 4 | Keep your course completion records | You will need to show the education |
| 5 | Plan fingerprints and exam dates | These steps take scheduling, so give them room |
| 6 | Start comparing sponsoring brokers | You need one to work with clients |
Questions to ask before you pay for courses
A school sells courses. TREC sets the rules. If the two ever sound different, trust TREC and ask the school to explain.
- Does each course match one of the six course names TREC lists?
- Does the school give me a record of completion I can keep?
- Is the total I will pay written down before I enroll?
- What is the refund policy if I stop?
- How long do I have to finish each course?
- Who do I contact if something does not match the TREC page?
Mistakes to avoid
These are planning mistakes, not TREC rules. They are easy to avoid.
- Paying for a full package before reading the TREC page.
- Waiting to ask about your background until after you have spent money.
- Treating a school brochure as the final word on the rules.
- Filing the application and then letting the one-year clock run out.
- Waiting until you pass to think about a sponsoring broker.
- Assuming every cost is in the course price. Ask for a full list.
Why the sponsor choice matters early
Do not leave the sponsor choice for the last day. The broker you pick affects training, tools and how you meet people to help.
You do not need to choose before you pass. You can learn what questions to ask while you study. Our guide on how to hang your license explains what happens when a broker takes you on.
How to read other websites on this topic
Many sites list license steps. Some are right and some are old. Use this check on any page, including ours. First, does it name TREC as the source? Second, does it show the date it was checked? Third, does it give a fee or a rule without a link? If so, confirm the item on the TREC page yourself.
We list the TREC page and the date we checked it at the bottom of this guide. Rules and fees can change, so open the page and read it when you are ready to apply.
What comes after you pass
A license alone does not let you work with clients. A sales agent works under a sponsoring broker. Start comparing brokers while you study. Our guide on finding a sponsoring broker after the exam shows what to ask, and what school does not teach covers the gaps.
If you are licensed in DFW and want to talk with The Bauer Group, you can start a conversation on our site. We do not issue licenses.
Common questions
How old do you have to be to get a Texas real estate license?
TREC says you must be 18 years of age or older.
Can a non-citizen get a Texas real estate license?
TREC says an applicant must be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien. Ask TREC about your own status.
Do I need a degree to be a real estate agent in Texas?
The TREC requirements list does not mention a college degree. It lists 180 hours of qualifying courses.
Is a GED enough?
The TREC list does not mention a GED or diploma. If you are unsure, ask TREC before you buy courses.
Can a past conviction stop me from getting licensed?
TREC checks every applicant against its honesty, trustworthiness and integrity standard. It suggests a Fitness Determination first if you have concerns.
How long do I have to finish after I apply?
The application expires one year from the date it is filed.
Sources
Education only. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm licensing rules with the Texas Real Estate Commission. Results vary and depend on effort, market and lead performance.