Arizona Real Estate License Reciprocity: Can You Transfer a License?

If you’re moving to Arizona and already have a real estate license in another state, you’re probably asking the same thing everyone asks: “Can I just transfer my license?”

Not exactly. Arizona doesn’t “transfer” licenses the way people imagine. Instead, Arizona uses a process called Out-of-State License Recognition, which lets qualified out-of-state licensees earn an Arizona license without starting from square one. 

What Arizona allows

You can’t “transfer” your license

Your license is issued by your current state, and it stays connected to that state. Arizona won’t convert it into an Arizona license automatically.

You can qualify through Out-of-State License Recognition

Arizona will issue you an Arizona license if you meet the state’s recognition requirements, including residency and a state-specific exam. 

Eligibility Checklist 

Arizona’s Out-of-State License Recognition is based on A.R.S. § 32-4302 and ADRE’s licensing rules. In plain words, you need all of the following:

1. You must be an Arizona resident 
2. Your out-of-state license must be current and in good standing, and you must have held it for at least one year
3. You must have completed education and passed a licensing exam in your other state
4. Your record matters‍

ADRE requires that applicants have not had a license or certificate revoked or voluntarily surrendered in any other state or country. Applicants must also have no disciplinary actions, pending complaints, allegations, or ongoing investigations with any other regulatory authority. 

What you still have to do in Arizona

Even with recognition, a few Arizona-specific steps are still required.

Step 1: Prove Arizona residency

ADRE lists Voter registration, Driver’s license, Tax filing, Lease or mortgage documents, and Utility bills as some options you may submit for proof.

Step 2: Pass the Arizona out-of-state state-specific exam

Out-of-state recognition applicants must pass the state-specific exam (not the general portion). 

From Pearson VUE’s candidate handbook:

• Salesperson state-specific (Out-of-State Recognition): 110 questions, 90 minutes, $75
• Broker state-specific (Out-of-State Recognition): 110 questions, 165 minutes, $125

Step 3: Get an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card

Arizona requires a DPS-issued fingerprint clearance card as a condition of licensure. ADRE/Pearson materials repeatedly emphasize having it for your application.

Step 4: Submit your application within the one-year window

ADRE clarifies a common myth: it’s not “one year to activate.” It’s one year to apply after passing the exam. After you have the license, it can remain in an “eligible” status as long as you keep renewals/CE current. 

Salesperson vs. Broker: what’s different?

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

Military spouse note 

If you’re married to an active-duty service member who is relocating to Arizona on official orders, ADRE notes there may be an exam waiver option under A.R.S. § 32-4302—ADRE directs applicants to contact their licensing division. 

Common “pitfalls” that slow people down

• Not meeting Arizona’s residency requirement (or not providing solid proof). 
• Your home-state license isn’t current/in good standing, or you haven’t held it for a full year. 
• You passed the exam but missed the one-year application deadline.
• Fingerprint clearance card delays (start this process early). 
• Disciplinary history or pending complaints you didn’t realize would affect eligibility. 

Final thoughts

Arizona won’t simply “transfer” your license—but the Out-of-State License Recognition path can still be a smooth move if you take care of the Arizona-specific steps early (especially the state exam and fingerprint clearance card). And because one retake can cost you time, money, and momentum, it’s worth being prepared with a plan. If you want a simple, confidence-building way to study and get exam-ready faster, check out our Arizona real estate exam prep package.