How to Get a Utah Real Estate License in 2026: Steps, Cost & Requirements

Want to become a real estate sales agent in Utah? You'll need a Utah real estate license — and getting one is more straightforward than most people expect.

To get a real estate license in Utah, you must be at least 18, complete 120 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education, pass the Utah Real Estate Sales Agent Exam, clear a background check and fingerprinting, find a sponsoring broker, and submit your application to the Utah Division of Real Estate (DRE). Most new agents finish the process in about 3–6 months and spend roughly $650–$1,000.

This guide walks you through every step, with current requirements, fees, and timelines. Let's get started.

Utah Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance

RequirementDetailMinimum age18 at the time of applicationEducation levelHigh school diploma or GEDPre-licensing course120 hours at a state-approved schoolLicensing examUtah Sales Agent Exam: 80-question national section + 50-question state section, 4 hoursPassing scoreScaled score of 70 (both sections)Exam fee$69 (paid to Pearson VUE)Background checkFingerprinting + FBI/state criminal history checkApplication fee$154 (paid to the Utah DRE)Sponsoring brokerRequired to activate your licenseRenewalEvery 2 years + 18 hours of continuing education

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Utah (7 Steps)

Here's the full process from start to finish:

1. Meet the basic eligibility requirements
2. Complete 120 hours of pre-licensing education
3. Register and pass the Utah Real Estate Exam
4. Complete fingerprinting and a background check
5. Find a sponsoring broker
6. Submit your license application to the Utah DRE
7. Receive your license and start working

Let's break each step down.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Utah real estate sales agent license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application and provide a valid Social Security number.
• Have at minimum a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).
• Meet Utah's standards of honesty, integrity, truthfulness, reputation, and competency (Utah Code 61-2f-203). The Division reviews any criminal history individually under Administrative Rule R162-2f-201, so a past conviction does not automatically disqualify you.

Step 2: Complete 120 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Utah requires 120 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a certified real estate pre-license school. Coursework covers:

• Real estate principles — ownership, transfer, and management of property
• Contracts — purchase agreements, leases, and agency disclosures
• Utah law and rules — the regulations that govern transactions in the state
• Finance — loan types, lending practices, and closing
• Ethics and professional conduct

You must pass your school's course exam to earn the certificate of completion you'll need to sit for the state exam.

US Realty Training partners with Kaplan to deliver Utah's 120-hour requirement online, at your own pace. Explore the Utah pre-licensing course →

Step 3: Register and Pass the Utah Real Estate Exam

After you finish your education, you'll register for the exam through Pearson VUE, Utah's testing provider. You'll need your course-completion certificate, a government-issued ID, and the $69 exam fee (paid by credit card at the time of reservation). Schedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance, and plan to arrive 30 minutes early.

The Utah Sales Agent Exam is four hours long and split into two parts:

• National section: 80 scored questions on general real estate topics (contracts, financing, property ownership, math, and federal law).
• State section: 50 scored questions on Utah-specific laws, rules, and practices.

You'll need a passing scaled score of 70 on each section. Importantly, you must apply for your license within one year of completing your course and within 90 days of passing both exam sections.

Want to pass on your first try? Our Utah exam prep crash course includes 8+ hours of video, unlimited practice exams, vocab flashcards, an eBook study guide, and 2,000+ Q&A videos.

Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting and a Background Check

Every applicant must complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check. You can be fingerprinted at a Pearson VUE test center (by appointment) or use a private vendor — if you go private, you'll need two blue FD-258 fingerprint cards mailed or delivered to the DRE.

Submit your license application to the DRE first; the Division will then email you the fingerprint instructions and authorization forms within 1–2 business days. Budget roughly $35–$60 for fingerprinting and processing.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker

Your license must be activated under a licensed principal broker, so choosing the right brokerage is one of the most important decisions you'll make early on.

When comparing brokerages, look beyond commission splits. In your first year, training and mentorship matter most — prioritize brokers who offer strong onboarding, lead support, and hands-on coaching for new agents.

Step 6: Submit Your Application to the Utah DRE

Utah applications are submitted online through the Division's Online Management System using a UtahID account (the old RELMS system has been retired). Use the same email address you used to register with Pearson VUE to avoid processing delays.

You'll upload (all documents must be in PDF format):

• Your exam score report
• Your pre-licensing course-completion certificate
• Your sponsoring broker information
• The $154 sales agent application fee

Current processing time is about 30 days. The DRE will email you once your license is approved.

Step 7: Receive Your License and Start Working

Once approved, your license is issued electronically through the DRE's online system. With an active license tied to your broker, you can officially begin helping clients buy, sell, and lease property in Utah.

How Much Does a Utah Real Estate License Cost?

Expect to spend roughly $650–$1,000 total. Here's the breakdown:

Education is the biggest variable, so the package you choose largely determines your total cost. Fees are set by the Division and can change — confirm current amounts on the Utah DRE fee schedule.

FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in Utah

How long does it take to get a Utah real estate license?

Most people complete the process in 3 to 6 months. The biggest factor is how quickly you finish the 120-hour course — full-time students can move much faster than those studying part-time. After you pass the exam, the DRE currently takes about 30 days to process applications.

How much do real estate agents make in Utah?

Real estate income is commission-based, so earnings vary widely by experience, market, and hustle. As a rough guide, many Utah agents earn somewhere between $45,000 and $75,000 per year, while top producers in high-demand areas like Salt Lake City and Park City can clear six figures. For current figures, check the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data and Salary.com, and remember that your income ultimately tracks how effectively you generate leads and close deals.

How hard is the Utah real estate exam?

The exam is challenging but very passable with preparation. It's four hours long, with 80 national questions and 50 Utah-specific questions, and you need a scaled score of 70 on each section. Candidates who use structured exam prep — practice tests, flashcards, and video review — pass at much higher rates than those who rely on the course alone.

Does Utah have real estate license reciprocity?

Yes. Utah has reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Mississippi, and Alberta, Canada. Active, in-good-standing licensees from those jurisdictions can apply without repeating Utah's education or the national exam (state-specific requirements still apply). Agents licensed in other states may qualify for an education and/or national-exam waiver, reviewed case by case by the DRE.

How often do I renew my Utah real estate license?

Utah real estate licenses renew every two years. You'll need 18 hours of continuing education each cycle, including at least 9 core hours — 3 of which must be the Division-approved mandatory course. New agents renewing for the first time must instead complete the 12-hour New Agent Course, the 3-hour mandatory course, and 3 additional hours. Renew on time to avoid late fees or expiration.

Can I take the Utah real estate course online?

Yes. Utah's 120-hour pre-licensing requirement can be completed through approved online schools, so you can study on your own schedule. US Realty Training's Utah licensing course is fully online and self-paced.

What should I do after I get my license?

Build your foundation: set up a professional website and social presence, write a simple business plan, and start networking at local real estate events. Keep learning, too — your first post-licensing and continuing education courses keep you compliant and sharpen your skills as you grow.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Utah Real Estate Career

Getting your Utah real estate license takes several steps — education, exam, background check, and brokerage — but the path is clear and the payoff is real. With the right preparation, you can be helping clients (and earning commissions) within a few months.

Ready to begin? Enroll in our Utah real estate licensing course today and get a discount.