How to Get a Texas Real Estate License

Texas is one of the best places in the country to launch a real estate career — the market is huge, demand for agents is steady, and you can get licensed in a matter of months.

To get a Texas real estate license, you must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, file an application with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), pass a fingerprint background check, complete 180 hours of approved education, and pass the state licensing exam. You then activate your license under a sponsoring broker. Most people finish in 4–6 months and spend about $650–$1,000.

Here's the step-by-step.

Texas Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance

How to Get Your Texas Real Estate License (5 Steps)

TREC gives you one year from the date you file your application to finish every step below:

1. Meet the requirements and file your application with TREC
2. Get fingerprinted and pass your background check
3. Complete 180 hours of qualifying education
4. Pass the Texas real estate exam
5. Find a sponsoring broker to activate your license

Let's break each one down.

Step 1: Meet the Requirements and File Your TREC Application

To qualify for a Texas sales agent license, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Meet TREC's standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity

If you have a criminal history or other background concern, you can request a Fitness Determination (a $54 filing) before you invest in coursework, so you know where you stand. File your sales agent application through TREC's online system to start the clock.

Step 2: Get Fingerprinted and Pass Your Background Check

Every applicant must be fingerprinted and clear a background check. Texas uses IDEMIA, the state's fingerprinting vendor, and the fee is $37 (if you haven't already been fingerprinted for TREC). Schedule your appointment at least 24 hours ahead — same-day appointments aren't accepted.

Step 3: Complete 180 Hours of Qualifying Education

Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education through an approved school, delivered as six 30-hour courses:

• Principles of Real Estate I — core concepts, real estate law, ethics, fair housing, and contracts
• Principles of Real Estate II — the licensing process, closings, and Texas-specific law
• Law of Agency — fiduciary duties, representation, and employment law
• Law of Contracts — the contracts behind every transaction
• Promulgated Contract Forms — the standardized forms you'll use, and how to use them
• Real Estate Finance — mortgages, lending, and government loan programs

When you finish, your school issues a certificate of completion to submit to TREC.

US Realty Training partners with The CE Shop to deliver Texas's 180-hour requirement fully online and self-paced. Explore the Texas pre-licensing course →

Step 4: Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam

Once TREC approves your application and education, you'll get instructions to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, Texas's testing provider. The exam fee is $43, and you must schedule at least 24 hours ahead (no walk-ins).

The Texas sales agent exam has 125 questions split into two sections, and you get four hours (240 minutes) total:

• National section: 85 questions — you need 56 correct to pass
• State section: 40 questions — you need 28 correct to pass

You'll see your results immediately. If you fail a section, you can retake just that section — but after three failed attempts, TREC requires additional qualifying education before you can test again. That's exactly why prep matters: a focused Texas exam prep package — practice tests, flashcards, and review videos — is the biggest lever for passing on your first try.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker to Activate Your License

In Texas, a sales agent must be sponsored by a licensed broker to do any real estate work. Until a broker sponsors you, your license stays inactive. Once a broker accepts your sponsorship in TREC's system, your license goes active and you can start representing clients.

When you compare brokerages, weigh commission splits against training, mentorship, lead support, and culture — in your first year, support and coaching usually matter more than a slightly better split.

How Much Does a Texas Real Estate License Cost?

Plan for roughly $650–$1,000 total. Here's the breakdown:

Your course package is the biggest variable. Fees are set by TREC, Pearson VUE, and IDEMIA and can change — check the current TREC fee schedule before you budget.

FAQs About Getting a Texas Real Estate License

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

Most people finish in 4 to 6 months. The 180-hour course is the most time-consuming part, so your pace depends on how many hours a week you can study. Remember, TREC gives you one year from the date you file your application to complete every requirement.

How hard is the Texas real estate exam?

It's challenging but very passable with prep. You have four hours for 125 questions, and you must pass both sections: 56 of 85 on the national portion and 28 of 40 on the state portion. Roughly 6 in 10 candidates pass on their first attempt, so structured exam prep makes a real difference.

How much does a Texas real estate license cost?

Expect about $650–$1,000 total: $350–$700+ for the 180-hour course, a $206 TREC application fee, the $43 Pearson VUE exam fee, and a $37 IDEMIA fingerprint fee.

Do I need a sponsoring broker in Texas?

Yes. A Texas sales agent must be sponsored by a licensed broker to conduct any real estate activity. When you pass the exam, TREC issues an inactive license; it becomes active only once a sponsoring broker accepts you in TREC's system.

Does Texas have real estate license reciprocity?

No. Texas does not offer license reciprocity with any state. If you're licensed elsewhere, you'll still need to meet Texas's education and exam requirements and pass the Texas state exam. Depending on your background, TREC may grant some credit — confirm your specific situation with TREC.

How much do Texas real estate agents make?

Real estate income is commission-based, so it varies widely by market, experience, and effort. As of 2025, salary aggregators like Indeed and Salary.com reported Texas agent averages roughly in the $75,000–$100,000 range, with top producers in metros like Austin, Dallas, and Houston earning well beyond that. Treat these as estimates — your income tracks how many deals you close.

How often do I renew my Texas real estate license?

Texas sales agent licenses renew every two years. Your first renewal requires 90 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE), including the 4-hour Legal Update I and 4-hour Legal Update II courses. After that, you'll complete 18 hours of continuing education every two years (which again includes Legal Update I and II). The sales agent renewal fee is about $110.

Can I take the Texas real estate course online?

Yes. Texas's 180-hour pre-licensing requirement can be completed through TREC-approved online schools, so you can study on your own schedule. US Realty Training's Texas course is fully online.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Texas Real Estate Career

Texas keeps growing, and licensed agents are in steady demand. The path — application, background check, 180 hours of education, the exam, and a sponsoring broker — is clearly defined by the Texas Real Estate Commission, and you can realistically complete it in a few months.

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

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