How Much Does a Texas Real Estate License Cost?

If you’re searching “Texas real estate license cost”, you’re probably trying to answer one simple question:

How much money do I need to set aside to get licensed—and to stay licensed—in Texas?

Below is a clear, detailed breakdown of what most people spend: courses, exam prep, application fees, fingerprinting, renewals, and ongoing “agent life” expenses.

What does a Texas real estate license cost?

Most new applicants spend about $800 to $1,500 to get licensed in Texas (not including optional extras after you’re licensed).

Your total depends mainly on:

• How much you pay for the 180-hour pre-licensing courses
• How much you spend on the exam prep
• Whether you pass the exam on the first try

1) Required State Fees (Application + Exam + Fingerprinting)

These are the fees that typically apply for a first-time Texas sales agent license applicant.

Texas application fee (sales agent)

• $206 (original license application)

Texas real estate exam fee

• $43

Fingerprinting/background check

• $37 (if you have not already completed Texas real estate fingerprinting in the system)

Optional: Fitness Character Determination (only if needed)

• $54 (optional, used by some applicants who want clarity about eligibility before spending more money)

Typical state-fee subtotal (first attempt): $206 + $43 + $37 = $286 (Add $43 for any exam retakes.)

2) Texas Pre-Licensing Course Cost (180 Hours)

Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education before you can qualify to take the exam. This is usually the highest cost in the entire process.

What do Texas real estate pre-licensing courses cost?

Pricing depends on:

• Online vs. classroom
• Included support (tutoring, Q&A, coaching)
• Whether exam prep is included

Typical pricing you’ll see:

• $500–$1,000 for many online-only packages
• $1,000–$1,700+ for more premium or classroom-style programs and bigger bundles

Realistic planning tip: If you’re trying to keep your real estate license Texas cost low, a strong online program is usually the best value—as long as you still get good exam prep support.

3) Texas Exam Prep Cost (Optional, but Recommended)

The exam prep is technically optional, but it’s one of the best places to spend money because it helps you:

• Pass faster
• Avoid retake fees
• Feel confident walking into the exam

Typical exam prep pricing

• $20–$60 for simple practice tests or basic tools
• $80–$150 for full exam prep packages with practice exams, explanations, and study plans
• $150–$300+ for premium coaching, live support, or extended access

Practical note: Spending $100 on exam prep can actually save you money—failing twice means paying retake fees and losing extra time.

4) After You’re Licensed: Renewal and Continuing Education Costs

Texas licenses renew every 2 years, and you must complete education to renew.

Texas sales agent renewal fee

• $110 (standard renewal fee)

Continuing Education (CE) cost

CE pricing varies by provider, but typical ranges are:

• $50–$180 for standard CE bundles
• More if you add premium formats, tutoring, or longer access

Late/deferral costs (avoid these)

If you renew without your CE completed, there may be late fees and deadlines—so it’s best to plan ahead and knock out your CE early.

5) “Agent Life” Costs (Not required, but common)

These are not paid to the state, but they’re costs most agents run into after licensing.

Common ongoing expenses

• Brokerage office fees (desk fees, transaction fees, monthly tech fees, or split-based costs)
• MLS + association dues (varies by local board/area)
• E&O liability insurance (sometimes not included through your brokerage)
• Marketing (signs, business cards, website, CRM, ads, etc.)

These costs vary by location and brokerage structure, so it’s smart to ask your future brokerage for a quick written breakdown before you join them.

Sample of Total Costs: Real Estate License Texas Cost

Here are realistic planning ranges you can use.

Budget Path (lowest cost approach)

• Courses: $500
• State fees: $286
• Exam prep: $20–$60

Estimated total: ~$806–$846

Typical Path (most common)

• Courses: $700–$1,000
• State fees: $286
• Exam prep: $80–$150

Estimated total: ~$1,066–$1,436

Premium Path (maximum support)

• Courses/program: $1,000–$1,700+
• State fees: $286
• Exam prep/coaching: $150–$300+

Estimated total: ~$1,436–$2,286+

How to Lower Your Texas Real Estate License Cost 

Choose a course provider with strong student support

The cheapest course isn’t worth it if you get stuck or fall behind. Look for fast Q&A help, a clear study plan, and extra explanations on tough topics (contracts, agency, finance). Good support helps you finish faster and reduces retakes.

Spend a little more on the exam prep to avoid retake fees

Dedicated exam prep usually gives you more practice questions, timed exams, and answer explanations. That’s how you pass the first time, avoid retake fees, and move forward sooner.

Budget for your renewal from day one

Licensing isn’t a one-time cost. Plan for renewal fees, continuing education, and the heavier first renewal requirements. Even setting aside $10–$20/month keeps it stress-free.

Ask brokerages about monthly fees and MLS costs before joining

Before you sign, ask for a breakdown: desk/tech fees, transaction fees, E&O insurance, MLS/association dues, and startup costs. The lowest-fee brokerage isn’t always best—but you should know your costs upfront.

Final Thoughts

The true cost of a Texas real estate license isn’t just one set number—it’s a combination of:

• Course tuition
• State fees
• Exam prep
• Renewal education
• Ongoing costs once you start working

If you’re ready to stop wondering and start moving toward your license, US Realty Training partnered program makes it simple to get through the Texas pre-licensing process with a clear, step-by-step course built around the full 180 hours—so you always know what to study next.