If you're considering starting a real estate career in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Arlington, or any other city in the state, you'll need to earn a Virginia real estate license. To earn your real estate license in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years of age, complete 60 hours of approved education, pass the Virginia real estate salesperson licensing exam, complete fingerprinting and a background check, and apply for a state license. While the process to become a real estate agent is similar in most states, each state has unique steps that must be adhered to.
The five steps to becoming a Virginia real estate agent are as follows:
Step 1: Be at Least 18 Years of Age
You must be 18 years of age, a US citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and have a high school degree or equivalent.
Step 2: Register and Complete the 60 Hours of Required Education
You must complete 60 hours of Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board-approved Real Estate Principles courses. More information can be found on DPOR's website. Choose the Salesperson Licensing Package that is best for you from our Virginia Salesperson Licensing Course library.
Step 3: Take the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam
Apply to take the national and state portions of the exam, if you are not licensed in another state. You can visit the Candidate Information Bulletin from the Board’s vendor to learn how to register. As a Kaplan Real Estate Education student, you can be confident that you are thoroughly prepared for the exam. If your enrollment did not include exam prep, consider preparing with our Virginia Exam Prep products.
Step 4: Complete Your Fingerprinting and Background Check
Fingerprinting is mandatory for all Virginia real estate license applicants. You must be electronically fingerprinted at one of the PSI Virginia sites. Once completed, your license application must be received by the Real Estate Board within 45 calendar days. For additional information, please visit the PSI Services website.
Step 5: Apply for Your Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Licensing
The final step is to print, sign, and mail your application, which can be found on DPOR's website. A license cannot be issued until your application is 100% accurate and complete with all questions answered, all documentation and fees attached, and a background check that is not older than 45 days. Detailed information for the licensing application process is located on the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation's Real Estate Board web page.
