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District of Columbia real estate license guide

How to Get a Real Estate License in District of Columbia (2026 Guide)

Use this guide to see exactly how to get licensed in District of Columbia, including your pre-license education, exam path, published fees, renewal rules, and the right class options for your next step.

Pre-license education

60 hours

Estimated cost range

$552–$772+

Renewal cycle

Every 2 years

Continuing education

15 hours every 2 years

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Ready to start your District of Columbia pre-license education?

If you already know you want to move forward, use this direct path to review the matching class options without losing your place in the licensing process.

Quick licensing snapshot
60 hours of qualifying education before the licensing application path can move forward.
$552–$772+ estimated total when published fees and typical course costs are considered together.
PSI currently handles the exam or exam scheduling process for this jurisdiction.
Every 2 years renewal timing with 15 hours every 2 years expected after licensing.
Exact steps to get licensed in District of Columbia
1
Confirm eligibility for a District of Columbia real estate license. Typically 18 or older; verify with the state regulator. High school diploma or equivalent is commonly required; verify any state-specific exception.
2
Complete 60 hours of state-required pre-license education and retain your completion records.
3
Prepare for and pass the PSI licensing exam. The published exam fee is $61.50.
4
Complete the application and background-check process. The published application or initial license fee is $255.00; the listed background-check or fingerprint cost is $35.00.
5
Finish the remaining District of Columbia-specific licensing steps: Submit a license application with fees; then Activate sponsorship with a licensed DC broker.
6
After licensure, renew every 2 years and complete 15 hours every 2 years as required.
Requirements and fee breakdown

Age and eligibility

Typically 18 or older; verify with the state regulator.

Education baseline

High school diploma or equivalent is commonly required; verify any state-specific exception.

Pre-license hours60 hours
Exam providerPSI
Exam fee$61.50
Application or initial license fee$255.00
Background check / fingerprint fee$35.00
Renewal cycleEvery 2 years
Continuing education15 hours every 2 years
Get the District of Columbia pre-license checklist

Enter your email to save a simple checklist of the steps, costs, and deadlines you should keep track of while working toward your District of Columbia license.

Use this checklist request whenever you want a simple way to keep your next steps organized.

Start classes only after the requirements are clear

The best time to compare District of Columbia real estate classes is after you understand the published requirements. Once you know the hours, renewal cycle, exam route, and expected fees, you can choose the right education option with much better context.

Start with the licensing rules here, then move to the matching course page on UniversityOfSuccess.com when you are ready to compare classes or enroll.

Start Classes Here!

Choose the District of Columbia classes that match what you need next.

If you are ready to move forward, choose prelicense classes to start your education or CE classes if you are already licensed and need renewal coursework.

Choose Prelicense Classes if you are starting your real estate education in District of Columbia.
Choose CE Classes if you already hold a license and need renewal or continuing education hours.
Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia licensing

How many pre-license hours are required in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia requires 60 hours of pre-license education before you complete the remaining application and examination steps. Keep your course completion record because the regulator or exam process may require it.

Who administers the District of Columbia real estate licensing exam and what does it cost?

The listed exam provider for District of Columbia is PSI, and the published exam fee is $61.50. Confirm the current fee and scheduling rules with the official District of Columbia regulator before registering.

How much should I budget to get a real estate license in District of Columbia?

The current planning range shown for District of Columbia is $552–$772+. That estimate reflects a published application or initial license fee of $255.00, an exam fee of $61.50, a listed background-check or fingerprint cost of $35.00, and variable education costs.

How often is a District of Columbia real estate license renewed?

The listed renewal cycle is Every 2 years. The continuing-education requirement shown for that cycle is 15 hours every 2 years. Verify the active deadline and any first-renewal exceptions with the official regulator before filing.

Compare nearby licensing paths

Use these related guides if you are deciding where to practice or if you want to compare education hours, costs, and renewal rules across nearby markets before you move forward.