Real estate license reciprocity is an agreement between states that allows the holder of a real estate license in one state to fast-track the process of getting a license in another state. Often, they can bypass that state’s prelicense requirements and move straight to the licensing exam.
For example, say you are a real estate agent in Texas and plan a move with your family to Colorado. Colorado offers real estate license reciprocity with every other state. Rather than having to retake the prelicensing class, all you’d need to do is retake the real estate exam in Colorado, and you’re good to go.
If you’re a little nervous about retaking the real estate exam, we’d suggest doing some test preparation. Real Estate Express’ Exam Prep Master program will help you prepare for your test no matter how long it’s been since your last one. With more than a dozen full-length practice tests, digital flashcards, and a ton of other resources, their prep program is a must for anyone preparing for an exam in a new state.
What If I Just Want to Help With a Single Transaction?
If you aren’t planning on conducting business long-term in a state where you aren’t currently licensed, you should explore real estate license portability. To illustrate, if you live in New York City and you’ve got a client who wants to buy a house in New Hampshire, a real estate license portability agreement allows you to help that client (and get paid) without having to obtain your New Hampshire license.
What Is Real Estate License Portability?
Real estate license portability describes the rules that each state has for real estate agents who aren’t licensed in their state, but who have clients interested in buying or selling in that state. There are three basic classifications of real estate license portability laws: cooperative, physical location, and turf.
1. Cooperative
A state with a cooperative real estate portability agreement is just that—cooperative. A real estate agent licensed in another state can enter that state, conduct business, and get paid for it. The one caveat is that in order to do so, they have to co-broker the transaction with another real estate agent who is licensed in that state.
Example of a Transaction in a Cooperative State: If you’re helping a buyer from New York with their house purchase in New Hampshire, the home they’re looking to purchase must be listed with an agent who is licensed in New Hampshire.
2. Physical location
Unlike a cooperative portability state, a state with a physical location real estate license portability law allows you to represent your client in an out-of-state purchase or sale. However, you must do so remotely. You can’t be located in the state in which you want to conduct business.
Example of a Transaction in a Physical Location State: For example, your client in New York who (at first) wanted to buy a house in New Hampshire has changed their mind. Now they want to buy a ranch in Oklahoma. You can help them with that, but you must do your work from New York. You can send them to see a property, make offers, and negotiate on their behalf, but only from your desk and not from the barn of their new ranch.
3. Turf
While a physical location state allows you to conduct transactions remotely, states with real estate portability turf laws will not allow anyone with an outside real estate license to do business in their state.
Example of a Transaction in a Turf State: Let’s pretend that your client who planned to buy in New Hampshire and Oklahoma has decided they don’t want to be so far away from home. Instead, they now want to purchase a house right across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey. Since New Jersey is a turf state, you’ll need to refer this client to a licensed New Jersey real estate agent (who can pay you a referral fee). However, you can’t be involved in any part of their transaction beyond that. Keep in mind that each state has its own classifications, so the story doesn’t end here. We’ll get into each state’s specific portability agreements later.
Real Estate License Reciprocity Laws in All 50 States
When our readers inquire about real estate reciprocity, they often ask: “I live in state X. I am moving to state Y. Can I transfer my license there?” We’ve done the research to help you understand your options and answer this question. Simply choose your state in the dropdown list below to learn which states offer real estate license reciprocity with your state.
Real Estate License Reciprocity: State-by-state
Alabama Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Alabama real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Alaska Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Alaska real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Arizona Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Arizona real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Arkansas Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Arkansas real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
California Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a California real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Colorado Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Colorado real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Washington
Connecticut Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Connecticut real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington
Delaware Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Delaware real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Florida Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Florida real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Georgia Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Georgia real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Hawaii Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Hawaii real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Idaho Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Idaho real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Illinois Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Illinois real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Indiana Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Indiana real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Iowa Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Iowa real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Kansas Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Kansas real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Kentucky Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Kentucky real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Louisiana Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Louisiana real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington
Maine Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Maine real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Maryland Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Maryland real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington
Massachusetts Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Massachusetts real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Michigan Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Michigan real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Minnesota Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Minnesota real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Virginia
- Washington
Mississippi Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Mississippi real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Missouri Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Missouri real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Virginia
- Washington
Montana Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Montana real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Nebraska Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Nebraska real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Florida
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Nevada Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Nevada real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
New Hampshire Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a New Hampshire real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
New Jersey Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a New Jersey real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
New Mexico Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a New Mexico real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
New York Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a New York real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
North Carolina Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a North Carolina real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Virginia
- Washington
North Dakota Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a North Dakota real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Caroline
- Oklahoma
- Virginia
- Washington
Ohio Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Ohio real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Oklahoma Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Oklahoma real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Oregon Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of an Oregon real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Pennsylvania Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Pennsylvania real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New York
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Rhode Island Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Rhode Island real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
South Carolina Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a South Carolina real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
South Dakota Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a South Dakota real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Virginia
- Washington
Tennessee Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Tennessee real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Texas Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Texas real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Utah Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Utah real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Vermont Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Vermont real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Virginia Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Virginia real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Washington
Washington Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Washington real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
West Virginia Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a West Virginia real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Wisconsin Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Wisconsin real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
Wyoming Real Estate License Reciprocity
Holders of a Wyoming real estate license can obtain a new real estate license via a reciprocity agreement with the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Washington
Updated April 28, 2021
Real Estate License Portability in All 50 States
If you want to conduct a single transaction in a state other than the one you are licensed in, you need to know the real estate license portability rules. We know there are three different types of real estate license portability laws: cooperative, physical location, and turf. But, each state has their own interpretations of these laws and individual statutes.
We’ve compiled all these different statutes so you can know the exact rules of real estate license portability in each state. Simply choose the state from the dropdown list and remember to select the state in which the transaction would take place. The relevant portability rules will appear below the dropdown list.
Real Estate License Portability: State-by-state
Alabama Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent may enter Alabama to work on a transaction as long as they enter into a cooperative arrangement with an Alabama licensee. The out-of-state real estate agent will need to submit to the jurisdiction of Alabama courts. Co-brokerage agreement must be written and filed with the local real estate commission in order for commissions to be paid to the out-of-state real estate agent’s brokerage.
Alaska Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent may not enter Alaska to work on a transaction, but may receive a brokerage commission from an Alaska licensee for co-brokering with an Alaska licensee in actions for which an Alaska license is required.
Arizona Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can enter into a written co-brokerage agreement with an Arizona licensee, in which the out-of-state real estate agent must agree to submit to Arizona law. The cooperating Arizona licensee assumes responsibility for acts of the out-of-state real estate agent. All negotiations in Arizona or with Arizona property owners are conducted through an Arizona licensee, and all funds are handled in accordance with Arizona law. An out-of-state real estate agent can collect a commission via their broker.
Arkansas Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can share a commission as long as all licensed activities relating to the sale of the property are performed in state by an Arkansas licensee. An out-of-state real estate agent cannot perform any services in Arkansas, but can participate remotely as long as they are physically in the state they are licensed in. An out-of-state real estate agent can collect a commission via their broker.
California Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can perform no real estate acts while physically in California. An out-of-state real estate agent can receive a referral fee or share a commission if they are in a co-brokerage agreement with a California licensee.
Colorado Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent may share in a commission earned on a Colorado transaction provided that the out-of-state real estate agent cooperates with a Colorado licensee, and provided that all advertising, negotiations, contracting, and conveyancing done in Colorado must be performed in the name of the Colorado broker, and provided that all money collected from the parties to the transaction shall be deposited in the name of the co-broker.
Connecticut Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can collect a commission for commercial real estate transactions only. Additionally, the following requirements must be met: An out-of-state real estate agent must cooperate with a licensed Connecticut broker; they must provide proof of license, and handle escrow funds according to Connecticut law. All advertising in Connecticut must reference in-state cooperating brokers only.
Delaware Real Estate License Portability
Category: Turf
Delaware prohibits the provision of licensed real estate services within the state without a Delaware license.
Florida Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can negotiate and submit offers on behalf of clients for property within the state of Florida, but is strictly prohibited from doing so located anywhere other than in their home state. (There are conflicting and contradictory statutes on this topic.)
Georgia Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent must enter into a written co-brokerage agreement with a Georgia licensee. The agreement must specify the commission split arrangement between the parties and what must apply to a specific property as specified in the agreement. The Georgia licensee is responsible for supervising the out-of-state real estate agent.
Hawaii Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent cannot perform any work within Hawaii. They may receive a commission from a Hawaii licensee via their broker as long as the out-of-state licensee performs no functions physically within the state.
Idaho Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can enter the state, but only for the purpose of accompanying their client and an Idaho licensee to the property. An out-of-state real estate agent can receive a cooperative commission from an Idaho licensee but cannot list, show, or inspect a property in Idaho, nor advertise within the state.
Illinois Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can share a commission with an Illinois licensee, but cannot perform any of the actions related to the sale within Illinois.
Indiana Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can enter into a cooperative agreement with an Indiana licensee for acts related to commercial real estate only. A cooperative agreement requires an out-of-state real estate agent to work closely with an Indiana licensee and must file a consent to jurisdiction with the Indiana Real Estate Commission.
Iowa Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent may receive part of a commission or fee from an Iowa broker. The out-of-state real estate agent cannot participate in any of the activities in Iowa that require an Iowa broker’s license. Comments from Real Estate Commission officials indicate that an out-of-state real estate agent may enter the state and act in an advisory role, but not officially perform licensed services within the state.
Kansas Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can enter into a co-brokerage agreement with a Kansas supervising broker for purposes of a commercial real estate transaction only. The agreement requirements include: 1) a written agreement; 2) consent from the out-of-state real estate agent to submit to the jurisdiction of the Kansas Real Estate Commission; 3) any escrowed funds shall be held exclusively with Kansas supervising broker; and 4) a filed agreement with Kansas Real Estate Commission.
Kentucky Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent may render licensed services on a commercial or residential real estate transaction in cooperation with a Kentucky licensed real estate agent based on a written cooperation agreement and under a local licensed broker’s supervision.
Louisiana Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can receive commissions from a Louisiana licensee if a valid cooperation agreement is entered into between the parties, which includes the Louisiana broker providing supervision over the out-of-state real estate agent. In order to conduct any transaction, the aforementioned cooperative agreement must be filed with the state of Louisiana’s real estate commission.
Maine Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can share a commission with a Maine licensee for a transaction if the licensed services performed by the out-of-state real estate agent are done so outside the state of Maine, supervised and verified by their supervising broker.
Maryland Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can receive a temporary license from the Commission for specific commercial real estate transactions only. The out-of-state real estate agent must file a license application with the state of Maryland’s Real Estate Commission, listing all salespeople who will work on the transaction, as well as consent to jurisdiction in the state. The out-of-state real estate agent must agree to enter into a cooperative arrangement with a Maryland broker specifying commission amounts as well, delineating responsibility as well as the specification of the property in question.
Massachusetts Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
Massachusetts would not prevent a Massachusetts licensee from paying part of a commission to an out-of-state real estate agent as long as the out-of-state real estate agent performed no licensed services within the state. (The law is unclear on specifics beyond this.)
Michigan Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent is entitled to a commission from a Michigan licensee on a specific transaction as long as the out-of-state real estate agent doesn’t conduct any negotiations within the state of Michigan. (Michigan law is unclear as to whether an out-of-state real estate agent can enter the state of Michigan for other real estate purposes.)
Minnesota Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can receive a commission split from a Minnesota licensee as long as no real estate work whatsoever is performed within the state of Minnesota.
Mississippi Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent cannot act within the transaction state except with the cooperation of a Mississippi broker. Whenever an out-of-state real estate agent enters into a written cooperative agreement with a Mississippi broker, the Mississippi broker shall file (within 10 days of execution of the agreement) a copy with the state of Mississippi’s real estate commission.
When the out-of-state real estate agent signs this agreement, they agree to abide by Mississippi law, and the rules and regulations of the committee. Further, the showing of the property and negotiations pertaining to the transaction shall be supervised by the Mississippi broker.
Missouri Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent may render licensed services only in a commercial real estate transaction, and after executing a cooperative brokerage agreement with a Missouri broker. The out-of-state real estate agent must also consent to Missouri jurisdiction for litigation and disciplinary matters.
Montana Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can share a commission with a Montana licensee, but cannot perform licensed services within the transaction state.
Nebraska Real Estate License Portability
Category: Turf
In order to perform real estate services in the state of Nebraska, you need a Nebraska real estate license.
Nevada Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can perform work in the state, but first must obtain a “certificate of cooperation” from the state real estate commission. The out-of-state real estate agent can also receive a referral fee from Nevada licensee if no work is performed.
New Hampshire Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent may perform real estate acts and services with the state of New Hampshire as long as they follow the laws and guidelines of real estate in New Hampshire. They also must agree to co-brokerage any transaction with a New Hampshire licensed realtor.
New Jersey Real Estate License Portability
Category: Turf
An out-of-state real estate agent is only eligible to receive a referral fee for client introductions.
New Mexico Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
A co-brokerage agreement specific to a particular property must be in place between an out-of-state real estate agent and licensed New Mexico real estate agent. All negotiations must be done under the supervision of the New Mexico real estate agent’s broker, and all funds pertaining to the acquisition of the subject property must be held in escrow in a New Mexico bank, being placed there by the supervising New Mexico brokerage.
New York Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can conduct any and all business related to real estate they choose as long as they are doing so remotely and from the state they are licensed in.
North Carolina Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent shall be issued a temporary real estate license in the state of North Carolina for the purposes of conducting a specific commercial real estate transaction only. The out-of-state real estate agent must co-broker their transaction with a licensed North Carolina agent in good standing with their local board.
North Dakota Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can enter the state and perform licensed services. They are not allowed to list property for sale without a co-listing agreement with a licensed North Dakota Realtor. North Dakota’s cooperation with out-of-state Realtors also depends on whether the out-of-state’s originating state also provides a similar level of real estate license portability.
Ohio Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can perform work on a transaction involving commercial real estate only as long as the out-of-state real estate agent enters into a written agreement with Ohio broker; files consent to jurisdiction in Ohio; furnishes a certificate of good standing in home state to Ohio broker; and all funds received are deposited in the Ohio broker’s escrow account.
Oklahoma Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can share a commission with the Oklahoma licensee as long as all licensed services for which the out-of-state real estate agent receives compensation are performed in the out-of-state real estate agent’s state of licensure.
Oregon Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can perform work on a “nonresidential real estate” transaction (defined as property that has or could have commercial development or a property with five or more residential units) in Oregon if the out-of-state real estate agent enters into a written cooperative agreement with an Oregon licensee. The cooperative agreement must be in writing and must state the Oregon licensee will supervise all activities conducted in Oregon. Oregon licensees must be present for all showings and negotiations conducted in Oregon.
Pennsylvania Real Estate License Portability
Category: Turf
An out-of-state real estate agent may receive a referral fee from Pennsylvania licensee; otherwise, a Pennsylvania license is required to receive a commission or part of a commission.
Rhode Island Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can share a commission with a Rhode Island licensee as long as the out-of-state real estate agent does not conduct any negotiations within the state.
South Carolina Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent may split a commission with a South Carolina licensee as long as the out-of-state real estate agent does not conduct any negotiations while physically within the state.
South Dakota Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent may split a commission with a South Dakota licensee as long as the out-of-state real estate agent does not conduct any negotiations while physically within the state.
Tennessee Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent is entitled to a portion of a commission split with a Tennessee licensee as long as no negotiating on behalf of clients occurred in the state of Tennessee. An out-of-state real estate agent is entitled to enter the state and attend showings and view property, but only while accompanied by a Tennessee licensee.
Texas Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent may split a commission with a Texas licensee as long as the out-of-state real estate agent doesn’t conduct any of the activities related to the transaction in Texas.
(However, the state of Texas defines official communication regarding the sale or purchase of real estate with anybody who resides in Texas to be in-state communication, regardless of the out-of-state real estate agent’s physical location. As such, this appears to be a de facto Turf relationship, though the statutes don’t spell it explicitly as such.)
Utah Real Estate License Portability
Category: Turf
A Utah license is required in order to receive any compensation for real estate activities in the state.
Vermont Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent may share a commission with a Vermont licensee. However, they are not permitted to perform any licensed services in the state. An out-of-state real estate agent may observe brokerage services in Vermont and advise while they are in their home state.
Virginia Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can receive a referral fee or share a commission with a Virginia licensee as long as the out-of-state real estate agent does not physically enter the state to perform licensed services.
Washington Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent with a broker designation can perform work in Washington for commercial property only as long as the out-of-state real estate agent (broker) enters into a written agreement with a Washington broker. This agreement shall include the following stipulations: name of the Washington broker on all advertising, consent to jurisdiction in Washington, and providing all transaction records to the Washington broker. The out-of-state real estate agent’s (broker’s) salespeople can also work in the state as long as their broker has met the requirements of the Washington statute, and the out-of-state real estate agent salespeople provide a copy of their license to the Washington broker.
West Virginia Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
West Virginia’s statutes expressly prohibit the performance of licensed real estate services by individuals not licensed in West Virginia. However, it does not expressly forbid these services to be performed remotely and from a state where an out-of-state real estate agent is licensed. (Because the law doesn’t specifically allow this activity—just doesn’t forbid it—it is unclear whether or not a suit for commission would hold up in court.)
Wisconsin Real Estate License Portability
Category: Physical Location
An out-of-state real estate agent can split a commission with a Wisconsin licensee for services provided while the out-of-state real estate agent is physically in the state they are licensed.
Wyoming Real Estate License Portability
Category: Cooperative
An out-of-state real estate agent can receive a commission split from a Wyoming licensee as long as the out-of-state real estate agent conducts no negotiations within Wyoming for the transaction. (Case law allows out-of-state real estate agents to enter Wyoming and work on transactions as long as they do not conduct negotiations within the state.)
Updated April 28, 2021
Real Estate License Reciprocity Tips From Kat Kosmala
Maintaining a successful real estate business in one state is hard enough. Add in the complications of doing so across multiple states, and it’s easy to get in over your head.
We reached out to rock star Realtor Kat Kosmala, an ERA agent with licenses in both Florida and Oklahoma, to pick her brain and get her best advice on operating a real estate business across state lines.
1. Stay Connected With Clients & Prospects Any Way You Can
One of the biggest challenges of operating in multiple states is maintaining personal relationships with clients you’re supporting. Social media and technology have allowed me to get around these day-to-day challenges, but you’ve got to be consistent about it.
Make a plan to be in contact with the people who matter to you, and make a plan to have a public presence in a community, especially if you aren’t physically in that community. Don’t forget small touches like birthday cards or personalized messages—they make a big difference.
2. Build a Support Team in Both Markets
Cultivating a strong foundation of support people is critical during a transition into a new market. These are people who will help rebuild your business in the new state. I suggest partnering with another agent who you trust to help oversee your business, especially since you can’t always be in each of your locations. This local expert can also help you make sure you stay on top of your new set of requirements for continuing education and the like.
3. Get Involved in Your New Community Quickly
Once you get to your new state or location, get involved. Volunteer, mentor, find ways to start building new relationships. You may have the expertise and the knowledge, but people don’t know that yet. Find as many opportunities as you can to communicate that message.
Bringing It All Together
If your business presents you with the opportunity to work with clients in another state, especially if you live close to a state border, be sure to review the real estate license reciprocity agreements available to you in this article.
As you prepare to take another’s state’s real estate exam, we recommend Real Estate Express’ Exam Prep Master to refresh your knowledge and get specifics about real estate best practices and laws in the state in which you hope to do business.
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