Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a real estate agent in New York City, New York County, New York.

Updated 2026-03-15 4 stops $400–$1,200 est. 4–12 weeks to obtain license and begin practice
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or have employees. Free from the IRS. Even sole proprietors may benefit from obtaining an EIN to keep business and personal finances separate.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New York

2 stops

  1. New York Department of State — Real Estate Salesperson License

    New York requires real estate salesperson applicants to complete a 77-hour pre-licensing course from a NY DOS-approved school, pass the New York Real Estate Salesperson Exam (administered by PSI), and apply to the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Must be associated with a licensed New York real estate broker.

    Official government source

    $15 (exam fee) + $50 (license fee) + $200–$500 (pre-licensing education)4–10 weeks

  2. Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

    Most real estate brokerages require agents to carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects against claims of negligent acts or omissions in real estate transactions. Some states mandate it; most brokerages require it. Coverage typically starts at $100,000 per occurrence.

    Official government source

    $300–$800/year1–5 business days

City of New York City / New York County

1 stop

  1. NYC Department of State — No Additional NYC License Required for Agents

    Real estate salespersons in New York City are licensed at the state level through the NY Department of State. No additional NYC-specific real estate salesperson license is required. However, all advertising and signage must comply with NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection regulations.

    Official government source

    No additional fee for individual agentsN/A

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 4–12 weeks to obtain license and begin practice

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Official Sources

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