Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a real estate agent in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

Updated 2026-03-15 4 stops $800–$2,000 est. 4–18 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 Oregon

2 stops

  1. Oregon Real Estate Agency — Broker License

    Oregon calls its entry-level license a Broker license. Applicants must complete 150 hours of pre-licensing education (3 courses of 30 hours + 1 course of 60 hours) from an approved school, pass the Oregon Real Estate Broker Exam (administered by PSI), and apply to the Oregon Real Estate Agency. Must work under a licensed Principal Broker.

    Official government source

    $75 (exam fee) + $300 (license fee) + $400–$800 (pre-licensing education)4–16 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 Portland / Multnomah County

1 stop

  1. City of Portland — Business License Tax (if operating a brokerage)

    Individual real estate brokers in Portland are licensed at the state level through the Oregon Real Estate Agency. If operating an independent brokerage in Portland, registration with the Portland Revenue Division for the Business License Tax is required.

    Official government source

    $100 minimum/year (brokerage only)1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $800–$2,000 · 4–18 weeks to obtain license and begin practice

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Official Sources

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