Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission — Salesperson License

   Pennsylvania requires real estate salesperson applicants to be at least 18 and a high school graduate, complete 5 credits or 75 hours of basic real estate courses from a Commission-approved education provider, and pass both the National and the Pennsylvania state-specific salesperson examinations. The examinations are administered by Pearson VUE — applications for exam eligibility are filed through the Clarus portal, not PSI — after which you apply for the license through PALS with the State Real Estate Commission. You must work under a licensed Pennsylvania broker.

   Official government source

   $52 National exam + $49 Pennsylvania state exam + $25 license application fee + $72 initial licensure fee (49 Pa. Code § 35.203) + $300–$600 pre-licensing education·4–12 weeks

   $52 National exam + $49 Pennsylvania state exam + $25 license application fee + $72 initial licensure fee (49 Pa. Code § 35.203) + $300–$600 pre-licensing education

   4–12 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/year·1–5 business days

   $300–$800/year

   1–5 business days

1. Philadelphia — Commercial Activity License (if operating a brokerage)

   Individual real estate salespersons working under a licensed broker do not need a separate Philadelphia business license. A brokerage operating as its own business entity in Philadelphia must obtain a Commercial Activity License (CAL) from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) — this replaced the old 'Business Privilege License', is free, and never needs renewal. A Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) account with the Department of Revenue is required first; applying online through eCLIPSE then issues the license.

   Official government source

   $0 — no fee·Same day (issued online via eCLIPSE)

   $0 — no fee

   Same day (issued online via eCLIPSE)

Official Sources

• Philadelphia Business Registration
• Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission

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