Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a real estate agent in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Updated 2026-03-15 4 stops $700–$1,700 est. 3–6 months to complete education, exam, and licensing
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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 Texas

2 stops

  1. Texas Real Estate Commission — Sales Agent License

    Texas requires real estate sales agents to complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education from a TREC-approved provider, pass the Texas Real Estate Sales Agent Exam (administered by Pearson VUE), and submit an application to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). All sales agents must be sponsored by a licensed Texas real estate broker.

    Official government source

    $54 (exam fee) + $185 (license application fee) + $400–$700 (pre-licensing education)3–6 months

  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 Austin / Travis County

1 stop

  1. City of Austin — No Additional Local License Required

    Individual real estate agents in Austin are licensed at the state level through TREC. No additional city-specific real estate license is required. If operating an independent brokerage, a City of Austin business license may be needed.

    Official government source

    No additional fee for individual agentsN/A

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$1,700 · 3–6 months to complete education, exam, and licensing

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Official Sources

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