2026 GUIDE · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
How to Get a Real Estate License in New York
Five steps, about $80 in state fees, and a 77-hour course. Here's exactly what New York requires, in order, from a family-owned New York real estate school that has been guiding new agents since 1987.
The Short Answer
1. Complete 77 hours of approved qualifying education.
2. Pass your school's final exam.
3. Schedule and pass the New York State salesperson exam through eAccessNY ($15).
4. Find a New York licensed broker to sponsor you.
5. Apply online through eAccessNY ($65); your broker authorizes the application.
New York Real Estate License Requirements
According to the NYS Department of State, to become a licensed real estate salesperson you must:
✓ Be at least 18 years old
✓ Complete 77 hours of approved qualifying education
✓ Pass the NYS Real Estate Salesperson exam
✓ Be sponsored by a NYS licensed real estate broker
✓ Have a current NYS photo driver's license or non-driver ID card
✓ Submit a completed application and the required fee
Have a criminal record? It doesn't automatically disqualify you. Read Can You Get a Real Estate License With a Felony in NY? before you rule yourself out.
The 5 Steps, in Detail
Step 1: Complete the 77-Hour Qualifying Course
New York requires 77 hours of approved salesperson qualifying education, covering topics like agency law, contracts, fair housing, and real estate finance. You can take it online at your own pace or with a live instructor. Many self-paced students finish in four to eight weeks.
Step 2: Pass Your School's Final Exam
Before you can take the state exam, you must pass the course's proctored final exam. At Manfred, you can take it online with a proctor or at an approved location. See how the proctored exam works.
Step 3: Pass the New York State Exam
Create an eAccessNY account and schedule your exam online. The fee is $15. What to know:
• It has 75 multiple-choice questions based on the 77-hour curriculum, and you need 70% to pass. You get 1.5 hours.
• Bring current, government-issued photo ID and the "Summary of Your Submission" page from eAccessNY.
• Results are pass or fail, with no numerical score, and appear in your eAccessNY account.
• A passing result is valid for two years. If you don't pass, you can schedule another exam.
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See SMART Exam PrepNew to eAccessNY? Read our eAccessNY guide.
Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker
In New York, a salesperson must work under a licensed broker. Your broker sponsors your license and supervises your work, so choose carefully: training, commission split, fees, and culture all vary. Read how to find the right broker.
Step 5: Apply for Your License
Apply online through your eAccessNY account and pay the $65 application fee. Your sponsoring broker then logs in to authorize your application. Once the Department of State approves it, your license is mailed to your business address.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 77-hour course (Manfred, self-paced) | $350 |
| NYS salesperson exam | $15 |
| Initial license application | $65 |
| Total to get licensed | From $430 |
State fees are from the NYS Department of State. Your broker may charge separate fees, and MLS or association dues come later.
How Long Does It Take?
New York doesn't publish an official timeline. Many students finish the self-paced course in four to eight weeks, and Manfred's Instructor-Led Hybrid runs six weeks. After that, timing depends on how soon you can schedule the state exam, find a sponsoring broker, and get your application approved.
Ready to Start Step 1?
Take the 77-hour course online for $350, or join an instructor-led session. Add Career Membership to get SMART Exam Prep, broker comparison tools, and unlimited CE after licensing.
Compare Course Options Call or Text 518-855-3680After You're Licensed
Your license is valid for two years. To renew, you'll complete 22.5 hours of continuing education and pay a $65 renewal fee. See the CE requirements.
You'll also want MLS access to list and search properties, and you don't have to join NAR to get it. Compare non-NAR MLS options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in New York?
State fees total $80: $15 for the exam and $65 for the license application. Add the 77-hour course, which starts at $350 at Manfred, for a total starting around $430.
Can I get my New York real estate license online?
You can complete the 77-hour course online, schedule the state exam online, and apply for your license online through eAccessNY. The state exam itself is taken at a New York exam site.
Do I need a sponsoring broker before I apply?
Yes. New York requires every salesperson to be sponsored by a licensed broker, and your broker must authorize your application in eAccessNY.
What happens if I fail the state exam?
You can schedule another exam through your eAccessNY account. Results are reported as pass or fail, and a passing result is valid for two years.
How often do I renew a New York real estate license?
Every two years. Renewal requires 22.5 hours of approved continuing education and a $65 fee.
Look Before you Leap: A Real Estate Career Guide
Our free course is designed to guide you through the process of obtaining your real estate license. We will provide information on both the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing this career, and address questions you may not have considered before diving in. Our goal is not just to sell courses, but to set you up for success and ensure that real estate is the right path for you.