Real Estate Agent License Requirements in Virginia
- Training hours
- 60 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $270
- Exam
- Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Virginia Real Estate Board
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 18 years old, High school diploma or equivalent (GED), pass a criminal background check. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 60 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of a Board-approved 60-hour pre-licensing course in the Principles of Real Estate. [1]
- 3
Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Pass the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination (fee: $60). Computer-based The exam consists of a National portion (80 questions) and a Virginia State portion (40 questions). The fee is $60 per attempt. [1]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to Virginia Real Estate Board with the $210 application fee. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks. [1]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Virginia Real Estate Board issues your Salesperson for Virginia.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | $210 |
| License fee [2] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [2] | $100 |
| Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Examination [1] | $60 |
| Real Estate Transaction Recovery Fund Assessment [2] | $20 |
There is no separate license issuance fee. The initial application fee is $210, and there is a mandatory one-time $20 Real Estate Transaction Recovery Fund assessment, making the total initial cost $230.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 16 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Licenses expire every two years. Active salespersons must complete 16 hours of continuing education. First-time renewals (both active and inactive status) must complete 30 hours of post-license education (PLE) within the first year of licensure.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Reciprocity is available for current licensees in other states. Applicants must pass the state-specific portion of the exam, submit verification of the 60-hour pre-licensing education (or equivalent), and provide certification of licensure from other jurisdictions.
1 state-approved training provider in Virginia — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $210
- $60
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a real estate licensee and a REALTOR®?
A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent (salesperson or broker) who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, a private professional organization. State law requires a license to practice real estate, but does not require any licensee to be a REALTOR®.
What are the pre-license education and exam requirements for a salesperson license?
Salesperson applicants must complete a 60-hour course ('Principles of Real Estate') and pass both the State and National portions of the salesperson examination.
Can out-of-state real estate licensees apply for a Virginia license through reciprocity?
Yes. Reciprocity applicants must pass the State portion of the Virginia examination, submit verification of completion of a 60-hour course in the 'Principles of Real Estate' (or equivalent), and submit letters of certification from other jurisdictions where they hold a current license.
What are the post-license and continuing education requirements for salespersons?
Active salespersons must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years. However, all salespersons (active or inactive) renewing their licenses for the first time must complete 30 hours of post-license education (PLE) within their first year of licensure instead of continuing education.
Sources
- [1] dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Real-Estate — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency135/chapter20/section18VAC135-20-15/ — accessed 2026-07-12