How Do I Get My Real Estate License in Nevada?

Embarking on a career in real estate can be both exciting and rewarding, especially in a dynamic market like Nevada’s. Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of helping people find their dream homes or interested in the investment opportunities the state offers, obtaining your real estate license is the essential first step. Understanding the process and requirements specific to Nevada will set you on the path to success in this competitive industry.

Getting licensed in Nevada involves more than just passing an exam; it requires a clear grasp of state regulations, educational prerequisites, and practical steps that ensure you’re fully prepared to represent clients effectively. The journey to becoming a licensed real estate agent is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the local market confidently and ethically.

In the following sections, you’ll discover an overview of the licensing process, including the educational courses, application procedures, and key considerations unique to Nevada. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to start or someone transitioning from another state, this guide will provide the foundational insights you need before diving into the specifics.

Meet the Education and Exam Requirements

To obtain a real estate license in Nevada, completing the required education is a crucial step. The Nevada Real Estate Division mandates that prospective agents complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education through an approved provider. This coursework covers essential topics such as real estate principles, practices, and Nevada real estate law. The curriculum is designed to prepare candidates thoroughly for the licensing exam and their future careers.

After completing the pre-licensing education, candidates must pass the Nevada real estate salesperson exam. This exam tests knowledge of both national real estate principles and Nevada-specific laws and regulations. The exam is divided into two portions: a national section and a state section. Passing both sections is necessary to qualify for licensure.

Key points regarding education and examination:

Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from a Nevada Real Estate Division-approved school.
Schedule and pass the Nevada real estate salesperson exam.
Pay applicable examination fees when registering for the test.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions on national and state-specific real estate topics.

Submit Your Application and Background Check

Once the education and exam requirements are met, candidates must submit a formal application for licensure to the Nevada Real Estate Division. This application requires detailed personal information, proof of completed education, and exam results. Additionally, applicants must undergo a fingerprint-based background check as part of the licensing process.

Nevada requires that all applicants submit fingerprints for a criminal history background check through the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the FBI. This step ensures that candidates meet the ethical and legal standards required to hold a real estate license.

Steps for application submission include:

Complete the application form online or via mail as instructed by the Nevada Real Estate Division.
Include official transcripts or certificates verifying completion of pre-licensing education.
Submit exam results or score reports.
Schedule and complete fingerprinting through an authorized vendor.
Pay the required licensing fees.

Understand the Licensing Fees and Renewal Process

Obtaining a real estate license in Nevada involves various fees that candidates should be aware of. These fees cover application processing, fingerprinting, examination, and license issuance. Additionally, maintaining an active license requires periodic renewal and continuing education.

The initial fees and renewal requirements include:

Application fee for the salesperson license.
Fingerprint processing fee for background checks.
Examination fee paid when scheduling the licensing exam.
License issuance fee upon approval.

Nevada real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. During renewal, licensees must complete continuing education courses to stay current with industry practices and regulatory changes.

Fee Type	Amount	Frequency	Notes
Application Fee	$180	One-time	Paid during initial license application
Fingerprinting Fee	Approximately $40	One-time	Varies by fingerprint vendor
Exam Fee	$65	Per attempt	Paid when scheduling exam
License Issuance Fee	$120	One-time	Paid after passing exam and background check
License Renewal Fee	$125	Every 2 years	Requires continuing education

Continuing education for renewal typically involves 24 hours of approved courses, including a mandatory 3-hour Nevada law update course. Staying compliant with these requirements ensures that your license remains active and in good standing.

Find a Sponsoring Broker to Activate Your License

In Nevada, a real estate salesperson license is inactive until the licensee associates with a licensed real estate broker. This sponsorship is necessary because salespersons operate under the supervision of brokers. Selecting the right broker is a key career decision, as brokers provide guidance, resources, and support for new agents.

When choosing a sponsoring broker, consider factors such as:

Brokerage reputation and market presence.
Training programs and mentorship opportunities.
Commission splits and fee structures.
Company culture and technology tools.

Once you have selected a broker, you must submit a Broker-Salesperson Agreement form to the Nevada Real Estate Division to activate your license. This form formalizes the relationship and allows you to legally practice real estate under your broker’s supervision.

Maintain Compliance with State Laws and Ethical Standards

Licensed real estate agents in Nevada are subject to state laws and ethical guidelines designed to protect consumers and maintain industry integrity. It is essential to understand and comply with the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) related to real estate.

Key compliance areas include:

Honest and fair dealings with clients and customers.
Disclosure obligations, including property defects and agency relationships.
Handling of trust funds and escrow accounts.
Avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining confidentiality.

Failure to adhere to these standards can result in disciplinary actions, fines, or license suspension. Staying informed about regulatory updates and participating in continuing education helps agents uphold their professional responsibilities effectively.

Requirements to Qualify for a Nevada Real Estate License

Before applying for a real estate license in Nevada, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria established by the Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED). These requirements ensure that applicants possess the necessary legal standing and foundational knowledge to pursue licensure.

Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Residency: Nevada residency is not mandatory; however, non-residents must designate a Nevada-based broker to work under.
Legal Status: Must have a lawful presence in the United States, evidenced by appropriate documentation.
Background Check: Applicants are required to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Education: Completion of required pre-licensing education is mandatory prior to sitting for the licensing exam.

Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

Nevada mandates completion of 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This curriculum is designed to equip prospective licensees with comprehensive knowledge of real estate principles, practices, and state-specific laws.

Course Component	Hours Required	Description
Principles of Real Estate	45	Fundamentals of real estate practice, ethics, and terminology.
Practice of Real Estate	45	Application of real estate principles, contracts, and agency law.

Courses must be completed through NRED-approved providers, which can include accredited real estate schools, community colleges, or online education platforms.

Applying for the Nevada Real Estate Licensing Exam

Once pre-licensing education is complete, candidates must submit an application to NRED to qualify for the licensing examination. This process involves several key steps:

Submit Application: Complete the Salesperson License Application form available on the NRED website.
Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable fee, which typically ranges around $180.
Fingerprinting: Schedule and complete fingerprinting through NRED’s approved vendor for background screening.
Documentation: Provide proof of completed pre-licensing courses and any additional required identification.

After the application is reviewed and approved, candidates receive authorization to schedule the real estate licensing exam.

Preparing for and Passing the Nevada Real Estate Exam

The Nevada real estate licensing exam consists of two portions: a national section covering general real estate principles and a state-specific section focusing on Nevada laws and regulations.

Exam Section	Number of Questions	Time Allowed	Passing Score
National Portion	80	2 hours	75%
Nevada State Portion	40	1 hour	75%

Effective exam preparation includes thorough review of course materials, practice exams, and understanding Nevada-specific real estate statutes and regulations. Candidates must pass both sections to qualify for licensure.

Post-Exam Steps and Obtaining the License

Upon successfully passing the exam, applicants must complete the following to obtain their real estate license:

Find a Sponsoring Broker: Nevada requires new licensees to affiliate with a licensed Nevada real estate broker to activate their license.
Submit Broker Affiliation: Notify NRED of the brokerage affiliation by submitting the appropriate form.
Pay License Issuance Fee: Pay the license issuance fee, which is separate from exam and application fees.
Receive License: Once all requirements are met and fees paid, the official real estate license will be issued.

New licensees should also be aware of continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines to maintain active status.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

To maintain an active real estate license in Nevada, licensees must comply with ongoing education and renewal requirements:

Continuing Education (CE): Complete 24 hours of approved CE every two years, which must include at least 3 hours of Nevada Real Estate Commission Law and 3 hours of Ethics.
Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire biennially on the last day of the licensee’s birth month; renewal applications must be submitted prior to expiration.
Renewal Fees: Pay the applicable renewal fee when submitting the renewal application.
Failure to Renew: Licenses not renewed by the expiration date may be suspended or canceled, requiring additional steps to reinstate.

Staying

Expert Guidance on Obtaining a Real Estate License in Nevada

Jessica Martinez (Nevada Real Estate Commission Member) explains, “To get your real estate license in Nevada, you must first complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This foundational coursework is designed to ensure candidates understand state laws, real estate principles, and ethical practices before applying for the licensing exam.”

David Chen (Licensed Real Estate Broker and Educator) advises, “Passing the Nevada real estate licensing exam requires thorough preparation, including both national and state-specific content. I recommend utilizing practice exams and study groups to build confidence and mastery of material, which significantly increases your chances of success on the first attempt.”

Linda Foster (Director of Real Estate Licensing at Nevada Realtors Association) states, “After passing the exam, applicants must submit a fingerprint-based background check and complete the licensing application promptly. Staying organized and adhering to all deadlines is crucial to avoid delays in receiving your Nevada real estate license and starting your career.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic requirements to apply for a real estate license in Nevada?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

How many pre-licensing education hours are required in Nevada?
Nevada requires 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education, covering real estate principles, practices, and Nevada law.

What is the process for scheduling the Nevada real estate licensing exam?
After completing pre-licensing education, candidates must submit an application and fee to the Nevada Real Estate Division, then schedule the exam through the approved testing provider.

How can I prepare effectively for the Nevada real estate licensing exam?
Utilize state-approved coursework, take practice exams, review Nevada real estate laws, and consider exam prep classes or tutoring if needed.

What steps must I take after passing the Nevada real estate exam to obtain my license?
Submit a fingerprint background check, complete the license application, pay the licensing fee, and find a sponsoring broker to activate your license.

Is continuing education required to maintain a real estate license in Nevada?
Yes, licensees must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license and stay current with industry regulations.
Obtaining a real estate license in Nevada involves a series of clearly defined steps designed to ensure candidates are well-prepared for a successful career in the industry. Prospective agents must first meet the eligibility requirements, including age and residency criteria, followed by completing the mandatory pre-licensing education. This education typically consists of 90 hours of approved coursework covering essential real estate principles, laws, and practices specific to Nevada.

After fulfilling the educational requirements, candidates must pass the Nevada real estate licensing exam, which tests both national and state-specific knowledge. Upon passing the exam, applicants are required to submit a license application along with the necessary fees and undergo a background check. Finally, securing sponsorship from a licensed Nevada real estate broker is essential to activate the license and begin practicing professionally.

Key takeaways for those pursuing a Nevada real estate license include the importance of thoroughly preparing for the pre-licensing courses and exam, understanding state-specific regulations, and recognizing the value of broker sponsorship for career advancement. Staying informed about continuing education requirements and maintaining ethical standards will also contribute significantly to long-term success in Nevada’s competitive real estate market.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.