Rhode Island Real Estate License by Reciprocity
How to transfer your real estate license from another state to Rhode Island.
What is real estate license reciprocity? One may obtain a real estate license by reciprocity or mutual recognition if the person has a current license in another state. It basically means you would transfer your license without having to take some or all of the state’s pre-licensing requirements. Requirements for an of-state-real estate license vary by state.
Does Rhode Island have real estate reciprocity with other states?
Yes, for certain states. Rhode Island has real estate reciprocity if you are licensed in Connecticut or Massachusetts. You would not have to take the pre-licensing course or the national or state portion of the real estate exam.
For those non-residents licensed in another (non-reciprocal) states, you would need to take an 18 hour Nevad law course and pass the Nevada portion of the real estate exam.
Nevada has reciprocal agreements with the following states for real estate broker licenses: California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Requirements to get a real estate salesperson license by reciprocity in Rhode Island:
- You must have a current license in Massachusetts or Connecticut to get a Rhode Island license by reciprocity (no courses or exam required.)
- If from another state, there are limited live prelicense course. (We do not offer live classroom courses.)
- Another option if from another state and prefer online courses: You may still take the online Massachusetts course and then obtain your Rhode Island license by direct reciprocity.
- You must take a 3 hour Rhode Island Lead Paint course.
- Provide a certificate of licensure from the out-of-state license and any state where you have been licensed . The certification must be dated within the last 30 days.
- Submit fingerprinting for background check within 6 months of application.
- Apply for your salesperson license with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation/Real Estate Division.
References for real estate license by reciprocity in Rhode Island:
Links for quick reference.
- Rhode Island License Course – There are limited online courses for a Rhode Island real estate license. We only work with online courses. You would need to search to find a live class.
- Rhode Island License by taking the Massachusetts License Course – Plus the 40 question exam. A Massachusetts license allows for reciprocity. (No Rhode Island courses or exam needed.)
- Letter of good standing from your state – required
- 3 Hour required Lead Paint Course – required in addition to all license courses
- Rhode Island Information Sheet for Reciprocal and Non-resident applicants – (pdf) by Rhode Island Real Estate Commission
- Submit fingerprint verification with Rhode Island