Ian Henchy
Since we're a real estate school, we get a lot of questions about real estate license reciprocity; after all, people don't necessarily live in one state for their entire lives. Although some people are familiar with the concept, if you're moving to, or from, Massachusetts you might be wondering how to transfer a real estate license to another state. Do you need to retake the class? And what about the test? Or can you just transfer your license over?
The good news is that, for eleven states, retaking the real estate class or test is unnecessary: in those cases you only need to pay a small application fee and submit a record of your license history for full practicing privileges in your new home state. In other words, you will have a reciprocal license. When it comes to those eleven states, real estate can continue to be your occupation without the hassle of having to retake a licensing class and examination.
Other states get more complicated, so let's dig into how MA real estate license reciprocity works, and what the rules are for each state.
Massachusetts Real Estate License Reciprocity Explained
How is reciprocity in real estate defined? Reciprocity is the recognition of a license gained in one state by another. In other words, a person who passes the Massachusetts real estate licensing exam will be able to practice real estate in certain other states without being required to take another state's licensing course or examination, and vice-versa. As informative as the Massachusetts real estate salesperson licensing course is, we assume that most people would not want to rehash forty hours of very similar material in another state, nor pay for another licensing course. The same goes for people moving to Massachusetts from elsewhere. MA real estate reciprocity can often spare you these substantial inconveniences.
Reciprocity, however, is not absolute, and requirements vary from state to state. Some states have complete reciprocity with Massachusetts, while others will require licensed real estate salespersons or brokers to have worked in the field for a number of years before a reciprocal real estate license is recognized. Other states offer no formal reciprocity whatsoever; Florida real estate license reciprocity with Massachusetts, for example, extends only so far as to offer an educational waiver under certain conditions, which means that real estate agents moving between Florida and Massachusetts must take the real estate license test in both states. A real estate salesperson therefore can't formally transfer their real estate license to or from a state like Florida directly, though they may be exempt from certain aspects of the licensing process due to their prior licensure.
Aside from other states recognizing a salesperson license, Massachusetts attorneys and law students may not have to complete the required forty hours of in-class education. Though there is a definite benefit to taking the real estate licensing course, Massachusetts law students who have taken a course in property law are able to sit for the real estate salesperson examination directly without taking the forty hour course if they so desire. Massachusetts attorneys need only submit a letter of good standing from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court along with an application fee. There is no examination required for licensed Massachusetts attorneys.
Let's take an exhaustive look at what each of the fifty states requires for reciprocal licensure with Massachusetts. At the end of this list, you will find a handy summary of this information.
Massachusetts Real Estate Reciprocity Agreements
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- License Reciprocity Summarized
Alabama
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Alaska
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Arizona
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Arkansas
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
California
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History for California real estate license reciprocity from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Colorado
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History for Colorado real estate license reciprocity from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. For Colorado, an Employing Broker is equivalent to a Massachusetts Broker and an Associate Broker is equivalent to a Massachusetts Salesperson. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Connecticut
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Delaware
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Florida
No license reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver for Florida real estate reciprocity, which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Georgia
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History for Georgia real estate license reciprocity from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Hawaii
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Idaho
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Illinois
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Indiana
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History for Indiana real estate license reciprocity from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Iowa
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Kansas
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Kentucky
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Louisiana
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Maine
Brokers licensed for three (3) years must apply for an Educational Waiver which allows the Applicant to take only the Massachusetts State portion of the examination without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the Maine Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the Massachusetts State portion of the examination.
Maryland
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Michigan
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Minnesota
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Mississippi
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Missouri
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Montana
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Nebraska
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Nevada
Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission Nevada real estate license reciprocity showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
New Hampshire
Salespersons and Brokers must apply for an Educational Waiver which allows the Applicant to take only the Massachusetts State portion of the examination without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the Massachusetts State portion of the examination.
New Jersey
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
New Mexico
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
New York
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
North Carolina
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History for North Carolina real estate license reciprocity from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination). For North Carolina, a Provisional Broker is equivalent to a Massachusetts Salesperson.
North Dakota
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Ohio
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Oklahoma
Salespersons and Brokers that have been licensed for two (2) years have complete reciprocity. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non-refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Oregon
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Pennsylvania
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Rhode Island
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
South Carolina
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
South Dakota
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Tennessee
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Texas
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History for Texas real estate license reciprocity from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Utah
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Vermont
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Virginia
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History for Virginia real estate license reciprocity from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Washington
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
West Virginia
Complete reciprocity for both Salespersons and Brokers. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from the appropriate State's Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address, birthday and a non- refundable application fee of $52.00 for Brokers and $31.00 for Salespersons. Certified Records are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Massachusetts license application. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Reciprocal Application. There is no examination.
Wisconsin
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
Wyoming
No reciprocity with Massachusetts. An Applicant must apply for an Education Waiver which allows the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination at the level of licensure in the other State without completing Massachusetts pre-licensure education. An Applicant must remit a Certified Record of License History from their Real Estate Commission showing a current license along with a cover letter that includes the Applicant's name, mailing address and request for an Educational Waiver. Educational Waivers are valid for two (2) years. Certified Records of License History are valid for 90 days and must be valid at the issuance of the Educational Waiver. Once the Board receives and reviews the materials, the Board will mail the Applicant a Candidate Handbook that authorizes the Applicant to take the entire Real Estate examination (General portion and Massachusetts State portion of the examination).
License Reciprocity Summarized
Whew. That was quite a bit to take in, so let us summarize. The following group of eleven states offers complete reciprocity with Massachusetts: CT, RI, WV, NE, IA, TN, MI, CO, GA, PA, and NM. In addition, there are four states with specific conditions for real estate license reciprocity: OK, NY, NH and ME. No other states offer any sort of formal reciprocity, though an educational waiver may be granted in some cases on an individual basis.
The realization that you could potentially practice or co-broker deals in eleven states upon passing the Massachusetts real estate salesperson licensing examination should help motivate you to study extra hard. And if you're coming from another state that has license reciprocity with Massachusetts, it still doesn't hurt to take an online real estate class to brush up on Massachusetts' real estate rules.
Happy studying, and enjoy your new found understanding of real estate reciprocity!