How to become a real estate agent in Alabama
Alabama real estate agents are licensed by the Alabama Real Estate Commission. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Alabama, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in Alabama?
- At least 19 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or legally present in the U.S.
- Proof of bona fide residency in any U.S. state
- No felony or crime involving moral turpitude (or appear before the Commission); no real estate license rejected or revoked in any state in the past two years
- Fingerprint-based state and federal background check through Fieldprint
Alabama real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Alabama Real Estate Commission |
|---|---|
| License name | Salesperson (issued first as a Temporary Salesperson license) |
| Education or training | 60 clock-hour Commission-approved salesperson prelicense course before the exam, plus a 30 clock-hour post-license course after the temporary license is issued. |
| Exam | Pearson VUE administers the salesperson license examination; it must be passed within 6 months of finishing the prelicense course. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. To get an active license you need an Alabama qualifying broker who signs a sworn statement and accepts responsibility for you. Without one the license can be issued inactive. |
| License term | All licenses expire at midnight on September 30 of the final year of the license period. The current period ends September 30, 2026. |
| Continuing education | 15 hours per license period to stay active (3-hour Risk Management course plus 12 elective hours); new licensees who finished post-license are exempt for their first renewal. |
| Reciprocity | Holders of a current license in another state can get a reciprocal license by taking a 6-hour Alabama license law course, passing the Alabama portion of the exam and submitting a certificate of licensure issued within 120 days. |
How much does it cost?
| Temporary license fee | $150 |
|---|---|
| Recovery Fund fee (original license) | $30 |
| Original salesperson license fee (after post-license course) | $85 per year or portion of a year remaining in the license period |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in Alabama
- Pre-register with AREC for an ID number
- Complete the 60-hour salesperson prelicense course
- Pass the Pearson VUE exam within 6 months of the course
- Within 90 days of the exam, apply with fees, a qualifying broker's sign-off and Fieldprint fingerprints
- Receive a temporary salesperson license (valid one year)
- Complete the 30-hour post-license course within 6 months to stay active
- Apply for your original salesperson license before the temporary license expires
Apply on the official Alabama site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Alabama?
- Search the name or license number on the official Alabama real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.