How to become a real estate agent in Idaho
Idaho real estate agents are licensed by the Idaho Real Estate Commission (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Idaho, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in Idaho?
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Fingerprinted for a national criminal history check
- No felony conviction, subject to the Commission's review rules
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance before the license is activated
Idaho real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Idaho Real Estate Commission (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses) |
|---|---|
| License name | Salesperson |
| Education or training | 90 hours of prelicense education: Module 1 (45 hours, real estate fundamentals) and Module 2 (45 hours, listing, selling, buying and closing). Courses must be completed within the 3 years before the application date, with 100% attendance and a 70% or higher final exam score for each course. Classroom, remote Zoom or self-paced online delivery is allowed. |
| Exam | The licensing exam is scheduled through Pearson VUE and has a national portion and an Idaho portion; if you pass one portion and fail the other, you have one year to pass the second. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. You must name the designated broker you will be licensed under, and that broker must add you to the company in the online IREC account before the license is active. A salesperson may be licensed under only one Idaho broker at a time. |
| License term | 2 years. As of October 30, 2026, Idaho is moving expiration dates from the end of the birth month to the licensee's birthday. |
| Continuing education | First renewal: two Commission Core courses plus 12 hours of post-license education (the 8-hour Post License Fundamentals course and one 4-hour elective); later active renewals: two Core courses plus 12 elective hours. |
| Reciprocity | If you hold an active license of the same type in another state, you do not have to take Idaho's prelicense courses and can request an exam waiver, but you must still pass the Idaho portion of the exam. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial individual broker/salesperson license fee | $135 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee (fee holiday since January 1, 2026) | $0 |
| Late renewal fee | $25 |
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 Idaho
- Complete the two 45-hour prelicense modules (90 hours)
- Get fingerprinted for the national criminal history check
- Pass both portions of the licensing exam through Pearson VUE
- Apply online through DOPL Online Services and pay the license fee
- Get E&O insurance coverage
- Have your designated broker add you to the company so the license can be activated
Apply on the official Idaho site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Idaho?
- Search the name or license number on the official Idaho 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.