How to become a real estate agent in New Hampshire
New Hampshire real estate agents are licensed by the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in New Hampshire, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from New Hampshire law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a real estate agent in New Hampshire?
- At least 18 years old
- 40 hours of approved study before the exam
- NH State Police criminal history records check, plus reports from any other state with a conviction
- Three character references not related to you
- No record of unprofessional conduct
New Hampshire real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | New Hampshire Real Estate Commission (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) |
|---|---|
| License name | Salesperson |
| Education or training | 40 hours of approved pre-licensing study, completed before the exam date. |
| Exam | Commission-approved exam with national and state portions; minimum score of 70; must be taken within 3 months of registration and licensed within 6 months of passing. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. By statute a salesperson is licensed under a broker; a license without a broker of record is inactive. |
| License term | 2 years. |
| Continuing education | 15 hours per 2-year renewal (3-hour core plus 12 elective hours); for the first renewal the 12 elective hours must be post-licensing courses covering P&S agreements, ethics, disclosure forms and agency. |
| Reciprocity | Active licensees from other jurisdictions who passed national and state exams there need to pass only the New Hampshire state portion (RSA 331-A:11-a). |
How much does it cost?
| Salesperson license application processing and licensing (2 years) | $99 |
|---|---|
| Exam fee, national portion | $34 |
| Exam fee, state portion | $32 |
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 New Hampshire
- Complete the 40-hour pre-licensing course
- File the exam registration form, fee and course affidavit
- Pass the national and state exam portions within 3 months
- Complete the NH State Police criminal records check
- Apply with 3 character references and the $99 fee within 6 months of passing
- Affiliate with a broker to make your license active
- Complete post-licensing courses before your first renewal
How do you check a real estate agent's license in New Hampshire?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification).
- 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.