How to become a real estate agent in North Dakota
North Dakota real estate agents are licensed by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in North Dakota, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in North Dakota?
- At least 18 years old
- Residents: complete a 90-hour certified prelicensure course
- Credit history and criminal history (fingerprint) checks found acceptable
- No real estate license revoked anywhere in the 2 years before applying
North Dakota real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | North Dakota Real Estate Commission |
|---|---|
| License name | Salesperson |
| Education or training | 90-hour NDREC-certified salesperson prelicensure course (residents); apply within 2 years of completing it |
| Exam | PSI administers the exam; residents must pass both the state and national portions, and nonresident nonreciprocal applicants take only the state portion. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. An active license requires the associating broker to sign the Request to Issue Real Estate License; errors and omissions insurance is also required. |
| License term | Annual renewal |
| Continuing education | 12 hours of CE each annual cycle (Nov. 16 to Nov. 15); salespersons first licensed in 2026 are exempt for their first renewal. |
| Reciprocity | Applicants who live and are licensed in Minnesota, Iowa or Georgia qualify for a reciprocal nonresident license. |
How much does it cost?
| Application (nonrefundable) | $150 |
|---|---|
| Credit history (nonrefundable) | $13 |
| Fingerprint analysis (paid to ND Office of Attorney General) | $43 |
| Real Estate Education, Research and Recovery Fund (one time) | $20 |
| Annual renewal | $125 |
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 North Dakota
- Complete the 90-hour prelicensure course
- Apply online and pay the application and credit history fees
- Pass the state and national exams with PSI
- Get fingerprinted and mail cards with the $43 fee
- Get errors and omissions insurance and associate with a broker
- Submit the Request to Issue Real Estate License with the $20 fund payment
Apply on the official North Dakota site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in North Dakota?
- Search the name or license number on the official North Dakota 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.