How to become a real estate agent in South Carolina
South Carolina real estate agents are licensed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in South Carolina, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in South Carolina?
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or recognized equivalent
- Fingerprint and Social Security number background checks
- Notarized verification of lawful presence; DACA recipients are not eligible
South Carolina real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | South Carolina Real Estate Commission (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) |
|---|---|
| License name | Associate |
| Education or training | 90 classroom hours: Unit I Fundamentals of Real Estate (60 hours) and Unit II Advanced Real Estate Principles (30 hours); Unit II may be finished after the exam |
| Exam | PSI administers the national and state exams once the Commission approves your application. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. After passing the exams you submit a Supervision Attestation Form, and your license copy is mailed to the brokerage. |
| License term | Licenses expire June 30 of the renewal year |
| Continuing education | 10 hours of SC-approved continuing education each renewal cycle, tracked in CE Broker. |
| Reciprocity | South Carolina has reciprocity only with Georgia and North Carolina. |
How much does it cost?
| Application (nonrefundable) | $25 |
|---|---|
| Initial licensure | $50 |
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 South Carolina
- Complete Unit I (60 hours)
- Apply online with the $25 fee and notarized documents
- Complete the fingerprint and SSN background checks
- Pass the national and state exams with PSI
- Complete Unit II and submit the Supervision Attestation Form
- Pay the $50 initial licensure fee when invoiced
Apply on the official South Carolina site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in South Carolina?
- Search the name or license number on the official South Carolina 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.