How Long Does It Take To Get Texas Real Estate Licence
How Long Does It Take to Get a Texas Real Estate License?
If you're considering a career in real estate, Texas is an excellent place to begin. With a booming population, expanding housing markets in cities like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, and a favorable income potential, becoming a licensed real estate agent in Texas can be a highly rewarding move.
One of the first questions many aspiring agents ask is: "How long does it take to get a Texas real estate license?" The short answer is between 2 to 6 months — but the actual time frame depends on your pace, dedication, and how quickly you complete each step of the process.
Let’s break down everything you need to know, including the steps, estimated time for each phase, and tips to help you get licensed faster.
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Texas Real Estate License
To get your license in Texas, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Meet TREC’s (Texas Real Estate Commission) moral character standards
- Complete 180 hours of approved real estate education
- Pass the Texas real estate license exam
- Find a sponsoring broker
- Submit your application and fingerprints
Now, let’s dive into the timeline for each step.
⏱ Step 1: Complete 180 Hours of Required Education
Time estimate: 4 – 8 weeks (self-paced)
Texas requires that you complete 180 hours of Pre-License Education, broken down into six 30-hour courses:
- Principles of Real Estate I
- Principles of Real Estate II
- Law of Agency
- Law of Contracts
- Promulgated Contract Forms
- Real Estate Finance
You can take these courses online or in person. If you're taking the courses full-time, you could finish in 4 to 6 weeks. If you’re studying part-time while working a full-time job, expect to take 2 to 3 months.
✅ Tips to complete this step faster:
- Enroll in an online real estate school that allows self-paced learning.
- Block off consistent study hours each day or week.
- Take two courses simultaneously if allowed.
⌛ Step 2: Submit Your Application to TREC
Time estimate: 1 – 2 weeks
Once your education is complete, submit your application for a license through the TREC website. The application fee is currently $185 (as of 2025).
After submission, you’ll receive a TREC ID number, which you'll use to schedule your fingerprinting and exam.
🗂 Step 3: Get Fingerprinted & Background Check
Time estimate: 1 – 2 weeks
Texas requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and MorphoTrust (IdentoGO).
Even if you've been fingerprinted for another license, you'll need to do it again specifically for real estate.
TREC will review your background to ensure you meet their “honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity” standards. If you have past legal issues, you may be required to submit documentation.
✅ Tip:
Schedule your fingerprinting immediately after submitting your application to avoid delays.
📝 Step 4: Schedule & Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam
Time estimate: 1 – 3 weeks (including study & scheduling)
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and costs $43. It consists of:
- 85 National questions
- 40 Texas-specific questions
You’ll need a 70% score or better to pass. Many students schedule the exam within 1 to 2 weeks after completing their coursework.
If you fail the exam, don’t worry — you can retake it up to three times. If you don’t pass after three tries, you’ll need to take additional education before testing again.
✅ Tip:
- Use an exam prep tool or practice exams to boost confidence.
- Schedule your exam for early morning when your mind is fresh.
💼 Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Time estimate: 1 – 3 weeks
You cannot activate your license or begin practicing real estate without a sponsoring broker. The broker will supervise your activities, provide tools and training, and legally oversee your transactions.
This is one of the most crucial steps in launching your real estate career — and your choice of brokerage can impact your success.
What to look for in a sponsoring broker:
- Training & mentorship for new agents
- Technology & tools (CRM, website, leads)
- Commission structure: 100% commission vs. splits
- Reputation and reviews
- Culture and support
✅ VIP Realty Tip:
If you’re seeking a brokerage that provides 100% commission, free leads, full support, and no monthly fees — consider VIP Realty. We offer one of the most competitive packages in Texas for new and experienced agents alike.
📨 Step 6: Activate Your License
Time estimate: Instant to 1 week
Once you pass your exam and select a sponsoring broker, the final step is to activate your license through TREC’s online platform.
You or your broker will log in to the TREC portal and submit the sponsorship request. Once approved, you’ll be issued an active license and can legally start practicing.
🗓 Total Time to Get Your License: 2 to 6 Months
PhaseEstimated TimeEducation4 – 8 weeksTREC Application1 – 2 weeksFingerprinting1 – 2 weeksExam Prep & Testing1 – 3 weeksFind Broker1 – 3 weeksActivation0 – 1 week
On the fast track, you could be fully licensed in as little as 60 days. For most people balancing other responsibilities, expect 3 to 5 months.
💡 How to Get Your Texas Real Estate License Faster
If you’re motivated to start your career ASAP, here are some proven tips:
- Choose a self-paced online school that lets you knock out coursework on your schedule.
- Study consistently — even 1 hour a day adds up.
- Schedule fingerprinting and exams proactively — don’t wait.
- Research brokerages early — start reaching out before your exam.
🧑💼 Is It Worth Getting a Real Estate License in Texas?
Absolutely — especially with the right support and tools. As a licensed Texas real estate agent, you’ll gain:
- The ability to earn unlimited income (top producers often earn $100K+).
- Freedom to be your own boss.
- Access to MLS and professional tools.
- Opportunities to grow into investing, flipping, or team leadership.
And with the booming Texas housing market, there's no better time to jump in.
🏆 Why Join VIP Realty After Getting Licensed?
VIP Realty makes it easy for new agents to launch quickly and successfully. When you join VIP Realty, you get:
- ✅ 100% commission with no franchise fees
- ✅ Full access to our in-house digital marketing team
- ✅ Buyer & seller leads delivered to you
- ✅ Free IDX website, CRM, and email marketing tools
- ✅ Comprehensive training, scripts, and mentorship
- ✅ Strong brand credibility across Texas
We’ve helped hundreds of agents across Texas become top producers — and we’re ready to help you next
📞 Ready to Get Started?
If you're working on your real estate license and want help along the way — or you're already licensed and looking for a brokerage — reach out to VIP Realty today.
Visit www.VIPRealtyCareers.com to learn more or schedule a call with our team.
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