How to Get a Real Estate License in Texas: 2026 Guide

Texas is one of the biggest real estate markets in the country, with booming metros like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio driving constant demand. The licensing process requires more education hours than most states (180 hours), but the exam itself has one of the lowest passing thresholds nationally. Here’s everything you need to know.

What You Need Before You Start

Texas requires you to be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and able to meet TREC’s honesty and integrity standards. There’s no residency requirement – you can live out of state and hold a Texas license.

TREC runs a background check through fingerprinting. If you have a criminal history and want to know whether it would prevent you from getting licensed, you can apply for a fitness determination ($52) before investing time and money in education. This is a smart move if you have any concerns.

Texas has no reciprocity agreements with other states. If you’re licensed elsewhere, you still need to complete the full Texas education and exam requirements.

Step 1: Complete 180 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Texas requires six 30-hour courses – more education upfront than most states. The trade-off is that the exam passing score is lower.

1. Principles of Real Estate I (30 hours)
2. Principles of Real Estate II (30 hours)
3. Law of Agency (30 hours)
4. Law of Contracts (30 hours)
5. Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hours)
6. Real Estate Finance (30 hours)

You can take these online (self-paced) or in a classroom. Most people go online. Budget $500-$1,000 for education depending on the provider. Popular TREC-approved schools include AceableAgent, Champions School of Real Estate, Kaplan, and Colibri.

Step 2: Apply Through TREC

Submit your application through TREC’s REALM Portal (launched December 2025). The application fee is $185 for a two-year sales agent license. There’s also a 3% online processing surcharge.

You have one year from the date you file your application to complete all remaining requirements (exam, fingerprinting, etc.). After that, you’d need to reapply.

Step 3: Get Fingerprinted

Texas uses IdentoGO by IDEMIA exclusively for fingerprinting. No other provider is accepted.

• Cost: $38.25
• Schedule: Must book in advance at identogo.com or call (888) 467-2080. No walk-ins.
• Processing: Results go to both Texas DPS and FBI. Takes 1-2 weeks.
• Out-of-state: If you’re not near an IdentoGO location, request a “Hard Card” from TREC.

Step 4: Pass the Texas Real Estate Exam

The exam is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers across Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and more) or online via OnVUE remote proctoring.

Texas has one of the lowest passing thresholds in the country (~66% national, ~53% state). Despite that, the first-time pass rate is only about 56%. The questions are scenario-heavy and require you to apply knowledge, not just recall facts.

How to Prepare

• Don’t underestimate the state portion. It covers TREC rules, Texas contract forms, and state-specific law. Many students over-focus on the national section and get tripped up on Texas content.
• Know your contract forms. Promulgated contract forms is its own 30-hour course for a reason. Expect several questions on specific form provisions.
• Practice math. About 7 questions involve calculations (commissions, prorations, area). Bring your own calculator – the testing center doesn’t provide one.
• Take practice exams. Free resources: Real Estate License Wizard, PrepAgent, AceableAgent

If You Don’t Pass

You only retake the section you failed. Each retake costs $43. After failing either section three times, you must complete an additional 30 hours of qualifying education before retesting. There’s no lifetime limit on total attempts.

Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker

After passing, TREC issues your license in inactive status. You cannot practice until an active licensed Texas broker sponsors you through the REALM Portal. Once they do, your license activates.

What to Look for in a Brokerage

• Training quality. Texas requires 90 additional hours of education before your first renewal, but day-to-day mentorship from your broker matters just as much. Ask what their new agent onboarding looks like.
• Commission and fees. Get the full picture – split, cap, transaction fees, monthly fees, E&O insurance. Compare the total annual cost, not just the headline split.
• Technology. CRM, lead gen, marketing, transaction management. Some brokerages bundle everything, others charge for each tool separately.
• Culture. Visit the office (or virtual office). Talk to agents who’ve been there 1-2 years. Their experience will tell you more than any recruiting pitch.

If you want to compare brokerages side-by-side, check out our team value breakdown or browse our eXp Realty deep-dives for one example of what a modern cloud brokerage looks like.

Total Costs Breakdown

Texas is on the higher end for initial costs because of the 180-hour education requirement. Your license is valid for two years. Renewal costs $110 plus continuing education (18 hours, including mandatory Legal Update courses).

How Long Does It Take?

• Pre-licensing education (180 hrs): 4-10 weeks depending on pace
• Application processing: 1-2 weeks (currently slower due to REALM Portal transition)
• Fingerprinting: 1-2 weeks
• Exam prep + testing: 1-4 weeks
• Finding a broker + activation: 1-2 weeks

Fastest path is about 2 months if you study full-time. A more typical timeline for someone working while studying is 3-5 months. The 180 hours of education is the biggest time investment.