Complete 5 Step Guide to Getting Your Texas Real Estate License
Aligned With Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Requirements
Everything you need—from your first class to brokerage activation.
Typical self-paced online class timeline: 6–12 weeks.
At a glance
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education across six 30-hour courses, a background check, and a passing score on the national + state licensing exam. Here's how it breaks down.
- Confirm you qualify: 18+, U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, meet TREC's honesty requirements.
- Complete 180 hours: Six 30-hour TREC-required courses (online or in-classroom).
- Submit your application + get fingerprinted: REALM Portal + IdentoGO by IDEMIA.
- Pass the exam: National + Texas state portions via PearsonVUE.
- Find a sponsoring broker + activate: Broker sponsorship through the REALM Portal.
Recommended next step
Ready to Get Started?
Want to See the Full Process?
Updated: March 2026 · Verified against current TREC and PearsonVUE guidance linked on this page.
Texas City Directory
Looking for a Specific Texas Market?
If you are looking for courses in a specific market, browse our Texas Real Estate License Classes by City directory.
Jump to a Step
Texas Licensing Process (5 Steps)
Tap the step you're working on. Most students start at Step 2.
Step 1
Meet Texas Basic Eligibility Requirements
Quick check before you invest time in the 180 hours of coursework.
- Age: Be at least 18.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien.
- Honesty requirement: Meet TREC's standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.
Concerned about your background?
Fitness Determination (Optional)
If you have a criminal record or disciplinary history, TREC offers a Fitness Determination for $52. This tells you upfront whether your history will prevent licensure—before you pay for education and the full application.
No concerns?
If you don't have any criminal convictions, unpaid judgments, or disciplinary actions, you do not need to request a Fitness Determination. Proceed directly to Step 2.
If you meet the basics above, move to Step 2 to start the required 180 hours.
Step 2
Complete the Required 180 Hours (6 TREC-Approved Courses)
This is the main prerequisite before you can apply and schedule the exam. Most students choose self-paced for speed and flexibility. Course access is valid for 6 months from enrollment.
- Total hours: 180 hours (six 30-hour courses required by TREC).
- Seat time: The system tracks required learning time automatically.
- Completion docs: Upload course completion certificates to TREC when you apply.
The 6 required courses
Core Foundations
Principles of Real Estate I (30 hrs) · Principles of Real Estate II (30 hrs) · Real Estate Finance (30 hrs)
Law & Contracts
Law of Agency (30 hrs) · Law of Contracts (30 hrs) · Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hrs)
Choose your format
Self-Paced Online (Recommended)
Finish faster and study on your own schedule. Access from any device.
Already enrolled? Continue to Step 3.
Live / Instructor-Led
Set schedule with attendance requirements. Available in-classroom or via livestream.
Step 3
Submit Your TREC Application + Get Fingerprinted (IdentoGO)
After completing your courses, apply via the REALM Portal and schedule fingerprints. You have 12 months from your application date to finish all remaining requirements.
- Apply first: Submit your application + course completion certificates through the REALM Portal. Application fee: $185.
- Then fingerprints: Schedule through IdentoGO by IDEMIA once you have your TREC entity number. Fee: $38.25.
- Processing time: TREC typically takes about 2 weeks to process your application and send your exam eligibility letter. Background check results can take up to 3 weeks.
- TREC-specific only: Fingerprints submitted for any other agency or job will not be accepted.
Fingerprinting options
Option A: Electronic via IdentoGO (Recommended)
Schedule online at IdentoGO.com or call (888) 467-2080. Faster processing at electronic locations across Texas.
Option B: Hard Card (Non-Residents)
If you live outside the IdentoGO service area, request a TREC-specific Hard Card from TREC. Standard FBI cards from other agencies won't work.
Note: A TREC-specific Hard Card is required because it contains coding required by DPS and FBI.
Application checklist (have ready)
✓
Course completion certificates
All 6 courses (180 hours total). Email to [email protected] if not uploaded during application.
✓
Government-issued photo ID
Name must match your application exactly.
✓
Application fee payment
$185 via the REALM Portal (credit/debit card or electronic check).
Next: go to Step 4 to schedule and pass the licensing exam.
Step 4
Register + Pass the Licensing Exam (PearsonVUE)
Once TREC processes your application, you'll receive an approval letter with instructions to schedule the exam through PearsonVUE. The exam has two parts: national and Texas state.
- Schedule the exam: Register at PearsonVUE or call (800) 997-1248. Fee: $43 per attempt.
- Two sections: National portion (80 scored questions) + Texas state portion (30 scored questions). Both must be passed.
- Retake policy: If you fail either section 3 times, you must complete 30 additional hours of education per failed section before retaking.
- ID match required: Your government-issued photo ID must match the name on your TREC application exactly.
All fees at a glance
State + Processing Fees
~$266 total (application + fingerprints + exam).
TREC application (via REALM Portal)
$185
Fingerprinting (IdentoGO)
$38.25
PearsonVUE licensing exam
$43
Verify Latest Amounts
TREC updated its fee schedule in December 2025. Confirm current fees on official sites before paying.
Next: go to Step 5 to activate your license.
Step 5
Find a Sponsoring Broker + Activate Your License
After passing the exam, TREC issues an inactive license. To activate it, you need a sponsoring broker. Your active license will be emailed to both you and your broker.
- Sponsoring broker required: You cannot practice real estate without broker sponsorship. Submit a sponsorship request through the REALM Portal.
- License activation: Once your broker accepts the request, your active license is emailed to both of you.
- Best practice: Start interviewing brokerages while finishing your courses to avoid any start-date delays.
Recommended next actions
Choose a brokerage
Compare mentoring programs, commission splits, training support, and local market presence. Shortlist at least three.
See FAQ for help choosing.
Verify your license status
Use TREC's License Holder Search to confirm your license is active and public-facing.
Still need to complete Step 2? Start with
self-paced online classes
, then return here.
FAQ
Quick Answers (Online Classes, Timelines, Courses & Exam)
Tap a question to expand. These are the most common questions we see from Texas applicants.
Can I take Texas real estate classes online?
Yes. TREC approves both online and in-classroom pre-licensing education. Most students choose self-paced online so they can finish faster and study on their own schedule from any device. If you want to compare options for specific markets, you can also browse our Texas Real Estate License Classes by City page.
What are the 6 required courses?
TREC requires six 30-hour qualifying courses (180 hours total): Principles of Real Estate I, Principles of Real Estate II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance.
How long does it take to get a Texas real estate license?
Most students finish in 6–12 weeks if they study consistently. Timing depends on how quickly you complete the 180 hours, TREC application processing (~2 weeks), fingerprint clearance (up to 3 weeks), and exam availability. You have 12 months from your application date to complete all requirements. For city-specific course options, see our Texas Real Estate License Classes by City page.
What's the difference between self-paced and instructor-led?
Self-paced lets you move through all six courses on your own schedule. Instructor-led runs on set times and may require attendance. If a fixed schedule is hard for your calendar, self-paced is usually the better option.
Do I need to complete education before applying?
You can submit your TREC application before or after completing your education. However, you'll need to upload course completion certificates before TREC will send your exam eligibility letter. Most students complete their courses first, then apply.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake each section up to 3 times during your application period. After 3 failures on either section, you must complete 30 additional hours of education per failed section before retaking. The exam fee is $43 per attempt.
Official link: Pearson VUE Texas Real Estate
Next step
Ready to Start Step 2?
Most students choose self-paced online so they can finish the 180 hours faster and schedule the PearsonVUE exam when they're ready.
Recommended next actions
Start Self-Paced Online (Recommended)
Enroll, begin your first course, and follow the steps on this page as you progress.
Cost-sensitive? Jump to Step 4 for the fee breakdown + official links.
Explore the Full Workflow
Use these internal jump links to move directly to the section you need right now.
Official sources:
TREC — become a sales agent
·
TREC fee schedule
·
PearsonVUE exam
·
Fingerprint requirements
·
Application Status Tracker
Last updated: March 2026
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you enroll through our partner link (no extra cost to you).
At a glance
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education across six 30-hour courses, a background check, and a passing score on the national + state licensing exam. Here's how it breaks down.
- Confirm you qualify: 18+, U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, meet TREC's honesty requirements.
- Complete 180 hours: Six 30-hour TREC-required courses (online or in-classroom).
- Submit your application + get fingerprinted: REALM Portal + IdentoGO by IDEMIA.
- Pass the exam: National + Texas state portions via PearsonVUE.
- Find a sponsoring broker + activate: Broker sponsorship through the REALM Portal.
Recommended next step
Ready to Get Started?
Want to See the Full Process?
Updated: March 2026 · Verified against current TREC and PearsonVUE guidance linked on this page.
Jump to a Step
Texas Licensing Process (5 Steps)
Tap the step you're working on. Most students start at Step 2.
Step 1
Meet Texas Basic Eligibility Requirements
Quick check before you invest time in the 180 hours of coursework.
- Age: Be at least 18.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien.
- Honesty requirement: Meet TREC's standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity.
Concerned about your background?
Fitness Determination (Optional)
If you have a criminal record or disciplinary history, TREC offers a Fitness Determination for $52. This tells you upfront whether your history will prevent licensure—before you pay for education and the full application.
No concerns?
If you don't have any criminal convictions, unpaid judgments, or disciplinary actions, you do not need to request a Fitness Determination. Proceed directly to Step 2.
If you meet the basics above, move to Step 2 to start the required 180 hours.
Step 2
Complete the Required 180 Hours (6 TREC-Approved Courses)
This is the main prerequisite before you can apply and schedule the exam. Most students choose self-paced for speed and flexibility. Course access is valid for 6 months from enrollment.
- Total hours: 180 hours (six 30-hour courses required by TREC).
- Seat time: The system tracks required learning time automatically.
- Completion docs: Upload course completion certificates to TREC when you apply.
The 6 required courses
Core Foundations
Principles of Real Estate I (30 hrs) · Principles of Real Estate II (30 hrs) · Real Estate Finance (30 hrs)
Law & Contracts
Law of Agency (30 hrs) · Law of Contracts (30 hrs) · Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hrs)
Choose your format
Self-Paced Online (Recommended)
Finish faster and study on your own schedule. Access from any device.
Already enrolled? Continue to Step 3.
Live / Instructor-Led
Set schedule with attendance requirements. Available in-classroom or via livestream.
Step 3
Submit Your TREC Application + Get Fingerprinted (IdentoGO)
After completing your courses, apply via the REALM Portal and schedule fingerprints. You have 12 months from your application date to finish all remaining requirements.
- Apply first: Submit your application + course completion certificates through the REALM Portal. Application fee: $185.
- Then fingerprints: Schedule through IdentoGO by IDEMIA once you have your TREC entity number. Fee: $38.25.
- Processing time: TREC typically takes about 2 weeks to process your application and send your exam eligibility letter. Background check results can take up to 3 weeks.
- TREC-specific only: Fingerprints submitted for any other agency or job will not be accepted.
Fingerprinting options
Option A: Electronic via IdentoGO (Recommended)
Schedule online at IdentoGO.com or call (888) 467-2080. Faster processing at electronic locations across Texas.
Option B: Hard Card (Non-Residents)
If you live outside the IdentoGO service area, request a TREC-specific Hard Card from TREC. Standard FBI cards from other agencies won't work.
Note: A TREC-specific Hard Card is required because it contains coding required by DPS and FBI.
Application checklist (have ready)
✓
Course completion certificates
All 6 courses (180 hours total). Email to [email protected] if not uploaded during application.
✓
Government-issued photo ID
Name must match your application exactly.
✓
Application fee payment
$185 via the REALM Portal (credit/debit card or electronic check).
Next: go to Step 4 to schedule and pass the licensing exam.
Step 4
Register + Pass the Licensing Exam (PearsonVUE)
Once TREC processes your application, you'll receive an approval letter with instructions to schedule the exam through PearsonVUE. The exam has two parts: national and Texas state.
- Schedule the exam: Register at PearsonVUE or call (800) 997-1248. Fee: $43 per attempt.
- Two sections: National portion (80 scored questions) + Texas state portion (30 scored questions). Both must be passed.
- Retake policy: If you fail either section 3 times, you must complete 30 additional hours of education per failed section before retaking.
- ID match required: Your government-issued photo ID must match the name on your TREC application exactly.
All fees at a glance
State + Processing Fees
~$266 total (application + fingerprints + exam).
TREC application (via REALM Portal)
$185
Fingerprinting (IdentoGO)
$38.25
PearsonVUE licensing exam
$43
Verify Latest Amounts
TREC updated its fee schedule in December 2025. Confirm current fees on official sites before paying.
Next: go to Step 5 to activate your license.
Step 5
Find a Sponsoring Broker + Activate Your License
After passing the exam, TREC issues an inactive license. To activate it, you need a sponsoring broker. Your active license will be emailed to both you and your broker.
- Sponsoring broker required: You cannot practice real estate without broker sponsorship. Submit a sponsorship request through the REALM Portal.
- License activation: Once your broker accepts the request, your active license is emailed to both of you.
- Best practice: Start interviewing brokerages while finishing your courses to avoid any start-date delays.
Recommended next actions
Choose a brokerage
Compare mentoring programs, commission splits, training support, and local market presence. Shortlist at least three.
See FAQ for help choosing.
Verify your license status
Use TREC's License Holder Search to confirm your license is active and public-facing.
Still need to complete Step 2? Start with
self-paced online classes
, then return here.
FAQ
Quick Answers (Online Classes, Timelines, Courses & Exam)
Tap a question to expand. These are the most common questions we see from Texas applicants.
Can I take Texas real estate classes online?
Yes. TREC approves both online and in-classroom pre-licensing education. Most students choose self-paced online so they can finish faster and study on their own schedule from any device.
What are the 6 required courses?
TREC requires six 30-hour qualifying courses (180 hours total): Principles of Real Estate I, Principles of Real Estate II, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts, Promulgated Contract Forms, and Real Estate Finance.
How long does it take to get a Texas real estate license?
Most students finish in 6–12 weeks if they study consistently. Timing depends on how quickly you complete the 180 hours, TREC application processing (~2 weeks), fingerprint clearance (up to 3 weeks), and exam availability. You have 12 months from your application date to complete all requirements.
What's the difference between self-paced and instructor-led?
Self-paced lets you move through all six courses on your own schedule. Instructor-led runs on set times and may require attendance. If a fixed schedule is hard for your calendar, self-paced is usually the better option.
Do I need to complete education before applying?
You can submit your TREC application before or after completing your education. However, you'll need to upload course completion certificates before TREC will send your exam eligibility letter. Most students complete their courses first, then apply.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake each section up to 3 times during your application period. After 3 failures on either section, you must complete 30 additional hours of education per failed section before retaking. The exam fee is $43 per attempt.
Official link: PearsonVUE Texas Real Estate
Next step
Ready to Start Step 2?
Most students choose self-paced online so they can finish the 180 hours faster and schedule the PearsonVUE exam when they're ready.
Recommended next actions
Start Self-Paced Online (Recommended)
Enroll, begin your first course, and follow the steps on this page as you progress.
Cost-sensitive? Jump to Step 4 for the fee breakdown + official links.
Explore the Full Workflow
Use these internal jump links to move directly to the section you need right now.
Official sources:
TREC — become a sales agent
·
TREC fee schedule
·
PearsonVUE exam
·
Fingerprint requirements
·
Application Status Tracker
Last updated: March 2026
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you enroll through our partner link (no extra cost to you).