Applicants

Application Process Overview

Any person or business engaging in real estate transactions as an agent for another (including time share transactions) must first obtain a license from the Commission.

The process for obtaining a license by examination is:

1. Applicant completes required real estate course or otherwise satisfies prelicense requirements.
2. Applicant files application form and fee with Commission, either online or in paper form.
3. Commission determines applicant's eligibility for licensing examination and sends qualified applicants a notice of examination eligibility.
4. Applicant contacts testing service to pay examination fee and schedule examination.
5. After applicant passes the examination, Commission determines whether applicant possesses the requisite “character” for licensure.
6. Commission issues license to qualified applicant.

Additional Information

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina, which is free of charge and contains the license application, may be ordered online.

The North Carolina Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules (including the Trust Account Guidelines and Comments on the Law and Rules) is available for online purchase.

A list of Commission-approved schools offering real estate prelicensing and postlicensing courses is available (PDF).

Application Forms

1. Apply for a broker license by examination online. (NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS ONLY)

2. Request an application form to be sent to you via U.S. Mail by sending an email to the Commission at publications@ncrec.gov. Please state in your email whether you need an application for Broker or an application for Firm. Also include your U.S. Mail address.

Required Reading

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina explains the process of obtaining a license. You may view it online and/or order a printed copy, which contains the Application Form, from the free publications order forms on the Publications page.