VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE LICENSING GUIDE • 2026 EDITION
The complete, verified step-by-step guide to getting your Virginia salesperson license — from DPOR requirements and PSI exam details to fees, timelines, and reciprocity.
Start Your Real Estate Career in Virginia
Starting a career as a real estate agent in Virginia is both rewarding and achievable. Virginia’s diverse housing market — from the high-demand Northern Virginia suburbs near Washington D.C. to the coastal properties of Virginia Beach and the historic neighborhoods of Richmond — creates strong, year-round demand for licensed agents.
This guide reflects current requirements from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and the Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB), verified as of June 2026.
DPOR-APPROVED PROCESS
6 Steps to Get Your Virginia Real Estate License
Follow these six VREB-required steps to earn your salesperson license and begin practicing real estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Complete Your 60-Hour Pre-License Course
Enroll in and complete a VREB-approved 60-hour Principles of Real Estate pre-licensing course. This covers real estate principles, Virginia law, contracts, ethics, and industry regulations. MLS Campus offers this course fully online.
Pass the Course Final Exam
After completing the pre-license course, you must pass a proctored course final exam with a minimum score of 75%. This is required before registering for the PSI state licensing exam.
Pass the Virginia PSI State Exam
The PSI licensing exam has two sections: National (80 questions, 105 min, 70% to pass) and State-Specific (40 questions, 45 min, 75% to pass). MLS Campus submits your eligibility to PSI upon course completion.
Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check
After passing the PSI exam, be electronically fingerprinted. PSI centers (walk-in, $52) or Fieldprint Virginia (by appointment, $37.50, code: FPDPORRES). Processing takes 3–6 weeks.
Secure a Sponsoring Broker
Virginia law requires all new salespersons to work under a licensed Virginia real estate broker. Choose a broker who offers mentorship, training, and a commission structure suited to your goals. Your broker co-signs your license application.
Apply for Your Virginia Real Estate License
Mail your Salesperson License Application to VREB with your course certificate, passing exam scores, fingerprinting documentation, and the $170 fee payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. Most applications process within 4 weeks.
Understanding the Virginia PSI Licensing Exam
Administered by PSI Exams Online, the Virginia salesperson exam has two sections that must both be passed:
Exam fee: $60 per attempt. Passing scores valid for one year from the test date. Register via PSI at (855) 340-3910 (Mon–Fri 8am–10pm ET, Sat–Sun 8:30am–6pm ET) after MLS Campus submits your eligibility.
Complete Cost Breakdown: Virginia Real Estate License
| Cost Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Course (60 hrs) | From $115 | Varies widely by provider and format |
| PSI State Exam Fee | $60 | Per attempt; paid to PSI at registration |
| Fingerprinting — PSI Centers | $52 | Walk-in basis; includes state processing fee |
| Fingerprinting — Fieldprint VA | $37.50 | By appointment; faster processing. Code: FPDPORRES |
| State License Application Fee | $230 | Statutory fee paid directly to the DPOR. |
| Estimated Total | ~$440 – $685 | Using Fieldprint; more if retakes needed |
Fees approximate as of June 2026. Verify current fees directly with DPOR (804-367-8526) and PSI before applying
Ready to Start? Enroll in Our VREB-Approved Virginia Pre-License Course
MLS Campus is VREB-approved with 15+ years of experience. Complete all 60 hours online at your own pace — starting from $98.
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?
Most candidates complete the process in 2 to 4 months. Here is a realistic breakdown:
Virginia Real Estate License Reciprocity
Since November 2022, Virginia offers full reciprocity with all U.S. states. Licensed agents from any state can apply without completing Virginia’s 60-hour course — provided they meet these conditions:
Why Pursue a Real Estate Career in Virginia?
Virginia’s market is driven by strong demand in Northern Virginia/D.C. suburbs (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria), the Hampton Roads metro, and a growing Richmond market. With a median home price above $455,000, even a modest volume of transactions generates strong commission income. First-year agents typically earn $46,000–$60,000, with income scaling rapidly as you build experience.
Salary data: ZipRecruiter (May 2026) and Colibri Real Estate (January 2026). Commission rate: industry data, late 2025. Individual results vary.
After You Get Licensed: Post-License & Renewal Requirements
Within your first year of licensure, all new Virginia salespersons must complete a 30-hour Post-License Education (PLE) course. This is required before your first license renewal. Failure to complete PLE results in an inactive license.
Licenses renew every 2 years. For licenses expiring June 30, 2026 or later, 16 CE hours are required (11 mandatory, 5 elective), including updated requirements on flood hazard areas and NFIP. Renewal fee: $180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Start Your Virginia Real Estate Career Today
MLS Campus is VREB-approved with over 15 years of experience helping students pass their Virginia real estate license exam. Complete your 60-hour course online, at your own pace, from $98.