How to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri: Step-by-Step Guide

Missouri is a great state to become a real estate agent. Its market is constantly growing and attracting new buyers, investors, and first-time homeowners, which gives you plenty of opportunities to establish yourself and make a very successful career. But, how can you become a real estate agent in Missouri?

In this blog, we’ll give you a clear, step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to do. From education and exams to fingerprinting and application, everything is here. As an exam prep platform, here at Lexawise, we are committed to giving you all the up-to-date info that you need and help you along the way.  

Just keep reading and take the first step to become a licensed real estate professional in Missouri.

Missouri Real Estate License Requirements

Let’s start at the very beginning. What are the requirements to become a real estate agent in Missouri? They’re not complicated, really. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree or previous experience, and that’s one of the main allures of the real estate world. Almost everyone can have a fair chance. 

Minimum license requirements set by the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC):

• Be at least 18 years old. You will need some maturity and legal capacity to enter into contracts and follow the law. But interestingly, there’s no upper age limit. 
• Have a high school diploma or GED. As we promised, you just need a basic education so you can complete pre-license coursework and understand legal concepts.
• Be legally eligible to work in the U.S. You don’t even have to be a U.S. citizen, with a permanent residency, or proper work authorization documentation is enough. 
• You must have a sponsoring broker in place before the Commission issues your active license. We’ll explain this point in more detail later and give you tips to choose a sponsor that’s right for you. 

Complete the Required Pre-License Education

Now that you’re sure you can apply to be a real estate agent, it’s time to start your education. And the first step is to complete the 72 hours of approved pre-license courses. 

The courses are divided into two parts:

• 48-hour Salesperson Pre-Examination Course: The first one you must complete, which covers fundamental topics like real estate law, contracts, agency, and finance.
  
• 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course (MREP): With a good real estate base, you can focus on practical application, transaction management, and ethical practices. You can take it before or after the exam, but it must be completed before applying for your license.
  

Depending on your current schedule and your personal preference, you can find a course that adapts to you, as there are in-person and online courses. Just make sure you choose a provider that’s approved so your hours count toward your licensing requirement. 

Pass the Missouri Real Estate Exam

After you complete the courses, it’s time to pass to the next step, passing the Missouri real estate exam, administered by PSI. 

This exam measures your understanding of both national real estate principles and Missouri-specific laws, and it’s not the same as the one you passed after each course. 

The exam is divided into two parts:

• National Portion: Covers general topics that apply to all the U.S., like agency, contracts, property ownership, finance, and real estate math. It consists of 100 questions.
  
• State Portion: Focuses on Missouri-specific laws, and has 40 questions.
  
• You’ll need a minimum score of 70% on each.

To schedule it, just go to the PSI site online and find the nearest testing center. Although there are options to make it completely remote, sometimes. 

Study for the Missouri PSI text with Lexawise

If you’re nervous about the licensing exam, you can take advantage of the best tools to prepare for it. Here at Lexawise, we are committed to helping as many candidates as possible continue their real estate careers!

Check out all the resources you’ll have at your disposal with our Exam prep courses!

• 5,000+ Practice Questions across every key exam topic
• Smart Analytics to track your performance and progress
• Real Estate Math Guide with easy-to-follow steps
• Unlimited Practice Exams to build confidence and endurance
• Real Estate Exam Study Guide PDF to study anywhere, anytime
• 800+ Flashcards to master your exam’s real estate terms
• 24/7 AI Tutor ready to answer your questions on the spot
• Video Lessons to visually guide you through complex concepts
• Audio Lessons so you can review key material on the go, hands-free

Lexawise suits every learning style, whether you require a comprehensive 6-month course or just a brief, week-long refresher. With these tools, you’ll know how to pass your real estate exam on your first try.

Get Fingerprinted and Complete a Background Check.

Congratulations on your exam! Now is the time to complete the fingerprint-based background check. This step ensures that all applicants meet the state’s legal and ethical standards. Just think about it, if you decide to buy a house, wouldn’t you want a reliable and trustworthy agent? 

Some people might ask, Can a felon get a real estate license in Missouri? Having a record doesn’t mean you have to renounce your dreams; your case can still be analysed by the Missouri Real Estate Commission. They will have the final word on your approval, and if they deem you apt, they will approve you, so disclose everything during the process to make it easier and faster. Once you get your background check, these results are valid for six months, so be sure to time it close to your license application. 

Submit Your Real Estate License Application

Now that you have done all the previous steps, it’s time to submit your real estate license application.

Here are all the documents that you have to submit during your application. 

• Your official score report from PSI
  
• Proof of completion of both required education courses
  
• Your background check confirmation
  
• A completed application form (available on the Commission’s website)
  
• The required licensing fee is typically paid online or by mail.

Choose a Sponsoring Broker

To activate your Missouri real estate license, you must be affiliated with a licensed sponsoring broker. This broker is a key step in the process, as they not only supervise your work while you become proficient in it, but they also help you stay compliant with licensing law. And, if you choose wisely, they can even provide training, tools, and client leads.

Tips for Choosing the Right Sponsoring Broker:

• Look for mentorship opportunities: A broker who invests in your development can accelerate your success and be a great role model for you.
  
• Ask about training and support: Make sure they offer onboarding, coaching, and continuing education so that you can grow as a real estate agent with time.
  
• Understand their commission split: Some brokers offer high splits with few services, while others offer lower splits but provide leads and tools. When you’re just starting, experience can mean more than money.
  
• Check their reputation: Research online reviews, talk to current agents, and visit the office if possible.
  
• See if they align with your goals: If you already know in what kind of real estate you want to focus, choose a broker that fits your path. Be it residential sales, commercial, or investment properties.
  

Maintaining and Renewing Your License

Getting your license is just the beginning of your journey as a real estate agent in Missouri, but it’s far from the end. In reality, whether you remain a salesperson or become a broker, you will have to keep up with a constantly evolving market. 

So, in order to keep your Missouri real estate license active, you must meet ongoing renewal and education requirements. This means that your Missouri license must be renewed every two years, which entails completing 12 hours of approved continuing education (CE). As before, you can do them in person or online for more flexibility. 

But don’t think of renewing your license as an annoying chore. Instead, treat it as a built-in opportunity to stay ahead and updated on legal changes, sharpen your skills, and give you a competitive edge in your market! Don’t forget that the best agents never stop learning.

In Conclusion 

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Missouri isn’t complicated, but it does require commitment, preparation, and the proper steps. And now you have all the information that you need, from meeting eligibility requirements to passing your exam and choosing a sponsoring broker.

Join thousands of future agents who’ve already started with Lexawise. Your new career begins now.