How to Get Your DC Real Estate License by Reciprocity

Obtaining a real estate license by reciprocity is a great option for becoming a real estate agent in Washington, DC, but what exactly is it? And how do you apply for it? 

As a real estate exam prep, we got all the info that you’ll need, and that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing in this article.

By the end of it, you’ll know everything about it. Just keep reading!

What Is a Real Estate License by Reciprocity in DC?

In Washington, DC, a real estate license by reciprocity allows you to skip steps in the process of becoming a real estate agent if you are already licensed in other states. For example, you won’t need to complete the full pre-licensing education or retake the national portion of the exam, which makes the process easier and quicker. 

Advantages of a real estate license by reciprocity

Getting a quicker process is not the only advantage of this license, although it is a very important one. After all, who doesn’t like a faster entry into the market? But what other strategic and practical benefits are there?

• Expand your business to a high-demand area: As a real estate agent, DC is a very attractive market, with strong rental and resale activity. This translates to a higher-income client base and a more diverse range of property types, resulting in increased revenue and more experience for you!

• Save Money on Licensing Costs: Just as you save time, you’ll be saving quite a significant amount of money.

• Serve Relocation Clients Seamlessly: The DC-Maryland-Virginia area has high cross-border real estate activity. So, if you’re in a nearby state, chances are you’ll have clients moving to DC you don’t want to lose. 

• Boost Your Professional Credibility: As a real estate professional, your credibility and prestige are crucial, and holding real estate licenses in multiple states significantly enhances them.

States that qualify for a reciprocity license in DC

Obtaining a real estate license by reciprocity is not feasible in all states; however, in DC, it is possible due to a formal reciprocity agreement with other states that have comparable requirements. These states guaranteed full reciprocity, while others qualify for simplified or partial reciprocity. 

For example, if you obtained your license in most states, like California, Colorado, Alabama, or Tennessee, you’ll receive full reciprocity. In contrast, Virginia and Maryland offer simplified reciprocity for DC, as they have almost identical requisites, making the process shorter. 

Who Is Eligible for Reciprocity in Washington, DC?

Now, let’s discuss the requirements and key eligibility criteria for obtaining a real estate reciprocity license in DC, as outlined by the Real Estate Commission, if you’re an out-of-state agent. 

For Salesperson

• Hold an active real estate license in another U.S. state.
  
• Complete two 3-hour DC-approved courses: one in Fair Housing and one in Property Management.
  
• Pass the DC portion of the PSI salesperson exam (state-specific questions only).
  
• Provide an original license certification letter from your home state, issued within the last 90 days and bearing an official seal.
  
• Submit your reciprocity license application within 6 months of passing the state portion of the exam.
  

For Broker

• Hold an active out-of-state broker license, with at least two years of sales experience immediately preceding the application.
  
• Complete the same two 3‑hour DC courses.
  
• Pass the DC portion of the broker exam.
  
• Provide a sealed license certification letter from your home jurisdiction (issued within 90 days).
  
• File your application within 6 months of passing the exam.

How To Apply for a DC Real Estate License by Reciprocity

If you meet all the requirements, then you can start the application process. Let’s review each step in detail. 

Complete the required DC pre-licensing courses

This is relatively straightforward, as there are only two courses that you need to pass, each lasting 3 hours. You can choose to complete them in person or online with a Commission-approved provider, such as the Academy of Real Estate or the CE Shop.

• DC Fair Housing course
• DC Property Management course
  

Study for the PSI Exam with Lexawise 

You only have to do the DC portion of the real estate exam, that’s true, but even with your expertise in real estate topics, you can take advantage of the best tools to prepare for the exam. Here at Lexawise, we are committed to helping as many candidates as possible.

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

• 4,500+ 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.

Schedule and take the DC portion of the PSI Exam

You can register for the exam online at the official PSI website. Just make sure to select only the DC state-specific portion. And, of course, you must bring your course completion certificates, a government-issued ID, and your original out-of-state license certification to the test, accompanied by an original license certification letter issued within the past 90 days by your current state. 

Prepare the required documents

After you pass the exam, you have to take all the required documents and submit them to the DC Real Estate Commission via their online portal, and pay the fee digitally as well. 

Documents you need to submit for the DC real estate license by reciprocity: 

• One 2″×2″ passport-style photo in JPEG format.
• Valid government-issued ID, like your driver’s license, for example.
• Proof of experience if you’re applying for a broker license.
• Education certificates from the two courses you did before the test, and the exam results.
• Payment method, be it a debit or credit card, for the online fees. 

What to expect after applying for a DC real estate commission reciprocity

Now is the time to wait, but exactly how long should we wait? We’ll review the process, so you know exactly what’s happening with your application after you’ve finished it. First, it must be reviewed by the DC Real Estate Commission, which typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the volume of applications and whether the documents are complete and accurate. In general, they’ll review:

• Your active license status in the originating state.
  
• That your license certification letter is sealed and issued within the last 90 days.
  
• Completion of the two required DC courses.
  
• A passing score on the DC portion of the PSI exam.

It is possible that a document is missing or unclear; in this case, the Commission may contact you by email to request a correction. You can check your email if you feel it’s taking a bit longer. If it’s denied, the Commission will issue a written explanation, and you can still appeal or simply resubmit your application.

Once your license gets approved, you’ll receive a digital license via the Access DC licensing portal, which you can print and save. Of course, if you’ve become a salesperson, you still need to find and affiliate with a DC-licensed broker. If you have just obtained your broker’s license, congratulations —you’re now ready to operate independently or supervise agents.

Transfer your real estate license to DC

Transferring your real estate license is another option if you are looking to start working as a salesperson or broker in a different state, if you already hold a real estate license. But it’s not the same concept or process as getting a license by reciprocity. 

When you get a license by reciprocity, you become a certified real estate worker in both DC and your previous state. Meanwhile, when you transfer a license, you move your license from one state to another, so you lose your active license in the first state. 

Keeping that in mind, DC doesn’t actually offer a simple transfer process. If you don’t meet reciprocity requirements, you’ll basically have to apply as a first-time applicant and do the whole process. You can find more info on our page about DC’s real estate license requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a real estate license by reciprocity

A significant reason for applying for a real estate license in DC by reciprocity is that the process is simpler and quicker. So, let’s discuss some common mistakes that can cause delays and other problems.

• Using an expired license certification letter: Just request the license certification right before you apply; that way, you have plenty of time. Also, make sure it includes the raised seal or digital signature. 
  
• Skipping the required DC-specific courses: Due to misinformation, some people assume the courses aren’t necessary. They are essential and can be completed in just 6 hours, available online. 
  
• Uploading the wrong type of photo: A selfie or a cropped ID is often rejected; instead, use a dedicated passport photo app.
  
• Incorrectly filling out the online application: Before submitting it, check that all the information is correct and that you didn’t accidentally leave fields blank.  
  

In Conclusion

You now have all the tools to become a real estate agent in DC through reciprocity! Just follow the steps, submit the required documents, and you’ll be on your way to work in the wonderful market that is DC.

If you want to learn more about legal terms or how to obtain a license in other states, check our page! Lexawise is here to teach you all you need to know to become a successful real estate agent.