Can You Get a Maryland Real Estate License with Violations such as Felony, DUI or Misdemeanor?

Having a criminal conviction in your past can make finding the right career path difficult. However, it shouldn’t prevent you from applying for a Maryland real estate license.

While each individual conviction is looked at separately, there aren’t any that lead to an automatic refusal for licensure.

This article breaks down everything you need to know to understand what the process for applying for a Maryland real estate license with a criminal history looks like.

Let’s get started.

Even though there’s no official background check required in Maryland to get a real estate license, you must still disclose your criminal history if you have one.

This is done on the application itself.

You’ll also need to upload supplementary materials related to your conviction through the online registration portal to provide details about your past.

There aren’t any felony convictions that lead to an automatic denial for licensure to become a Maryland real estate agent.

The Maryland Real Estate Commission’s review does rely heavily on how past crimes relate to your character and reputation, though.

Each real estate license applicant is considered independently of others, and each conviction is reviewed separately.

You must provide court documents, obtained through a court clerk, detailing each conviction. These documents must be signed as an authorized copy and stamped “True Copy Test.”

The process for reviewing misdemeanors is the same as for felonies in Maryland. The individual details of each conviction are considered separately by the Commission.

You must also submit True Copy Test court documents for review.

How each conviction impacts your character or could impact your reputation to do your job as a real estate professional is taken under heavy consideration.

Although you can get a real estate license if you have a DUI, this misdemeanor is taken very seriously in Maryland.

Even after a first-time conviction, you could potentially face a $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, and even lose your driver’s license for up to six months.

Because of this, DUIs may be taken under heavier consideration by the Commission, looking closely at how it could impact your reputation and whether it’s safe for you to drive clients.

So, although a DUI won’t prevent you from getting a real estate license, it could put your chances of licensure at risk.

Since all the information about your criminal record comes from you first, it’s important that you openly and honestly share your past on your license application.

Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting a Maryland real estate license even with a past conviction:

1. Don’t try to hide anything and make sure to provide all the requested documents at the time you submit your license application.

2. Cooperate with any additional requests made by the Commission, especially if they want extra documents to help them determine your professional competence, character, and reputation.

3. Submit everything in a timely manner.

If, after initial review by the Commission, your application for licensure is denied, you do have the ability to file an appeal.

This will lead to a hearing with the Commission where new documents can be reviewed and assessed.

The decision after this point is final, however.

Should a complaint or violation be made against you once you have your license, the Commission begins with a thorough investigation.

If that investigation shows there are grounds for disciplinary action, they will most likely request a hearing to pass judgment on the situation.

Notice of the hearing will be given at least 10 days ahead of time.

If they find that the violation resulted in irreparable harm to a person, the Commission may then sue to enforce whatever consequences they deem necessary.

This could lead to the suspension of your license or even a license disqualification.

The Commission’s decision is considered final, but you can make a judicial appeal if you believe it’s necessary.

Making sure you pass the real estate exam the first time you take it requires a study strategy that’s two-fold.

First, you want to make sure you have the right materials to study, and second, you need a reliable place for the studying to take place.

For the right information, begin with the notes you’re able to take in your pre-licensing class. You can take your courses in any of the approved real estate schools in Maryland.

Is it better to take real estate classes online or in person? This is an important decision you need to make as this could impact how you quickly learn.

Organize your notes into topic outlines and create flashcards for quick review of the facts. This will help streamline your study time.

You should also check the topic outlines for the exam found in the Candidate Information Bulletin from PSI. This ensures you won’t forget to review everything that’s on the test.

PSI also offers Maryland-specific additional resources, including practice tests and study packs.

Additionally, our article on how hard the Maryland real estate exam is can give you an inside look on real estate exam difficulty, the topics covered in the test, and tips for passing it on your first try.

Finishing compiling all your study materials brings you to finding a place to study. This should be somewhere you can go to regularly. Make studying part of your daily routine.

Find a spot that’s quiet, where you won’t feel distracted. It’s also best if it’s some place where you can avoid interruptions.

If this space works for you, continue studying on your own as much as possible. If you find it hard to focus, consider forming a study group with peers from your pre-licensing class.

With a solid plan in place, and frequent time devoted to review, you’ll walk into your test location with confidence and geared up to pass the Maryland real estate exam on your first try.

On top of completing this part of the licensing process, note that you need to comply with all the other requirements on how to get a real estate license in Maryland.

This includes getting sponsorship from a real estate brokerage in Maryland. This is needed to be issued an active license.

There are a lot of things to consider when deciding how to pick a broker to work for. Dedicate ample time for scouting and interviewing local brokerages to make sure you get the right fit.

Note that each step in the licensing process needs your full attention to ensure you won’t miss any paperwork or deadline.

If you feel there would be a conflict in schedule, refer to our guide – How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Maryland? –  to learn about time estimates so you can adjust your schedule accordingly.

While you won’t need to spend on getting a background check, other expenses can be expected when obtaining your license in the state. Know which items to budget for from our article on Maryland real estate license cost.

When you get your license, it’s time to create a plan on what to do after passing the real estate exam.

Include joining a real estate team among your plans so that you can learn from experienced realtors about what being a real estate agent is like.

To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.

It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.

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About the Author

Kristina Morales is both a licensed mortgage loan originator and real estate agent in the State of Ohio. Inspired by her years of working with buyers and sellers and seeing a need for more consumer education, Kristina created loanfully.com, an online educational resource for borrowers and industry professionals. In addition to real estate sales and mortgage lending, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking, treasury, and corporate finance. She ended her corporate career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX. Kristina obtained her MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and her B.A in Business Management from Ursuline College.