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

Having a criminal record does not make it impossible to get a real estate license in Nevada. However, there are offenses that might make it harder for applicants to be eligible.

In this article, we identify the common offenses that may impact license application, breaking down all the information you need to know and how best to approach the licensing process if you’re in this situation.

Ready to know if you’re eligible to obtain a Nevada real estate license with a past violation? Let’s start with the background check process in the state.

A Nevada real estate license background check is required to complete your eligibility for a real estate license.

You must use an approved vendor to submit fingerprints to begin the process. The best time to do this is after you complete your pre-licensing coursework.

Fingerprinting and the background check cost $65.

Can a felon get a real estate license in Nevada? The answer is yes, but with some conditions.

Decisions about eligibility for licensure with a felony are subjective to each applicant. The Nevada Real Estate Division will review your application and background check before making a decision.

Although any past violations will be disclosed through the mandatory background check, it is in your best interest to disclose all information related to any felony charge, including the nature of the crime itself, on your real estate license application.

While there are no felonies that lead to an outright refusal, crimes related to fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and moral turpitude may get looked at more closely.

The review process for misdemeanors is the same as with felonies. Each applicant’s background and application are reviewed and evaluated separately.

For this reason, you can potentially get a real estate license in Nevada with a misdemeanor conviction as long as you’re forthcoming with all the necessary details.

Your best recourse would be to provide a written explanation of the charge, which you should submit along with your license application.

Convictions more closely reviewed are related to:

• Forgery
• Embezzlement
• Obtaining money under false pretenses
• Larceny
• Extortion
• Conspiracy to defraud
• Selling real estate without a license

Typically, a DUI in Nevada is categorized as a misdemeanor, which can mean jail time and penalties.

Felony charges are possible if there are “aggravating circumstances” during the arrest, making the charge more serious.

Either way, a DUI won’t prevent you from getting a real estate license in Nevada outright, since the review occurs on a case-by-case basis.

And, although you can get a real estate license if you have a DUI, what’s important is that you disclose the conviction in detail on your license application.

In addition to submitting your fingerprints for a background check, where your criminal history will be exposed, you also have to disclose convictions on your license application.

This is a great opportunity to fully explain the situation around the conviction as well as what you’ve done in ways of rehabilitation and reparation since.

Accompanying your application, you must submit a written explanation of any past convictions.

Be honest and provide as much information as possible, so that the Nevada Real Estate Division has everything they need to make an informed decision regarding your eligibility for licensure.

When the Nevada Real Estate Division denies an application, they must provide notice within 15 days of making their decision.

You then have 30 days to submit a written request for an appeal, after which the Nevada Real Estate Division will schedule a hearing.

After the hearing takes place, the Division has 60 days to submit a final written decision of the ruling.

It’s important to come to your appeal prepared and ensure you don’t make any false statements during the proceedings.

Sharing false information in itself provides sufficient grounds for the refusal of a Nevada real estate license.

The Nevada Real Estate Division does maintain the right to take disciplinary action against any licensed Nevada real estate agent who commits a violation.

Disciplinary actions range from administrative fines to suspension, license disqualification, or even a denial for a license renewal.

The complete list of violations that can lead to disciplinary action are found in Nevada real estate law, starting with NRS 645.630.

Since the review of your application and background check comes after you’ve finished your pre-licensing education, it’s best to start thinking about real estate exam prep as soon as possible.

This means creating a study plan that includes the right materials to review as well as a productive environment for studying.

The best study location is an area you can get to on a daily basis that’s also quiet and offers limited risk of distraction and interruption.

You want to try and schedule time to study each day leading up to the exam, even if it’s just for a little while.

The best study tools will come from your notes taken during your Nevada real estate classes. It’s also important to carefully choose the method when taking your courses, which can be via remote or traditional classroom learning.

Compare the pros and cons of real estate classes online vs. classroom courses, as this may impact how quickly you absorb the lessons.

Once you complete your courses, prepare to rigorously study for the real estate exam. Create topic outlines and flashcards for easier review, using the exam outline in the Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook as your guide.

If studying on your own becomes challenging, consider forming a study group with friends from class to help you stay focused as you prepare for the exam.

Finally, when you feel ready, schedule your test.

Being fully prepared will give you better odds of passing the Nevada real estate exam the first time you take it.

Make sure to follow all the rules and regulations laid out by the Nevada Real Estate Division to avoid delay during application.

Be in the know when it comes to how the licensing process is conducted, particularly following all the strict requirements for eligibility, such as getting sponsorship from a licensed broker in the state.

Refer to our guide on choosing the right broker to work for and then pick from our vetted list of the best real estate brokerages in Nevada.

It’s also a good idea to prepare financially for licensing. Our article on Nevada real estate license costs is a good resource.

To know the time commitment in earning your license in the state, we discuss this in detail in our guide on how long it takes to get a real estate license in Nevada.

Equip yourself with as much information on the real estate industry as you can to be readily prepared in taking on all the challenges that come with being a real estate agent as a career.

While waiting for license approval, make time to research real estate teams in your state. Being part of one will help you learn more about the industry. Read this guide on how to join a real estate team.

Once you get your license, make plans on what to do after passing the real estate exam. It would be a smart move to create a list that details your strategies for setting up your real estate business.

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.

__

If you want to contribute your expert advice on a topic of your expertise, feel free to apply to our Expert Contributor Program.

__

About the Author

Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.