How to Get a Real Estate License in Delaware: 2024 Requirements for Taking the Exam

If you’re looking for information that will guide you through the process of real estate licensing in Delaware, we’ve got you covered.

This article covers every step in the process, in detail, to make things easier for you to begin a real estate career in the Blue Hen State.

From filling out the application to passing the real estate exam, we’ve provided all the things you need to keep in mind.

Keep reading in order to know exactly what is involved in obtaining a Delaware real estate license.

The basic requirement that qualifies you for a real estate salesperson license in Delaware is that you’re at least 18 years old.

If you meet this qualification, the next step is to register for the required pre-licensing course.

This is a 99-hour course that covers all the basics necessary to pass the real estate license exam.

To complete the class, you need to get a minimum score of 80 percent on the end-of-course test.

Upon completion of the pre-licensing education requirement, the next step is to register for the actual test.

Pearson VUE administers the real estate license exam in Delaware. To register, you can go online or call 800-274-2604. The cost of the test is $85.

The test is broken up into two parts: a national section and a state section. In total, you need a minimum score of 70 percent to pass.

In addition to the test, you’ll also need to secure a sponsoring broker. Finding the right broker is important.

Research the top-rated real estate brokerages in Delaware before making a selection.

You can use our detailed guide on how to choose the right real estate brokerage to work for when selecting a broker to sponsor you as a new agent.

This must get done before you apply for your license, since you’re required to submit a Statement of Broker Record with your application.

After passing the real estate license test, and securing a sponsoring broker, you’ll be ready to complete the license application.

You must do this via the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DELPROS) portal. The cost to submit the final application is $140.

The basic requirement for getting your real estate broker license in Delaware is that you’re at least 23 years old.

You must also already have five continuous years with your real estate license and have actively practiced as a salesperson or a broker in the state.

You must be practicing as a salesperson or broker for at least three years leading up to when you fill out your application.

Like for the real estate salesperson license, broker applicants must also complete a 99-hour pre-licensing course.

The actual real estate license exam for brokers is administered by Pearson VUE as well, and has the same $85 fee.

What does cost more though, is the application fee. For brokers, that charge is $238.

Once you’ve passed the test, you must submit your application through the same DELPROS portal.

There are a few additional documents specific to the broker license. These include:

• Certification of Licensure History
• Sales or Lease Transaction Listing

The Certification of Licensure History goes directly to the Delaware Real Estate Commission.

This must be sent from each state or jurisdiction where you actively hold a real estate license.

The Sales or Lease Transaction Listing must list 30 sales or lease transactions you completed within the aforementioned five-year period.

This should be prior to applying to be a real estate broker in Delaware.

What Is Real Estate License Reciprocity?

Real estate reciprocity is when a real estate license obtained in one state is recognized in another.

This makes it easier for licensed agents to move out-of-state since they don’t have to start from scratch to get a new license.

Some states offer full reciprocity, but others only provide partial reciprocity. This means incoming, licensed agents will still have certain requirements to meet.

Delaware offers partial reciprocity to all licensed agents, no matter what state they’re coming from.

Applicants must complete a 33-hour law course, in addition to submitting some specific forms with the application.

These include a Certificate of Licensure History that shows you’ve had a continuous license for the past three years.

You should also submit a Signed Sales or Lease Transaction Listing form with 20 sales or lease transactions completed within those same three years.

US States Having a Reciprocal Agreement with Delaware

For those moving from Delaware with their real estate license, specific states offer either full or partial reciprocity as well.

While these states are subject to change at any time, the current list includes:

• Alabama
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• Virginia

Pre-Licensing Classroom Courses

To complete your pre-licensing education in the state, you must take the class in one of the real estate license schools in Delaware.

The class is 99 hours long whether you’re going for a salesperson license or looking to become a broker.

The course itself covers essential real estate topics that prepare learners to pass the Delaware licensing exam and have a career in real estate. These topics include:

• General real estate information
• Property valuation and appraisal processes
• Contracts
• Financing
• Leases, rents, property management
• State laws and regulations
• Licensing requirements

The course ends with its own test, in which you must score at least 80 percent to qualify to take the real estate license exam.

Taking the pre-licensing course in person may take a little longer, but it provides you with a stable schedule that’s easy to work around.

If you have other commitments, like work and family, you’ll know exactly what time to set aside each week to complete this class.

Having a predictable timeline can help keep you organized.

Additionally, learning face-to-face puts you in direct contact with future colleagues and current industry experts for ideal networking opportunities.

Pre-Licensing Online Courses

Opting to go completely online for your pre-licensing coursework is also an option in Delaware.

This choice has advantages as well, since studying online often lets you work entirely at your own pace.

This can enable you to finish the coursework faster if you have more time to devote to the process.

It also gives you the flexibility to learn anywhere.

You don’t have to be in a classroom with other students, but instead can find the perfect, quiet location to work uninterrupted.

To make an informed decision about which format will work best for you, refer to our in-depth guide comparing the pros and cons of real estate classes online vs. classroom courses.

You should also read my article on how to pass the real estate exam the first time, which provides helpful pointers on how you can study for the test.

Pearson VUE administers the real estate license exam in Delaware. It has two local testing sites located in Dover and Newark.

However, Pearson Vue allows you to take the test at any of their locations in the northeast, so you have the option to go to their testing sites in:

• Salisbury, MD
• Philadelphia, PA
• Atlantic City, NJ
• Somerset, NJ
• Princeton, NJ
• Toms River, NJ

You can schedule your exam online or call 800-274-2604. The fee is $85. On testing day, you’re required to bring in the original school certificate.

This indicates that you completed the 99 hours of pre-licensing coursework and passed the end-of-course test.

Along with this certificate, you must also submit two forms of valid identification.

The test itself is made up of 80 questions in the national section, and then 40 state questions for the salesperson exam.

The broker exam has the same number of questions for the national section but has 50 questions for the state-specific portion.

To pass either exam, you need a minimum score of 70 percent.

Read our article on what to study for the Delaware real estate exam to have an idea of the topics that will be covered in the test.

After passing your real estate license exam in Delaware, you must submit your final application through DELPROS, the state’s online system.

You can begin your application at any point, and go back as needed. However, you only have six months to submit it once you begin working on it.

You must complete the application within 12 months of finishing your pre-licensing class.

While waiting for the approval of your license application, you may want to consider becoming a part of a real estate team.

To know what this entails, read our guide detailing how to join a real estate team.

Once you submit your real estate license application, you can check its status in DELPROS by viewing the e-License dashboard.

The entire review process typically takes 3-5 business days. Once it’s complete, you’ll have access to your license in the online system.

You can even print it out from there as well.

Now that you’re licensed, the next steps you take will be crucial to your success as a real estate agent in Delaware.

Read our article explaining what to do after getting a real estate license.

When taking the pre-licensing course via traditional classroom learning, the entire process to get your real estate license will most likely take anywhere from 3-6 months.

This includes the coursework, any necessary time to prepare for the real estate license exam, and taking the actual test.

You can complete the required 99 hours of pre-licensing education in as little as three weeks, if you were to treat it like a 40-hour-a-week job.

With some additional time to prepare for the exam, and schedule it, you’re looking at less than two months total.

To know how much time you need to commit to complete the licensing process, check out our article on topic – How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Delaware?

Yes, you’ll need to get your fingerprints taken via IdentoGo. The cost is $30.

For complete information on how this process is done, refer to our guide on getting a Delaware real estate license with violations on your record.

The actual cost to get your license depends on the price you pay for your pre-licensing coursework, but the basic price point for a salesperson license is $293.

That covers the fees related to the actual exam, application, and background check.

Education costs range between $799-$965, which brings the total estimated cost to between $1,000-$1,300.

Get more information on the financial investment involved by reading our article on the topic — How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Delaware?

You must wait a minimum of 24 hours after failing one or both parts of the exam to schedule a retake.

From there, you’re able to take the next available exam appointment.

You have one year to pass the real estate license exam after completing the pre-licensing education requirement.

However, you can only fail the exam up to three times before having to retake the 99-hour course. You only need to retake the portion you fail.

You do have to pay each time you retake any portion of the real estate license exam.

It costs $85 each time you retake one or both portions of the test.

If you have a felony, you can still get your real estate license in Delaware.

Information about the conviction or charge must be submitted, by the appropriate authorities, directly to the Real Estate Commission for review.

A waiver may get issued if more than five years have elapsed since the date of the conviction.

In addition, you mustn’t be currently incarcerated, out on work release, on probation, or on parole to get a waiver issued.

You must also be current on any fines, restitution, and community service.

You can still get a real estate license in Delaware with a misdemeanor, as long as you submit information about the conviction or charge for review.

You can receive a waiver if you’re not currently incarcerated, out on work release, on probation, or on parole.

You must also be current on any fines, restitution, and community service.

It is possible to get a real estate license if you have a DUI.

However, you’ll have to undergo the same process of review and meet the same requirements as those convicted of or charged with a felony.

This requires a review of the details of your specific case by the Commission.

While you must be at least 18 years of age to get a real estate license in Delaware, you do not have to have a high school diploma.

Additionally, we suggest that you check out our article on the pros and cons of being a realtor.

It provides insight from industry experts on the time commitment involved and other intricacies that come with the job.

Once you’ve become one of the licensed real estate agents in Delaware, you’re ready to take your business to the next level.

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 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.