Apply For a License


Application Process Overview


Any person or business engaging in real estate transactions as an agent for another (including time share transactions) must first obtain a license from the Commission.

The process for obtaining a license:

  1. Applicant successfully completes North Carolina’s 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course.
  2. Applicant submits a license application with application fee and required documentation.
  3. Commission determines applicant's eligibility for licensing examination. If applicant is deemed to be qualified, Commission sends a "Notice of Examination Eligibility."
  4. Applicant contacts testing service to schedule examination and pay examination fee.
  5. After applicant passes the examination, Commission determines whether applicant possesses the requisite "character" for licensure.
  6. Commission issues license to qualified applicant.

Additional Information

Application Forms

The Commission’s online application system may be used to apply for a broker license by examination or for reinstatement of a license. It may also be used by an applicant applying for a license based on holding a license in another jurisdiction.

Applicants from Another Jurisdiction

An applicant who holds a current real estate license in another state (or U.S. territory or Canadian jurisdiction) that has been on active status within the previous three (3) years and that is equivalent to NC's provisional or "full" broker license may...

waive the 75-hour North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course as well as the National section of the North Carolina real estate license examination AND

EITHER:

pass the State section of the examination and be issued a NC real estate broker license in a status equivalent to the status in the other jurisdiction

OR

waive the State section of the examination, be issued a NC real estate broker license on provisional status, and be subject to the NC's postlicensing education requirement.

Please note that provisional brokers who applied for a NC license based on licensure in another jurisdiction and who opted not to take the state section of the license examination are NOT eligible for any waiver of Postlicensing education.

For a full explanation, please refer to page 6 of the Commission's application booklet: Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina.

Petition For Pre-Determination

Are you concerned that your criminal history may keep you from being licensed? If so, you may choose to file a PETITION FOR PRE-DETERMINATION of whether your criminal history will likely disqualify you from obtaining a real estate broker license. This petition can be made at any time, including before taking the 75-hour North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course.

Before submittig your petition, please read Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina.

A $45 fee will be due upon submission, payable by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.

Documentation Required:

  1. You must pay for and submit a criminal history record report obtained by the Commission’s approved independent vendor; the report must be no more than 60 days old. The fees charged for this report are paid to the independent company supplying the report, not the Commission. Charges for this report vary depending on where you have lived. Apply for a criminal history record report here.
  2. For each conviction, please provide a copy of the court judgment and a detailed written explanation in your own words describing the circumstances surrounding the offense.
  3. Each petitioner’s criminal background will be considered using the following factors outlined in N.C.G.S. § 93B-8.1(b1):
    1. The level and seriousness of the crime.
    2. The date of the crime.
    3. The age of the person at the time of the crime.
    4. The circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime, if known.
    5. The nexus between the criminal conduct and the prospective duties of the applicant as a licensee.
    6. The prison, jail, probation, parole, rehabilitation, and employment records of the applicant since the date the crime was committed.
    7. 6a. The completion of, or active participation in, rehabilitative drug or alcohol treatment.
    8. 6b. A Certificate of Relief granted pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-173.2.
    9. The subsequent commission of a crime by the applicant.
    10. Any affidavits or other written documents, including character references.
  5. The petition form will give you the opportunity to attach any documentation related to the above factors for consideration. Because the Commission is required to make a decision within 45 days, only the petition and documentation you provide with it will be considered in the Commission’s predetermination. The Commission will not be able to accept or consider additional documentation while your petition is being processed. Be sure to include any information you would like to be considered with your petition.

Do I need to petition the Commission for a predetermination?

  1. If you have ever been convicted of a state, federal, or military crime, you may use this online petition form to request a predetermination of whether your criminal history will likely disqualify you from obtaining a license. If you have no state, federal, or military criminal record, you do not need to file a petition.
  2. If you have any pending criminal charge(s) against you at the time you submit a petition the Commission will be unable to issue a predetermination and your petition will be considered incomplete.
  3. You may submit a petition for predetermination to the Commission at any time, including before you start or complete any mandatory education or training requirements. The fee for submission of a petition is $45.00. This fee is not refundable.
  4. If you choose to submit an application for a broker’s license after you receive a predetermination on your petition, you will still be obligated to meet all requirements and conditions of licensure, including education and examination requirements, and the comprehensive character and fitness review, including criminal history obtained within 6 months prior to license application, and paying the $100 application fee.

This form is not meant to be printed. If you have already completed the form please use the submit button at the bottom to send the form directly to the Commission.

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