License Requirements

# Washington License Requirements and Activation ## Getting a Washington Broker License — RCW 18.85.101 Under RCW 18.85.101, an applicant for a Washington broker license must: 1. Be *"18 years of age or older"* and possess *"a high school diploma or its equivalent"* (RCW 18.85.101) 2. Complete *"90 hours of instruction in real estate"* including 3 hours on fair housing and consumer protection issues, approved by the director, and completed within 2 years before the examination (RCW 18.85.101) 3. Pass the *"broker's license examination"* (RCW 18.85.101) 4. Pass a fingerprint-based background check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI (required for initial licensure) 5. Submit a complete application with the required fee First renewal requirement (RCW 18.85.101): The first renewal requires completion of 90 additional hours of courses including real estate law (with 3 hours on fair housing and consumer protection issues), advanced practices, and continuing education. Critically: A Washington broker license cannot be activated — the licensee cannot conduct real estate brokerage activities — until the broker affiliates with a licensed real estate firm and a managing broker. The firm and designated broker must countersign the application. Without affiliation, the license is "inactive." Critically: A Washington broker license cannot be activated — meaning the licensee cannot conduct real estate brokerage activities — until the broker affiliates with a licensed real estate firm and a managing broker. The firm and designated broker must countersign the application. Without affiliation, the license is "inactive." ## The Managing Broker License — RCW 18.85.111 Managing broker is the advanced license tier in Washington. Under RCW 18.85.111, requirements include:…