50-State Real Estate Broker Licensing Compliance Guide
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Rhode Island Real Estate License

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Licensing requirements for Rhode Island brokerage firms.

A business entity offering real estate brokerage services to the public typically must register with the real estate commission before conducting business activity. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

Company Licenses

Rhode Island Real Estate Company Licenses

Rhode Island Real Estate Corporate Broker License

Agency:Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation - Real Estate Section
Eligible Entity Types:
  • Corporations
  • General Partnerships 
  • Limited Liability Companies
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Insurance Requirements:

A Certificate of Errors and Omissions Insurance

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Corporation, Partnership, or LLC License

Agency Fee:

$10

Required Attachments:
  • A copy of the Minutes of the Meeting of Officers, designating the principal broker of the Corporation, Partnership, or Limited Liability Company.
  • A copy of the Articles of Incorporation from the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office. If it is not a Rhode Island Corporation, Partnership, or Limited Liability Company; please submit the Articles of Incorporation or Filing Registration from the state where incorporated, filed, or registered.
  • A Certificate of Errors and Omissions Insurance.
  • A Criminal History Record from the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General’s Office (See attached instructions). Non-Residents must also submit a CHR from their home state law enforcement agency as well.
  • A Tax Payer Status Affidavit
  • A list of all Rhode Island licensed salespersons and brokers of the corporation.
  • A Transfer of License Form for each Broker/Salesperson who will be transferred to the new corporation. Be sure to include an Errors and Omissions Insurance Certificate for each licensee, along with a $25.00 check made payable to the Rhode Island General Treasurer.
  • A completed Corporate Power of Attorney Form (Non-residents only)
  • A Certificate of Licensure/Letter of Good Standing for non-residents only, who currently hold a Rhode Island Broker’s license, applying as a Principal Broker of a Corporation, Partnership, or Limited Liability Company, from their state licensing authority, bearing their name as a principal broker, in addition to the name of the Corporation, Partnership, or Limited Liability Company.
  • Brokers ans Salesperson must submit a criminal history record 

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Broker Corporate Application

Agency Fee:

$170

Due:

By April 30 of even-numbered years.

Individual Licenses

Rhode Island Individual Real Estate Licenses

Rhode Island Real Estate Broker License

Agency:Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation - Real Estate Section
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Real Estate Broker License Application

Agency Fee:

$180 license fee + $25 Real Estate Recovery Fund fee

Registration Renewal

Form:

Real Estate Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$170

Due:

Biennially

Rhode Island Real Estate Salesperson License

Agency:Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation - Real Estate Section
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Real Estate Salesperson License Application

Agency Fee:

$140 license fee + $25 Real Estate Recovery Fund fee

Registration Renewal

Form:

Real Estate Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$130

Due:

Biennially

Learn about real estate licensing in other states:

Associate Broker - Associate brokers are qualified to work independently as a broker, but choose to work under the authority of a designated broker.

On-Site Manager - A broker or salesperson who oversees the operations of a branch office under the authority of the designated broker.

Qualifying Broker/Designated Broker - An experienced and licensed real estate broker responsible for management and operation of a real estate firm.

Real Estate - Land, buildings, and their permanent improvements and fixtures. Also called "real property" in contrast to personal property.

Real Estate Agent - This term refers generally to any licensed real estate professional.

Reciprocity - Reciprocity makes it easier for out-of-state real estate firms to gain approval to operate in a foreign state by streamlining some licensing requirements.

Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO)
Offers a license verification database accross 43 jurisdictions.

NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Agencies
Aid education, research, and advocacy efforts in the real estate industry.

National Association of Realtors
Real estate trade organization that provides information and resources for development of the real estate industry.

Urban Land Institute
Research and education association concerned with responsible land use and creating sustainable communities.