50-State Real Estate Broker Licensing Compliance Guide
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Texas Real Estate License

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Licensing requirements for Texas 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

Texas Real Estate Company Licenses

Texas Real Estate Business Entity License

Agency:Texas Real Estate Commission
Eligible Entity Types:
  • Corporations 
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • General Partnerships
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Ownership Requirements:
  • If the designated broker owns 10% or more of the business entity, proof of ownership must be provided. Examples:
    • Corporations:  
      • Stock Certificates;
      • IRS Schedules K-1, C, or G;
      • Corporate Resolution or Meeting Minutes signed by Directors or all Shareholders (must include a copy of the Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws)
    • Limited Liability Companies:
      • Operating Agreement;
      • IRS Schedules K-1, C, or G.
    • General Partnerships:
      • Partnership Agreement;
      • IRS Schedules K-1, C, or G. 
Insurance Requirements:

If the designated broker does not own at least 10% of the business entity, proof of E&O insurance for the entity must be provided. 

Qualifying Individual Requirements:
  • A business entity must designate an active Texas real estate broker to act for it. The designated broker must be a managing officer of the business entity and must be in good standing with the Commission. 
  • The designated broker must have fingerprints on file with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for TREC in order to satisfy the statutory requirement for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. 
  • Proof of the designated broker's current status as a managing officer, manager or managing member, or general partner for the business entity.
  • Examples of acceptable proof of managing authority include the following:
    • Corporation:
      • Corporate Resolution or Meeting Minutes signed by Directors or all Shareholders - must include a copy of Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws;
      • Officers and Directors Info from the Franchise Tax Account Status page results;
      • Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Amendment filed with the Secretary of State's office
    • Limited Liability Company (LLC):
      • Operating Agreement signed by all Members;
      • Officers and Directors Info from the Franchise Tax Account Status page results;
      • Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Amendment filed with the Secretary of State's Office; Company Resolution
    • Partnership:
      • Partnership Agreement signed by all Partners
Requirement Notes:

A business entity created or chartered in another state must submit proof that the business entity: is licensed as a broker by the state in which it was created or chartered, is licensed as a broker in a state in which it is permitted to engage in real estate brokerage business as a foreign business entity, was created or chartered in a state that does not license business entities, and the entity is lawfully engaged in the practice of real estate brokerage in that state.

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for a Real Estate Broker License by a Business Entity

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$235

Notes:

A business entity must designate an active Texas real estate broker to act for it. The designated broker must be a managing officer of the business entity and must be in good standing with the Commission. 

Before you Apply:
  • A business entity must be permitted to engage in business in Texas to receive a Texas real estate broker license. 
Required Attachments:
  • A Franchise Tax Account Status page must accompany the application.
  • Proof of the designated broker's current status as a managing officer, manager or managing member, or general partner for the business entity
  • If the designated broker does not own at least 10% of the business entity, proof of E&O insurance for the entity must be provided. 
  • If the designated broker owns 10% or more of the business entity, proof of ownership must be provided
  • A business entity created or chartered in another state must submit proof that the business entity: 
    • is licensed as a broker by the state in which is was created or chartered;
    • is licensed as a broker in a state in which it is permitted to engage in real estate brokerage business as a foreign business entity; or
    • was created or chartered in a state that does not license business entities and the entity is lawfully engaged in the practice of real estate brokerage in that state. 
Background Check Requirements: ACCESS PREMIUM DATA

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal of Business Entity Broker License

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$217

Due:

Biennially by date of issuance. 

Individual Licenses

Texas Individual Real Estate Licenses

Texas Real Estate Broker License

Agency:Texas Real Estate Commission

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Real Estate Broker License by an Individual

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$235 license fee + $10 Real Estate Recovery fee + $38.25 fingerprinting fee

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal of Individual Real Estate License

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$217

Due:

Biennially

Texas Real Estate Sales Agent License

Agency:Texas Real Estate Commission

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Inactive Real Estate Sales Agent License

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$185 license fee + $10 Real Estate Recovery fee + $38.25 fingerprinting fee

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal of Individual Real Estate License

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$110

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.