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

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Licensing requirements for Wisconsin 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

Wisconsin Real Estate Company Licenses

Wisconsin Real Estate Business Entity License

Agency:Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Eligible Entity Types:
  • Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Limited Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships
  • General Partnerships
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Financial Requirements:
  • A Consent to Examine and Audit Trust Account (Form #814) is required if your business is required to maintain a Trust Account. 
  • Most types of business entities (including those formed under the laws of another state or country) must file documents with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). To confirm your status, you must first contact DFI at 608-261-7577 or at www.wdfi.org/corporations
Notes:

The Department must deny your application if you are liable for delinquent state taxes, UI contributions, or child support (Wis. Stats. § 440.12 and 440.13).

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Law:

Wis. Stats. § 440.12 and 440.13

Notes:

If there is a change in any of the business representatives, the change shall be reported to the Board within 30-days after the effective date of the change by submitting this form. No fee is required.

Required Attachments:
  • Application for Real Estate Broker Business Entity License (Form #815) 
  • Consent to Examine and Audit Trust Account (Form #814) – Complete if your business is required to maintain a Trust Account as described in Wis. Admin. Code § REEB 18.
  • Irrevocable Consent for Nonresidents (Form #813) – Complete if your business is located outside Wisconsin.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

By December 14th of even-numbered years.

Before you Apply:

Most types of business entities (including those formed under the laws of another state or country) must file documents with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). To confirm your status, you must first contact DFI at 608-261-7577 or at www.wdfi.org/corporations

Individual Licenses

Wisconsin Individual Real Estate Licenses

Wisconsin Real Estate Broker License

Agency:Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

By December 14 of even-numbered years.

Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson License

Agency:Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

By December 14 of even-numbered years.

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.