How to get a real estate license in Arizona

Seven steps, in order

The order follows Pearson VUE’s Arizona licensing insert (#090303) and the February 2026 candidate handbook.

1. 1

   Apply for the fingerprint clearance card

   Level 1 Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card from AZ DPS, required at the license application. DPS charges $67. Note that the card does not replace disclosing convictions, judgments or discipline to the Department.

2. 2

   Finish the prelicense course

   90 hours at an ADRE-approved school, plus the school final exam. The Department approves both live classroom and distance-learning prelicense courses. The 90-hour course and school final must be no more than 10 years old when you apply for the license.

3. 3

   Book and pass both exams

   General and State, at a Pearson VUE center; booking is online or by phone at least 24 hours ahead, paid when you book; no walk-ins. Bring two current signature IDs, the primary one a government-issued photo ID, plus your prelicense course certificate. Rules and retakes: exam facts.

4. 4

   Take the contract-writing course

   6 hours, completed before you apply. It applies to salesperson applicants; broker applicants take management clinics instead.

5. 5

   Gather the documents

   The score report, both course certificates, proof of legal presence, the clearance card and the disclosure form: the full list.

6. 6

   Apply online

   Through the Department’s Licensee Login; first-time candidates get a login number starting with SA by email after passing. The exam must be passed within 1 year before the license application. The fee, $60, is requested once the application is complete (cost).

7. 7

   Join a broker

   An approved license sits in eligible status until an employing broker accepts you online. You can’t be paid for licensed work any other way: a licensee is paid only through the broker they are licensed to (a narrow W-2 exception aside).

Documents for the application

As listed on Pearson VUE’s Arizona licensing insert (#090303):

• Salesperson application and fee
• Original Arizona exam score report
• Prelicense course certificate
• Contract-writing course certificate
• Proof of legal presence in the United States (A.R.S. § 41-1080), copied front and back
• Arizona fingerprint clearance card, copied front and back
• Disciplinary Actions Disclosure form LI-214/244; any “yes” answer adds the LI-400 checklist and documents

Requirements at a glance

Already licensed in another state

Out-of-state license recognition: State exam only (60 + 5, 90 minutes, $60). It requires Arizona residency and may waive the 90-hour course, per the Pearson VUE insert. Exam rules for this route are on Arizona exam facts, and other states’ rules on license reciprocity.

Keeping the license: renewal and CE

Every 2 years, 24 hours of continuing education, under A.R.S. § 32-2130. Renewal fee: $60 on time, $125 late; no Recovery Fund charge on renewal (cost). A designated broker carries 30 CE hours per period under the same section, which matters only once you move up: salesperson vs broker.

More on the Arizona exam

• Arizona salesperson →Two exams since 2026, General and State, with fees, scoring and practice by area
• Arizona salesperson practice test →State exam questions by outline weight plus a General block, every option explained
• Arizona salesperson exam facts →Format, passing score in questions, booking, ID, retakes and exam playback
• Arizona salesperson cost →Exam fees per part, the combo price, license, fingerprint card, retakes and renewal
• Arizona salesperson study guide →The State outline area by area, a study order and the Arizona numbers to memorize