Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Educational Requirements

The first step is to sign up and complete the 120-hour New York State approved course of study. You can search for an approved course provider using the NY State’s eAccessNY system.

Waiver from Educational Requirements:

You may be able to apply for a waiver for educational requirement if you have obtained equivalent level of education. For example, you may request a waiver if you believe you have completed a similar course from an educational institution outside of New York. However, DLS dos not approve waivers based on continuing education courses, correspondence courses, and paralegal courses. If you want to apply for a waiver then send a letter to DLS requesting the waiver along with following documents:

1. Original Proof of Equivalent Level of Schooling: Official transcript from an accredited college or university evidencing completion of the course(s) that you believe will meet the waiver requirements. An original Certificate of Course Completion from a recognized real estate school can also be submitted.
2. Course Description: An official description of the subject matter. Information from school catalogue is acceptable.

Mail the documents at Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Bureau of Educational Standards, P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY 12201-2001.

Step 2: Schedule and Pass the Examination

You can schedule to take the qualifying examination after completing the educational requirements or obtaining approval of the waiver from educational requirements. The examination must be scheduled using eAccessNY. The written exam is a multiple choice exam which must be completed in two and a half (2.5) hours. You have to correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions to pass the exam. If you have failed the exam, then you can use eAccessNY to schedule another exam. You are required to pass the exam at least two years prior to filling of application for the Real Estate Broker license.

Details of the NY State Exam and educational exams can be found on Real Estate Broker Education page on DLS website.

Step 3: Business Name Approval

Send a written request for approval from DLS of all the business names before submitting the broker license application. Once the name has been approved by DLS, you need to register the business name with the appropriate county or Department of Corporations.

Step 4: NY State Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID Card

You must have a current New York State Driver License or Non-Driver ID card before completing the broker application. The driver license information is needed by the DLS to prepare the photo ID cards and you will have to provide details of the driver’s license or state ID on the broker license application. If you do not have a driver’s license or ID card or if they have expired, then visit any NY DMV office to obtain or renew them.

Step 5: Verify Organizational Documentation

Depending upon the type of organization, ensure that you have the documentation below. DMV does not require you to provide copies of the documents listed below, but by signing the Broker Application you are certifying that you have filed the required documents with the appropriate agency.

1. Trade Name Broker: A business certificate must be filed with the Office of the County Clerk where the business is located.
2. Partnership Broker: A partnership certificate must be filed in the Office of the County Clerk in the county where the business is located.
3. Limited Partnership Broker: A Certificate of Limited Partnership or Assumed Name must be filed with the NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations.
4. Corporate Broker: A Certificate of Incorporation, Assumed Name or Application for Authority must be filed with the NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations.
5. Limited Liability Company or Limited Liability Partnership: The Articles of Organization, Application for Authority, Certificate of Assumed Name or Certificate of Registration must be filed with the NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations.

Step 6: Prepare and Submit the Application

The application can be submitted only through postal mail. This includes applications based on waiver requests, exemptions, and reciprocity. Complete the following steps for the application:

1. Application Form: Complete the Real Estate Broker/Associate Broker Application Form (DOS 0036-a). The application should be completed in full, including the worksheets for documenting the experience.
2. Application Fee: Attach the application fees in the form of check or money order made payable to Department of State. Payment may also be made through credit card by using the Credit Card Authorization Form (DOS-1450-f-l-a). The application fee is $150.
3. Proof of Education: Attach proof of 120 hours of approved qualifying course work in the form of the original school certificates bearing the raised school seal, (the certificates issued by the school must state "approved by the Secretary of State in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 868 of the Laws of 1977".
4. Optional Documents:
   1. Waiver Letter: For request to waive educational requirements or other eligibility requirements.
   2. Explanation of any Conviction: Provide explanation of any criminal offence misdemeanor or a felony. Include accusatory instrument, Certificate of Disposition, and any Certificate of Relief from Disabilities, Certificate of Good Conduct or Executive Pardon.
   3. Irrevocable Consent Form: You must file this form if the business address listed on the broker application is outside the State of New York.
   4. Special Testing Arrangements Request: Fill out the Special Testing Arrangements Request form if you would like any special testing arrangements due to any learning disability or any physical, mental or psychological disability.
5. Mail the Application: The completed application form along with the supporting documents should be mailed to Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, Bureau of Educational Standards, P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY 12201-2001.

External Links

1. DLS Broker
2. eAccessNY Overview
3. NY DLS Complete Forms Listing

Updated: Jan 31, 2013