Real Estate Agent License Cost in District of Columbia 2026: $450 Fees, $73K Salary
Getting a Real Estate Agent license in District of Columbia costs $450 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.
Real Estate Agent License in District of Columbia — Key Numbers
$450
Upfront Cost
$73K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$180
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.2 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
Real Estate Agent License Cost Breakdown — District of Columbia
Exam fee
$200
Application fee
$150
Initial license fee
$100
Total upfront
$450
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs)
$180
CE hours required per cycle
24 hours
Salary without license (District of Columbia)
$46,800/yr
Salary with license (District of Columbia)
$72,800/yr
5-year net ROI
$130K
Licensing body: District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
Real Estate Agent License in District of Columbia — What to Know
District of Columbia runs one of the more expensive real estate licensing processes in the country. The state's commission sets education requirements — typically 45–180 hours of pre-license coursework — before you can sit for the exam. Licensed agents in District of Columbia earn $73K on average, with top producers in coastal metros well above that. Commission splits at established brokerages in District of Columbia run 50/50 to 70/30 for new agents. The license pays back fast in active markets — the upfront cost is small compared to a single closed transaction.