Arizona Real Estate License Reciprocity: Can You Transfer Your License to Arizona?

Do you hold a real estate license in another state but plan to move to Arizona? You may wonder if you will have to start from scratch and complete the full list of Arizona's licensing requirements. Here’s what you need to know about Arizona real estate license reciprocity for salespeople or brokers moving to Arizona.

Key Takeaways:

• Arizona does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states but recognizes out-of-state licensees. To get licensed in Arizona, out-of-state agents must pass a 110-question test on Arizona law.
• Applicants must be Arizona residents, living in the state for at least nine months annually. Proof of residency can include Arizona voter registration, driver’s license, tax filings, or residential rental contracts.
• Applicants must have been licensed for at least one year in another state and have a clean professional record with no disciplinary actions or pending complaints. A 6-hour Contract Writing course is required for salespeople, while brokers need to complete three 3-hour Broker Management Clinics.
• Both salespeople and brokers must pass the Out-of-State License Recognition State-Specific Examination administered by Pearson Vue. A fingerprint clearance card and a background check are also necessary before applying for a license.

What Is Reciprocity in Real Estate?

Each state has its own laws regarding real estate licensing standards. However, if you are a licensed real estate agent in one state and want to work as an agent (or broker) in another, you may not have to start from scratch to earn your new state’s license.

Most states offer full or partial license reciprocity. That means you can apply for a real estate license in your new state without having to complete every step of the pre-licensing process.

Arizona Real Estate License Reciprocity States

To be clear, Arizona doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with any other state, but the state recognizes out-of-state licensees. This means that while you may not have to complete the entire pre-licensing coursework, you must pass a 110-question test on Arizona law to become licensed in Arizona. Keep reading as we explain how the process works.

Arizona Real Estate License Reciprocity For Salespeople Moving To Arizona

Are you a licensed real estate agent in a state outside of Arizona but considering a move to the Grand Canyon State? Here are the requirements for Arizona real estate license reciprocity.

You must be an Arizona resident.

You must show proof that you are a resident (or are becoming a resident) of Arizona to get your license. Fill out the Out-of-State License Recognition Residency Attestation. The form ensures you understand that you must live in Arizona at least nine months out of the year to qualify for a license.

There are several ways you can prove your residency. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Arizona voter registration
• Military Form 2058
• Proof of filing Arizona income taxes for the most recent tax year
• Valid Arizona driver’s license
• Residential rental contract with proof of payment
• Mortgage document for a primary Arizona residence
• Evidence of establishment of Arizona utilities
• Documentation demonstrating a change in permanent address on all pertinent records

You must sign and date this form – and include your Arizona address.

You must be currently licensed in another state – and have been licensed for at least one year.

Real estate agents seeking a license in Arizona must prove that they have completed approved real estate education in the other state – and passed the licensing exam. You must also submit a certified license history from the other state.

You must have a good professional record.

An applicant for an Arizona real estate license must not have had their license or certificate revoked or voluntarily surrendered in any other state. You must also not have had any discipline imposed by another regulating entity and have no pending complaint, allegation, or investigation. Here are two forms that might be helpful to you for this part of the process: Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form (LI-214/244) and Disclosure Document Checklist Form (LI-400).

Complete a 6-hour Contract Writing course.

This course explores the documentation necessary to list and sell real estate in Arizona.

Pass the Out-of-State License Recognition State-Specific Examination.

Pearson Vue administers the Out-of-State License Recognition State-Specific Examination. Begin the process of scheduling the 110-question exam by creating an account with Pearson Vue. The test costs $75. You’ll have 165 minutes to complete the exam.

This test is challenging. You may want to invest in exam prep materials to help you learn the Arizona-specific information to prepare for the test.

Complete the salesperson application.

Once you have passed the exam, Pearson Vue will provide the salesperson application. You must apply for a license within one year of passing the state-specific examination. Include the exam score report with your application packet.

Apply for a fingerprint clearance card.

You’ll need a background check before working as a real estate salesperson in Arizona. Part of that process includes obtaining a fingerprint clearance card. Visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety website to learn more about the process.

Arizona Real Estate Broker License Reciprocity For Brokers Moving To Arizona

Are you a licensed broker in another state who wishes to become one in Arizona? The process is similar to the one for salespeople described in the previous section. However, here are some broker-specific information and helpful links to get you started.

You must be an Arizona resident.

You must live in Arizona at least nine months out of the year to work as a broker in Arizona. Fill out this form and provide documentation to prove your residency.

You must have at least three years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or real estate broker during the five years immediately preceding the time of application.

Here is the Broker Candidate Experience Form to prove that you meet this requirement.

You must have a good professional record.

If you have any blemishes or accusations on your professional record, you may not be eligible to work as a broker in Arizona. For more information, consult the Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form (LI-214/244) and Disclosure Document Checklist Form (LI-400).

Complete the broker management clinic.

Those wanting to become a licensed broker in Arizona after being previously licensed in another state must complete three 3-hour Broker Management Clinics covering rules and statutes, policies, and supervision.

Pass the Out-of-State License Recognition State-Specific Examination.

Pearson Vue administers the Out-of-State License Recognition State-Specific Examination. Begin the process of scheduling the exam by creating an account with Pearson Vue. The test costs $125. You’ll have 165 minutes to complete the 110-question exam.

You may want to prepare for the test with exam-prep materials.

Complete the broker application.

Once you have passed the exam, Pearson Vue will provide the broker application. You must apply for a license within one year of passing the state-specific examination and include the exam score report with your application packet.

Apply for a fingerprint clearance card.

You’ll need a background check before working as a real estate broker in Arizona. Visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety website to learn more about the process.

The Arizona School of Real Estate and Business (ASREB) offers out-of-state packages for students licensed in another state who want to apply for an Arizona license. We offer the required coursework and will help you prepare for the real estate licensing exam. Our expertly designed online courses are perfect for those with busy schedules, and ASREB offers support every day of the week!

Learn more about out-of-state license recognition from the Arizona Department of Real Estate. Then, sign up for courses with the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business. ASREB will also help you renew your license. And, when you are ready for it, we offer broker courses!

Source:

“Out-of-State License Recognition.” Out-of-State License Recognition | Arizona Department of Real Estate. Accessed December 26, 2023. https://azre.gov/out-state-license-recognition.