Real Estate License from Maine to District of Columbia: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) ↗
A real estate license transfers from Maine to District of Columbia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), verify your Maine license, and meet District of Columbia's endorsement requirements. National portion waived; all endorsement/reciprocity applicants must pass the DC (state) portion of the Salesperson exam with a minimum 75% score.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
District of Columbia publishes no agreement covering Maine, but it does evaluate out-of-state licensees individually — so this move runs on District of Columbia's endorsement judgment rather than a guarantee. The requirements below are what the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) commits to in writing; for anything discretionary (exam waivers, education credit), get the commission's answer in writing before you rely on it.
What changes, Maine → District of Columbia
| Maine (current) | District of Columbia (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 55 | 60 |
| Application fee | $100 ($100 license application fee + $21 criminal records (background) check = $121 total to the Commission. The Maine Law examination is $88, paid separately to Pearson VUE. The reciprocal license term is two years.) | $65–$195 ($65 application fee plus $130 salesperson license fee (=$195 total); the PSI exam fee and the two required 3-hour DC courses are additional) |
| Processing time | Commission does not publish a stated processing time; an online application may be submitted the day after the exam is passed and scores transmit | No board-stated timeframe; applications are filed through the DLCP OPLA online portal |
| Licensing authority | Maine Real Estate Commission (Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation) | District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — District of Columbia sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm District of Columbia's current requirements on the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Meet or exceed the District's 60-hour pre-licensing education requirement in your licensing jurisdiction (endorsement path).
- Complete a 3-hour DCREC-approved Fair Housing course and a 3-hour DCREC-approved Property Management course.
- Pass the DC state portion of the Salesperson exam (75% minimum).
- Submit an original letter of license certification dated within 90 days bearing the official seal.
- Pay the fees ($65–$195 ($65 application fee plus $130 salesperson license fee (=$195 total); the PSI exam fee and the two required 3-hour DC courses are additional)) and allow No board-stated timeframe; applications are filed through the DLCP OPLA online portal.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does District of Columbia accept a Maine real estate license?
A real estate license transfers from Maine to District of Columbia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), verify your Maine license, and meet District of Columbia's endorsement requirements. National portion waived; all endorsement/reciprocity applicants must pass the DC (state) portion of the Salesperson exam with a minimum 75% score.
Which exams will I take moving from Maine to District of Columbia?
National portion waived; all endorsement/reciprocity applicants must pass the DC (state) portion of the Salesperson exam with a minimum 75% score.
What does the move cost?
$65–$195 ($65 application fee plus $130 salesperson license fee (=$195 total); the PSI exam fee and the two required 3-hour DC courses are additional) ($65 application fee plus $130 salesperson license fee (=$195 total); the PSI exam fee and the two required 3-hour DC courses are additional).
Can I keep selling in Maine after I'm licensed in District of Columbia?
Yes — real estate licenses stack. Keep the Maine license active (renewals and CE continue separately) and you hold both; many border-market agents do exactly this.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- DC DLCP — Real Estate Commission (Salesperson Endorsement/Reciprocity requirements and fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Maine OPOR Real Estate Commission — Individual Licenses (an equal license may be issued to any person holding a current active license in another jurisdiction; Maine Law exam required; $100 license fee, $21 criminal records check) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Maine Real Estate Candidate Handbook #092000 (Licensing by Reciprocity: active license in good standing in another state/jurisdiction, pass Maine Law exam, Certificate of Licensure <30 days; Maine Associate Broker equals a salesperson elsewhere; exam fee $88; Sales Agent = entry level) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Maine OPOR Real Estate Commission — FAQ: Sales Agent Entry-Level Licensing (new-applicant Sales Agent Course; $121 total payable to Maine State Treasurer) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]