Real Estate License from Maryland to West Virginia: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: West Virginia Real Estate Commission ↗
A real estate license transfers from Maryland to West Virginia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission, verify your Maryland license, and meet West Virginia's endorsement requirements. Applicants licensed in another jurisdiction are exempt from the National portion of the exam and must pass only the West Virginia state-specific portion.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
West Virginia publishes no agreement covering Maryland, but it does evaluate out-of-state licensees individually — so this move runs on West Virginia's endorsement judgment rather than a guarantee. The requirements below are what the West Virginia Real Estate Commission 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, Maryland → West Virginia
| Maryland (current) | West Virginia (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 60 | 90 |
| Application fee | $98 (Original salesperson license fee is $98 (includes a $20 Guaranty Fund payment); the reciprocal salesperson application draws on the same statutory fee schedule. Certificate of License History costs $28 (5-year) or $84 (full).) | $75 (salesperson license fee ($75, initial and any subsequent); the salesperson/broker exam application fee ($25) is charged separately) |
| Processing time | 2–3 weeks (Board states to allow 10-12 business days to process an Out-of-State License Recognition (waiver) request before exam registration; reciprocal (PA/OK) license issuance timing is not separately published.) | Commission does not publish a processing-time range |
| Licensing authority | Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing | West Virginia Real Estate Commission |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — West Virginia sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm West Virginia's current requirements on the West Virginia Real Estate Commission website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Hold a current real estate license in another jurisdiction.
- Pass the West Virginia state-specific portion of the licensing examination.
- Provide a Certification of Licensure from each state where you are or were licensed.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- Pay the fees ($75 (salesperson license fee ($75, initial and any subsequent); the salesperson/broker exam application fee ($25) is charged separately)) and allow Commission does not publish a processing-time range.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does West Virginia accept a Maryland real estate license?
A real estate license transfers from Maryland to West Virginia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the West Virginia Real Estate Commission, verify your Maryland license, and meet West Virginia's endorsement requirements. Applicants licensed in another jurisdiction are exempt from the National portion of the exam and must pass only the West Virginia state-specific portion.
Which exams will I take moving from Maryland to West Virginia?
Applicants licensed in another jurisdiction are exempt from the National portion of the exam and must pass only the West Virginia state-specific portion.
What does the move cost?
$75 (salesperson license fee ($75, initial and any subsequent); the salesperson/broker exam application fee ($25) is charged separately) (salesperson license fee ($75, initial and any subsequent); the salesperson/broker exam application fee ($25) is charged separately).
Can I keep selling in Maryland after I'm licensed in West Virginia?
Yes — real estate licenses stack. Keep the Maryland 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.
- WV Real Estate Commission - Licensing ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WV Real Estate Commission - Reciprocity Agreements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WV Real Estate Commission - Education Requirements for Licensure ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WV Real Estate Commission - Schedule of Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Maryland MREC - Apply for a Reciprocal License (Pennsylvania and Oklahoma Licensees ONLY); terms and reciprocity FAQ under Title 17-3A ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Maryland MREC - Out-of-State License Recognition (Waiver) process for all other states ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Maryland MREC - Forms and Fees (Salesperson License Original $98 incl. $20 GF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Maryland MREC - Exams (salesperson exam consists of a national portion and a state portion) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Md. Code, Business Occupations & Professions 17-303 (basic real estate course not more than 60 clock hours for salesperson) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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