Real Estate License from Pennsylvania to Maryland: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing ↗
Yes — Maryland has a reciprocity arrangement covering Pennsylvania license holders. Apply to the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing under its reciprocity/endorsement track; typically you skip the national exam and complete state-specific requirements only.
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Verdict
Reciprocity agreement
Pennsylvania is on Maryland's recognition list, which puts this move on the streamlined track: your education and national exam are credited, and the requirements below are what Maryland still insists on — typically its own law exam and a background check. One caution: agreements are directional and revocable. This page's verification date tells you when we last confirmed Pennsylvania on the list; the commission link is the live truth.
What changes, Pennsylvania → Maryland
| Pennsylvania (current) | Maryland (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 75 | 60 |
| Application fee | $97 (Standard salesperson initial fee = $72 licensure + $25 application; reciprocal-license fees are billed through PALS. Renewal is $96 biennially.) | $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).) |
| Processing time | Commission does not publish a fixed timeline; see its Licensure Processing Guides and Timelines. | 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.) |
| Licensing authority | Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission (Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of State) | Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Maryland sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Maryland's current requirements on the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the reciprocity application to the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Hold a current, active real estate license in the reciprocal/originating state.
- Submit a full certified license history; for Out-of-State Recognition the certificate must be dated within 120 days (mailed originals within 30 days of issue).
- Salespersons must submit a letter from the sponsoring Maryland broker; the broker's principal place of business cannot be in Maryland.
- Your Maryland license category matches your out-of-state license category; a reciprocal license voids if the home-state license expires or goes inactive.
- Pay the fees ($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).)) and allow 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.).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Maryland accept a Pennsylvania real estate license?
Yes — Maryland has a reciprocity arrangement covering Pennsylvania license holders. Apply to the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing under its reciprocity/endorsement track; typically you skip the national exam and complete state-specific requirements only.
Which exams will I take moving from Pennsylvania to Maryland?
Reciprocal applicants licensed in Pennsylvania are excused from both the exam and continuing education; reciprocal applicants licensed in Oklahoma must pass the Maryland state-law portion of the exam (excused from CE). Licensees of all other states apply through Out-of-State License Recognition (Waiver): education and experience are reviewed individually and, if approved, the applicant must sit for and pass the Maryland salesperson exam (national + state portions)..
What does the move cost?
$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).) (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).).
Can I keep selling in Pennsylvania after I'm licensed in Maryland?
Yes — real estate licenses stack. Keep the Pennsylvania 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.
- 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)
- PA - Real Estate Salesperson Licensure Snapshot (requirements, exam waiver, reciprocity, Act 41) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PA State Real Estate Commission - main page ↗ (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]