Real Estate License from Virginia to Kentucky: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) ↗
A real estate license transfers from Virginia to Kentucky by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC), verify your Virginia license, and meet Kentucky's endorsement requirements. Reciprocal applicants take ONLY the Kentucky law portion of the licensing exam (the PSI 'reciprocity sales associate exam'); the national portion and the full 96-hour pre-license course are waived. Instead they complete a 40-hour reciprocal license law course through a KREC-approved provider..
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Kentucky publishes no agreement covering Virginia, but it does evaluate out-of-state licensees individually — so this move runs on Kentucky's endorsement judgment rather than a guarantee. The requirements below are what the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) 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, Virginia → Kentucky
| Virginia (current) | Kentucky (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 60 | 96 |
| Application fee | $230 (salesperson license application fee (form A490-0225SLIC), non-refundable; excludes PSI exam and fingerprint/background fees) | $130 ($130 fee for an active license ($120 if issued inactive). Separate costs: national criminal-history fingerprint check, the PSI reciprocity sales associate exam fee, and 40-hour reciprocal law course tuition.) |
| Processing time | Board does not publish a processing-time range; a complete application must be on file within 45 days of the background check | KREC does not publish a stated processing time; the application must be filed within 60 days of passing the exam |
| Licensing authority | Virginia Real Estate Board - Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) | Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Kentucky sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Kentucky's current requirements on the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Meet the partner-state experience threshold — at least one (1) year actively licensed as a sales associate (Tennessee: as an associate broker) in the reciprocal state immediately preceding application.
- Complete the 40-hour reciprocal license law course through a KREC-approved education provider.
- Submit fingerprints for a national criminal history check (valid 90 days; you must pass the exam and apply before it expires).
- Pass the Kentucky law portion via the PSI reciprocity sales associate exam, then file the application within 60 days of passing.
- Provide a license history certification / letter of good standing from every state where you are licensed and proof of errors and omissions insurance.
- Pay the fees ($130 ($130 fee for an active license ($120 if issued inactive). Separate costs: national criminal-history fingerprint check, the PSI reciprocity sales associate exam fee, and 40-hour reciprocal law course tuition.)) and allow KREC does not publish a stated processing time; the application must be filed within 60 days of passing the exam.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Kentucky accept a Virginia real estate license?
A real estate license transfers from Virginia to Kentucky by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC), verify your Virginia license, and meet Kentucky's endorsement requirements. Reciprocal applicants take ONLY the Kentucky law portion of the licensing exam (the PSI 'reciprocity sales associate exam'); the national portion and the full 96-hour pre-license course are waived. Instead they complete a 40-hour reciprocal license law course through a KREC-approved provider..
Which exams will I take moving from Virginia to Kentucky?
Reciprocal applicants take ONLY the Kentucky law portion of the licensing exam (the PSI 'reciprocity sales associate exam'); the national portion and the full 96-hour pre-license course are waived. Instead they complete a 40-hour reciprocal license law course through a KREC-approved provider..
What does the move cost?
$130 ($130 fee for an active license ($120 if issued inactive). Separate costs: national criminal-history fingerprint check, the PSI reciprocity sales associate exam fee, and 40-hour reciprocal law course tuition.) ($130 fee for an active license ($120 if issued inactive). Separate costs: national criminal-history fingerprint check, the PSI reciprocity sales associate exam fee, and 40-hour reciprocal law course tuition.).
Can I keep selling in Virginia after I'm licensed in Kentucky?
Yes — real estate licenses stack. Keep the Virginia 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.
- Kentucky Real Estate Commission — Reciprocal Licensing (agreements with Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee; MOUs with Illinois and Ohio; 40-hour reciprocal license law course; national criminal check; $130 active / $120 inactive license fee; 60-day filing window) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- 201 KAR 11:210 — Licensing, education, and testing requirements (reciprocal applicants: 6 academic credit hours or equivalent, pass Kentucky law portion, certification of licensure within 90 days, national criminal history check) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Kentucky Real Estate Commission — Education (Sales Associate new-applicant pre-license: 96 hours or 6 academic credit hours) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Virginia DPOR - Real Estate Board (FAQ: licensure by reciprocity) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Virginia DPOR - How to Apply for a Salesperson/Broker License (RE_Process.pdf) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Virginia DPOR - Salesperson License Application (form A490-0225SLIC, fee schedule) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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