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LicenseReciprocity

Real Estate License from North Carolina to South Carolina: Does It Transfer? (2026)

Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) / SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) ↗

Yes — South Carolina has a reciprocity arrangement covering North Carolina license holders. Apply to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) / SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) under its reciprocity/endorsement track; typically you skip the national exam and complete state-specific requirements only.

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Verdict

Reciprocity agreement

North Carolina is on South Carolina's recognition list, which puts this move on the streamlined track: your education and national exam are credited, and the requirements below are what South Carolina 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 North Carolina on the list; the commission link is the live truth.

What changes, North Carolina → South Carolina

Side-by-side: North Carolina vs South Carolina (Real Estate (salesperson/broker)), verified 2026-07-21
North Carolina (current)South Carolina (destination)
Training hours7590
Application fee$105 (Nonrefundable license application fee (April 2026 booklet). Separate: Pearson VUE exam fee $63 (two-part) or $53 (single section); criminal record report billed by vendor. NCREC Jurisdiction web page still shows a stale $100 — $105 is current.)$25 (salesperson/associate application fee payable to SC Real Estate Commission; a separate SLED/FBI fingerprint background-check vendor fee applies)
Processing time2–4 weeks (Board-implied. NCREC publishes only a best case of 'as little as 10 business days' for a clean file, plus component timeframes (Notice of Exam Eligibility 5-7 days; license mailed 7-10 business days after the exam). No firm maximum is stated.)Commission does not publish a fixed processing-time estimate; a submitted application remains valid for one year
Licensing authorityNorth Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC)South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) / SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)

The destination column is what you must satisfy — South Carolina sets the rules for this move.

Step by step

  1. Confirm South Carolina's current requirements on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) / SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) website (linked below) — rules change.
  2. Submit the reciprocity application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) / SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) (application linked below).
  3. Arrange license verification from your current state.
  4. Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
  5. Complete a state and federal fingerprint-based (SLED/FBI) background check.
  6. Reciprocity/non-resident applicants: submit a certified license history from every jurisdiction where currently or previously licensed.
  7. Non-resident applicants must file a Consent to Jurisdiction (irrevocable consent to service of process).
  8. Georgia reciprocity applicants are exempt from the 90-hour education requirement and all exams; North Carolina applicants qualify per the SC-NC reciprocal agreement.
  9. Pay the fees ($25 (salesperson/associate application fee payable to SC Real Estate Commission; a separate SLED/FBI fingerprint background-check vendor fee applies)) and allow Commission does not publish a fixed processing-time estimate; a submitted application remains valid for one year.

Official links

South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) / SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) ↗South Carolina application ↗

Related guides

Reverse: South Carolina → North CarolinaReal Estate in North CarolinaReal Estate in South CarolinaAll real estate states

Frequently asked questions

Does South Carolina accept a North Carolina real estate license?

Yes — South Carolina has a reciprocity arrangement covering North Carolina license holders. Apply to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) / SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) under its reciprocity/endorsement track; typically you skip the national exam and complete state-specific requirements only.

Which exams will I take moving from North Carolina to South Carolina?

Georgia reciprocity applicants who were licensed by written exam and reside in Georgia are exempt from ALL South Carolina examinations; North Carolina reciprocity applicants take only the SC state portion; any other non-resident holding an active out-of-state license (or one expired no more than 6 months) is exempt from the national portion and takes only the SC state exam per S.C. Code Ann. Section 40-57-320(B)(6).

What does the move cost?

$25 (salesperson/associate application fee payable to SC Real Estate Commission; a separate SLED/FBI fingerprint background-check vendor fee applies) (salesperson/associate application fee payable to SC Real Estate Commission; a separate SLED/FBI fingerprint background-check vendor fee applies).

Can I keep selling in North Carolina after I'm licensed in South Carolina?

Yes — real estate licenses stack. Keep the North Carolina 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.

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21

How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]