Real Estate License from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section ↗
A real estate license transfers from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section, verify your Pennsylvania license, and meet Rhode Island's endorsement requirements. Connecticut and Massachusetts resident salespersons obtain a reciprocal RI license with NO examination; Florida residents (mutual recognition) must pass only the RI state portion of the exam; applicants from all other states must complete RI pre-license education and pass the full salesperson exam..
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Rhode Island publishes no agreement covering Pennsylvania, but it does evaluate out-of-state licensees individually — so this move runs on Rhode Island's endorsement judgment rather than a guarantee. The requirements below are what the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section 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, Pennsylvania → Rhode Island
| Pennsylvania (current) | Rhode Island (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 75 | 45 |
| Application fee | $97 (Standard salesperson initial fee = $72 licensure + $25 application; reciprocal-license fees are billed through PALS. Renewal is $96 biennially.) | $165 ($140 to the 'RI General Treasurer' + $25 to the 'Real Estate Recovery Account' (two separate checks/money orders); excludes BCI background-check and E&O insurance costs.) |
| Processing time | Commission does not publish a fixed timeline; see its Licensure Processing Guides and Timelines. | 1–2 weeks (Application states to allow 7-10 business days for processing.) |
| Licensing authority | Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission (Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of State) | Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Rhode Island sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Rhode Island's current requirements on the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Be a non-resident holding an active salesperson license in Connecticut or Massachusetts (or Florida under mutual recognition).
- Rhode Island BCI background check plus a home-state Criminal History Record.
- Complete a 3-hour Lead Poisoning/Lead Hazard Mitigation course.
- Provide a Certificate of Errors and Omissions insurance and a letter of good standing.
- Be employed/sponsored by a Rhode Island principal broker.
- Pay the fees ($165 ($140 to the 'RI General Treasurer' + $25 to the 'Real Estate Recovery Account' (two separate checks/money orders); excludes BCI background-check and E&O insurance costs.)) and allow 1–2 weeks (Application states to allow 7-10 business days for processing.).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Rhode Island accept a Pennsylvania real estate license?
A real estate license transfers from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section, verify your Pennsylvania license, and meet Rhode Island's endorsement requirements. Connecticut and Massachusetts resident salespersons obtain a reciprocal RI license with NO examination; Florida residents (mutual recognition) must pass only the RI state portion of the exam; applicants from all other states must complete RI pre-license education and pass the full salesperson exam..
Which exams will I take moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island?
Connecticut and Massachusetts resident salespersons obtain a reciprocal RI license with NO examination; Florida residents (mutual recognition) must pass only the RI state portion of the exam; applicants from all other states must complete RI pre-license education and pass the full salesperson exam..
What does the move cost?
$165 ($140 to the 'RI General Treasurer' + $25 to the 'Real Estate Recovery Account' (two separate checks/money orders); excludes BCI background-check and E&O insurance costs.) ($140 to the 'RI General Treasurer' + $25 to the 'Real Estate Recovery Account' (two separate checks/money orders); excludes BCI background-check and E&O insurance costs.).
Can I keep selling in Pennsylvania after I'm licensed in Rhode Island?
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.
- RI DBR - Reciprocal Real Estate Salesperson Application (Rev. 11/2023; CT/MA reciprocity, FL mutual recognition, fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- RI DBR - Real Estate Salesperson Application (45-hour pre-license education, fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- RI DBR - Real Estate section (applications and regulation 230-RICR-30-20-2) ↗ (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
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