Real Estate License from Rhode Island to Arizona: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) ↗
A real estate license transfers from Rhode Island to Arizona by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE), verify your Rhode Island license, and meet Arizona's endorsement requirements. No exam waiver - the applicant must pass the full Arizona Real Estate Salesperson examination (Pearson VUE; Arizona uses a single state-specific exam). Out-of-state license recognition waives the 90-hour pre-license course, but a 6-hour contract writing course is still required..
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Arizona publishes no agreement covering Rhode Island, but it does evaluate out-of-state licensees individually — so this move runs on Arizona's endorsement judgment rather than a guarantee. The requirements below are what the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) 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, Rhode Island → Arizona
| Rhode Island (current) | Arizona (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 45 | 90 |
| Application fee | $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.) | $60 (Original salesperson license: $50 license fee + $10 real estate recovery fund fee = $60. Plus a $75 examination application/exam fee (Pearson VUE) and the Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card fee (separate).) |
| Processing time | 1–2 weeks (Application states to allow 7-10 business days for processing.) | ADRE does not publish a fixed processing time for out-of-state recognition applications. |
| Licensing authority | Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section | Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Arizona sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Arizona's current requirements on the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Submit a license history showing an equivalent active out-of-state license held for at least one year.
- Complete the Out-of-State License Recognition - Arizona Residency Attestation Form.
- Complete a 6-hour Contract Writing course.
- Obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Pass the Arizona Real Estate Salesperson examination (Pearson VUE).
- Pay the fees ($60 (Original salesperson license: $50 license fee + $10 real estate recovery fund fee = $60. Plus a $75 examination application/exam fee (Pearson VUE) and the Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card fee (separate).)) and allow ADRE does not publish a fixed processing time for out-of-state recognition applications..
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Arizona accept a Rhode Island real estate license?
A real estate license transfers from Rhode Island to Arizona by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE), verify your Rhode Island license, and meet Arizona's endorsement requirements. No exam waiver - the applicant must pass the full Arizona Real Estate Salesperson examination (Pearson VUE; Arizona uses a single state-specific exam). Out-of-state license recognition waives the 90-hour pre-license course, but a 6-hour contract writing course is still required..
Which exams will I take moving from Rhode Island to Arizona?
No exam waiver - the applicant must pass the full Arizona Real Estate Salesperson examination (Pearson VUE; Arizona uses a single state-specific exam). Out-of-state license recognition waives the 90-hour pre-license course, but a 6-hour contract writing course is still required..
What does the move cost?
$60 (Original salesperson license: $50 license fee + $10 real estate recovery fund fee = $60. Plus a $75 examination application/exam fee (Pearson VUE) and the Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card fee (separate).) (Original salesperson license: $50 license fee + $10 real estate recovery fund fee = $60. Plus a $75 examination application/exam fee (Pearson VUE) and the Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card fee (separate).).
Can I keep selling in Rhode Island after I'm licensed in Arizona?
Yes — real estate licenses stack. Keep the Rhode Island 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.
- ADRE - Out-of-State License Recognition Salesperson License (cites A.R.S. 32-2124) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- ADRE - Salesperson License (90-hour prelicense + 6-hour contract writing requirement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- ADRE - Fees (salesperson license $50 + $10 recovery fund; exam $75) ↗ (accessed 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)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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