Real Estate License from Rhode Island to District of Columbia: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) ↗
A real estate license transfers from Rhode Island to District of Columbia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), verify your Rhode Island license, and meet District of Columbia's endorsement requirements. National portion waived; all endorsement/reciprocity applicants must pass the DC (state) portion of the Salesperson exam with a minimum 75% score.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
District of Columbia publishes no agreement covering Rhode Island, but it does evaluate out-of-state licensees individually — so this move runs on District of Columbia's endorsement judgment rather than a guarantee. The requirements below are what the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) 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 → District of Columbia
| Rhode Island (current) | District of Columbia (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 45 | 60 |
| 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.) | $65–$195 ($65 application fee plus $130 salesperson license fee (=$195 total); the PSI exam fee and the two required 3-hour DC courses are additional) |
| Processing time | 1–2 weeks (Application states to allow 7-10 business days for processing.) | No board-stated timeframe; applications are filed through the DLCP OPLA online portal |
| Licensing authority | Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section | District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — District of Columbia sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm District of Columbia's current requirements on the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Meet or exceed the District's 60-hour pre-licensing education requirement in your licensing jurisdiction (endorsement path).
- Complete a 3-hour DCREC-approved Fair Housing course and a 3-hour DCREC-approved Property Management course.
- Pass the DC state portion of the Salesperson exam (75% minimum).
- Submit an original letter of license certification dated within 90 days bearing the official seal.
- Pay the fees ($65–$195 ($65 application fee plus $130 salesperson license fee (=$195 total); the PSI exam fee and the two required 3-hour DC courses are additional)) and allow No board-stated timeframe; applications are filed through the DLCP OPLA online portal.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does District of Columbia accept a Rhode Island real estate license?
A real estate license transfers from Rhode Island to District of Columbia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission (DCREC) — Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), verify your Rhode Island license, and meet District of Columbia's endorsement requirements. National portion waived; all endorsement/reciprocity applicants must pass the DC (state) portion of the Salesperson exam with a minimum 75% score.
Which exams will I take moving from Rhode Island to District of Columbia?
National portion waived; all endorsement/reciprocity applicants must pass the DC (state) portion of the Salesperson exam with a minimum 75% score.
What does the move cost?
$65–$195 ($65 application fee plus $130 salesperson license fee (=$195 total); the PSI exam fee and the two required 3-hour DC courses are additional) ($65 application fee plus $130 salesperson license fee (=$195 total); the PSI exam fee and the two required 3-hour DC courses are additional).
Can I keep selling in Rhode Island after I'm licensed in District of Columbia?
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.
- DC DLCP — Real Estate Commission (Salesperson Endorsement/Reciprocity requirements and fees) ↗ (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
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]