Real Estate License from Rhode Island to New York: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services ↗
No — New York has no reciprocity or endorsement path for Rhode Island real estate license holders. You must apply to the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services as a new applicant and meet New York's full licensing requirements, including its exams.
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Verdict
Full re-application
There is no transfer mechanism from Rhode Island into New York — not because of anything about Rhode Island; New York recognizes no state's licenses. The path is the new-applicant track with your experience as an accelerant: the pre-license education can usually be completed online before you move, the exam draws on knowledge you use daily, and your transaction history means the coursework reads as review. Budget months, not weeks, and start the education first.
What changes, Rhode Island → New York
| Rhode Island (current) | New York (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 45 | 77 |
| 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 (Initial salesperson application/license fee. Separate: $15 written exam scheduling fee via eAccessNY.) |
| Processing time | 1–2 weeks (Application states to allow 7-10 business days for processing.) | NYDOS does not publish an application processing-time range. |
| Licensing authority | Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section | New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — New York sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Review New York's initial-licensure requirements on the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services website (linked below).
- Expect to meet New York's education/experience requirements and pass its required exams — prior out-of-state licensure may still count toward experience.
- Submit the standard (new applicant) application with fees ($65 (Initial salesperson application/license fee. Separate: $15 written exam scheduling fee via eAccessNY.)).
- Allow NYDOS does not publish an application processing-time range..
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does New York accept a Rhode Island real estate license?
No — New York has no reciprocity or endorsement path for Rhode Island real estate license holders. You must apply to the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services as a new applicant and meet New York's full licensing requirements, including its exams.
Which exams will I take moving from Rhode Island to New York?
None — no current reciprocity. All applicants, including out-of-state licensees, must pass the New York State salesperson examination. An education waiver of the 77-hour course may be granted on written request, but the state exam is never waived..
What does the move cost?
$65 (Initial salesperson application/license fee. Separate: $15 written exam scheduling fee via eAccessNY.) (Initial salesperson application/license fee. Separate: $15 written exam scheduling fee via eAccessNY.), plus the cost of the required pre-license education.
Can I keep selling in Rhode Island after I'm licensed in New York?
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.
- NYDOS — Real Estate Salesperson FAQ ('The Department of State does not currently have reciprocity with any other state'; education waiver, exam still required) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYDOS — Become a Real Estate Salesperson (77 qualifying hours; $65 application + $15 exam; eAccessNY) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYDOS — Real Estate Salesperson (2-year term; must work under a sponsoring broker) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYDOS — Real Estate Broker FAQ (identical 'does not currently have reciprocity' statement) ↗ (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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