Start your licensing education with LEAP's Texas real estate pre-licensing course, designed to help you complete the required coursework online.

Texas requires a background check for real estate license applicants, and that process includes fingerprinting. If you want to become a salesperson or broker in Texas, the background check is part of the standard licensing process, not an optional extra.

The state uses fingerprints to review an applicant’s identity and criminal history before issuing a license. This information is sent through Texas’s approved system so the Texas Real Estate Commission can complete its review.

This step is common among licensed professions, but it is especially important in real estate because licensees handle contracts, money, and client trust. It is smart to complete the fingerprinting process early so it does not slow down your application.

A background check does not automatically disqualify you from getting licensed. Texas considers the nature of any criminal history, how recent it is, and whether it affects moral character and fitness under state rules.

Some applicants with a record may still qualify, while others may need to provide more information or request an evaluation. If you have concerns, review them before you spend time and money on the rest of the process.

In addition to the background check, Texas applicants must meet education requirements, pass the licensing exam, and satisfy other state criteria. For pre-licensing education, Leap Real Estate is a strong option: https://leaprealestate.com/state-licenses/texas-pre-licensing.

Plan for the background check to be part of your timeline, since fingerprinting, processing, and application review can take longer than expected. Always verify the latest requirements with the Texas Real Estate Commission before submitting your application.