Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana can be a highly rewarding career path — but you need to meet specific state requirements before you can start practicing. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of everything you must do to earn your Louisiana real estate salesperson license.

1. Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before anything else, you must:

✅ Be at least 18 years old
✅ Have a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent)
📍 There is no residency requirement — you don’t need to live in Louisiana to get licensed.

2. Complete the Pre-Licensing Education (90 Hours)

Louisiana requires 90 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework from a provider certified by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC).

Your coursework must cover real estate basics such as:

• Real estate principles and practices
• Louisiana license law
• Commission rules & regulations
• Civil law and agency relationships

After finishing, you’ll receive a completion certificate you’ll need for the licensing application.

3. Pass the Louisiana Real Estate Salesperson Exam

Once your education is complete, you must sit for the Louisiana real estate licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE.

📌 What to expect:

• The exam includes a national section and a state-specific section
• You must pass both portions
• A passing score is required before moving ahead with your license application.

4. Submit Your License Application to LREC

After passing the exam:

1. Submit your Salesperson License Application (Part A) to LREC
2. Include your pre-licensing course completion certificate
3. Pay the required state fees (often around $90 for the license application).

You may also have to complete a criminal background check as part of this process.

5. Secure Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Louisiana requires all real estate salespersons to carry Errors & Omissions insurance before your license can be fully activated.

This policy protects you from potential liability arising from your professional activities.

6. Find a Sponsoring Broker

Before your license becomes active, you must be associated with a licensed Louisiana real estate broker.

A sponsoring broker will:
• Oversee your transactions
• Mentor you in your early years
• Provide the official supervision required by LREC

7. Complete Post-Licensing Education

Once licensed, Louisiana also requires you to complete 45 hours of post-licensing education within your first 180 days.

After that:

• You must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually to renew your license.

Quick Summary — Louisiana License Checklist

StepRequirement

✔ Meet age & education

18+, Diploma/GED

✔ Complete 90-hour course

Approved pre-licensing

✔ Pass the licensing exam

National + State portions

✔ Background check

Criminal history

✔ Errors & Omissions insurance

Required

✔ Sponsoring broker

Must be secured

✔ Post-license education

45 hours first 180 days

✔ Continuing education

12 hrs yearly

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Louisiana real estate license?

It varies by pace of coursework, exam scheduling, and application processing — but many candidates complete the process in 3–6 months.

Can I use online courses to meet education requirements?

Yes! LREC-approved providers offer online pre-licensing courses that satisfy the 90-hour requirement.

Do I need to live in Louisiana?

No — you must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted, but residency in Louisiana is not required.