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How do I get a real estate license in New Hampshire?

For an initial salesperson license, New Hampshire's licensing office (OPLC) lists a 40 hour pre licensure course and NH state exam results. Applicants who are not reciprocal also need national exam results. Then you apply online.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
40 hour pre licensure courseIt is the first item on OPLC's eligibility list for a salesperson license.
Verified. New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification · Salesperson initial application checklist (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Rule
NH RSA 331-A and Administrative Rules Rea 100-700The application asks you to agree to abide by them.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
Criminal history report dated within 6 months of the applicationOPLC asks for it where the applicant has a conviction that has not been annulled.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Read the eligibility list. To apply for a salesperson license you must complete a 40 hour pre licensure course and have NH State Examination Results. National Examination Results are required for non-reciprocal applicants only.

  2. Step 2. Get the background papers. OPLC's checklist lists Attestations of Character and an NH Background Check. It also asks for a criminal history report, from any state or jurisdiction, where you have a conviction that has not been annulled, dated within 6 months of your application.

  3. Step 3. List every license you hold. The application asks whether you are or ever were registered or licensed to sell real estate, New Hampshire included. If so, OPLC asks you to attach verifications from every state where you hold a license.

  4. Step 4. If you apply for an active license, add the Broker Affiliation Form. OPLC lists it for active applicants only.

  5. Step 5. Pay at the end. OPLC says you pay a licensing fee at the end of the online application, and it accepts MasterCard, VISA, AMEX and Discover.

Before you pay

OPLC says current fees are on its License Fees page. We haven't confirmed the fee amount, or which schools teach the 40 hour course, from a source.

Before you pay a school, ask whether its course counts as the 40 hour course.

OPLC may update its checklist. Check it yourself on the day you apply.

Questions

What are the limits for uploaded documents?

OPLC lists three. Each document must be under 4 MB, its name must have an extension such as .pdf or .docx, and the name cannot exceed 90 characters.

What if I answer yes to one of the background questions?

A yes to questions 1-6 needs a letter of explanation. OPLC says to upload it to the Application System.

I live outside New Hampshire. Is there anything extra?

Yes. OPLC lists a Consent to Service of Process and Power of Attorney for non-resident applicants only.

What happens if I leave something out?

OPLC says required information and documents that are not submitted may cause delays in issuance of a license.

Will my address be public?

The form asks. One of its questions is whether you want your personal mailing address and email published as part of the public record.

What to do next

Start with OPLC's salesperson checklist. Then work through each item.

www.oplc.nh.gov

Sources we read