How to transfer your real estate license to a new brokerage
Your license stays yours. Moving it to a new brokerage is a filing with your state board, and in most states it takes days, not weeks. Who files, the fee and what your old broker must do change by state. Pick yours.
How a transfer works in every state
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Pick your new brokerage and get their license number. Almost every state's form or portal asks for it.
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Give your current broker notice, in writing. Several states require written notice, and many cannot finish until your old broker releases you.
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File with your state board, or have your new broker file. Some states let you file online yourself. In others the new broker files it.
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Wait for it to show before you work. Many states do not let you do any real estate work until the board shows your new brokerage.
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Move your MLS, association and ads. Update your signs, website and social media to the new brokerage the same day.
Who files and what it costs
Each state was checked against its board's own forms and portal on September 19, 2026. Tap a state for the full steps.
| State | Who files | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Your new broker files it | $25 |
| Arizona | You start it online, your new broker approves | None listed on ADRE's fee schedule |
| Arkansas | You file it, with three signatures | $30 |
| California | You start it, your new broker certifies it | None (form RE 214 carries no fee) |
| Colorado | You file it from your own eLicense account | $5 |
| Florida | Your new broker, or you on paper | No fee |
| Georgia | You file it, both brokers sign | Not printed on the form (GREC charges $25 to return an incomplete one) |
| Hawaii | You file it (online or paper) | No fee |
| Idaho | Your old and new brokers do it | No form for you to file |
| Illinois | You file it online, your new broker approves | $25 |
| Indiana | You file it online, your new broker approves | $10 plus a small card charge |
| Kansas | You file it online | No fee |
| Kentucky | Both principal brokers (eServices) or you on paper | $10 on paper |
| Louisiana | You file it (a broker cannot start it) | $35 |
| Maryland | You file it online | $28 |
| Massachusetts | Your new brokerage adds you | No fee |
| Michigan | You file it online, your new broker approves | Shown in MiPLUS |
| Minnesota | Your new broker files it | $20, paid when the new broker files |
| Mississippi | You file it, notarized | $50 |
| Missouri | You file it online | $50 |
| Nebraska | You or your new broker start it; both approve | $50 |
| Nevada | You file Form 504 after your old broker files Form 505 | $20 |
| New Jersey | Your new broker files it | $25 state transfer fee |
| New Mexico | You file it online | $20 |
| New York | Your old broker terminates, your new broker associates you | No fee to terminate |
| North Carolina | You (full broker) or your new BIC (provisional broker) | Shown on the NCREC form |
| North Dakota | You file it (paper or online) | $50 |
| Ohio | You file it, your new broker accepts | $34 |
| Oklahoma | You file it online; both brokerages approve | $40 plus a card fee |
| Oregon | Your new managing principal broker transfers you | $10 |
| Pennsylvania | You file it online | $20 |
| South Carolina | You file it online | No fee |
| South Dakota | You file it, with three signatures | $15 per license |
| Tennessee | You file it online | $25 |
| Texas | You send a request, your new broker accepts | Shown in REALM |
| Utah | You, your new broker and your old broker, in order | No fee |
| Virginia | You file it, then your new broker signs | $90 (non-refundable) |
| Washington | You, with both firms' signatures | See the form |
| Washington, DC | You file it online, your new brokerage approves | $30 plus $60 for the Guaranty and Education Fund |
| West Virginia | You file it online | $20 plus a $5 portal fee ($10 more on paper) |
| Wisconsin | Your new firm files it | No fee |
| Wyoming | You file it, with three signatures | $30 |
What to sort out before you switch
The state filing is the easy part. These are the things that cost agents money when they skip them.
Read your contract with your broker
Your independent contractor agreement sets your notice period, any fees you owe on the way out, and how deals that close after you leave get paid.
Listings stay with the brokerage
A listing agreement is a contract between the seller and the brokerage, not you. You can only take a listing with your old broker's written release and your seller's agreement.
Pending deals
Deals under contract usually close with your old brokerage, and your agreement decides how you are paid on them. Get it in writing before your last day.
MLS and association
Move your MLS and REALTOR® association membership to your new office so your access does not lapse.
Update every ad the same day
Signs, your website, social media and business cards must show your new brokerage once you move. State ad rules require the brokerage name.
CE and E&O
Several states will not complete a transfer while your continuing education is overdue or your errors and omissions cover has lapsed. Check both first.
What changes if you move to AXEN
No commission split. You keep 100% and pay a flat fee per closing instead.
AXEN charges a flat fee per closing ($500 on the Pro plan; less on smaller deals) that caps at $6,000 a year, or $12,000 on the Elite plan, plus a $295 per-file admin fee and a $50 a month platform fee. There is no commission split.
Revenue share and equity depend on plan and participation. Earnings examples are illustrations, not guarantees; your income depends on your own sales.
Compare the math on AXEN vs eXp vs Real fees, or look inside the AXEN portal for free.
License transfer questions
Can I transfer my real estate license to another brokerage at any time?
Yes. Your license belongs to you. You can move it whenever you choose, but your contract with your current broker may set a notice period or exit fees.
Do I need my current broker's permission to transfer my license?
You do not need their permission to leave, but many states need your old broker to release you or sign a form before the transfer can finish.
How long does it take to transfer a real estate license?
From same day in states like Arizona and South Carolina to a couple of weeks where paper forms and two signatures are involved.
How much does it cost to transfer a real estate license?
From nothing in states like Florida, Kansas and South Carolina to $90 in Virginia. See the table above for every state.
What happens to my listings and pending deals?
Listings belong to the brokerage. Deals under contract usually close with your old brokerage, and your agreement with them decides how you are paid.
Is transferring to another brokerage the same as moving my license to another state?
No. Changing brokerages keeps the same state license. Getting licensed in another state is a separate application, often through license reciprocity.