How to Get Your Real Estate License in Delaware (2026)
Get your Delaware real estate license in 4 steps. 99 education hours, pass the 120-question exam (70%), and apply with DREC. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in Delaware requires 99 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 70% on the Delaware real estate exam, and an application to the Delaware Real Estate Commission. Your real estate license process involves four distinct steps — completing coursework, passing the exam, submitting your application, and activating your license with a broker. This guide breaks down each step with exact fees, education requirements, and exam topic weights. Delaware’s 99-hour education requirement is among the higher thresholds nationally, so plan your timeline accordingly.
Delaware Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Delaware requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Education | 99 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 120 questions — 80 national + 40 state, 70% passing score |
| Exam Fee | ~$85 |
| License Fee | ~$90 |
| Background Check | Criminal background check |
| Residency | No state residency required |
| Regulatory Body | Delaware Real Estate Commission |
See how Delaware’s 70% threshold compares in our guide to passing scores by state.
Step 1 — Complete 99 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Delaware requires 99 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam.
Coursework covers real estate principles, practices, and Delaware-specific law including the Delaware Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (DUCIOA), landlord-tenant regulations, and transfer tax rules. The Delaware Real Estate Commission approves all schools and course providers, so confirm your provider’s accreditation before enrolling.
Delivery methods include classroom instruction and online formats through Commission-approved providers. Most candidates complete the 99-hour pre-licensing education requirement in 2-3 months part-time or 6-8 weeks on an intensive schedule. You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for your real estate license.
Step 2 — Pass the Delaware Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the Delaware real estate exam through Pearson VUE. Create an account on the Pearson VUE website, select your exam date, and choose from available testing centers in Delaware. Bring two forms of valid ID — one must include a photo and signature. Review key real estate exam terms before your test date.
Delaware Exam Structure and Topics
The Delaware real estate exam has two sections — an 80-question national portion and a 40-question state-specific portion — for 120 total questions. You must pass both sections at 70%.
National Section (80 Questions)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Property Characteristics & Use | 11 |
| Ownership & Title Transfer | 9 |
| Valuation & Appraisal | 11 |
| Contracts & Agency | 16 |
| Real Estate Practice | 10 |
| Property Disclosures & Environment | 9 |
| Financing & Settlement | 7 |
| Real Estate Math Calculations | 7 |
State Section (40 Questions)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Duties of the Commission | 4 |
| Licensing Requirements | 3 |
| Licensee Conduct | 17 |
| State-Specific Laws and Regulations | 16 |
Contracts & Agency carries the heaviest national weight at 16 questions. On the state side, Licensee Conduct dominates with 17 questions — covering trust accounts, advertising rules, and disclosure obligations. Math appears in 7 dedicated national questions plus calculation items in the state section. The exam provides conversion data: 43,560 sq ft per acre and 5,280 ft per mile. Study real estate contract types to prepare for the Contracts & Agency section.
How to Pass the Delaware Real Estate Exam
Passing the Delaware real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.
- Contracts & Agency and Valuation & Appraisal first. These two topics account for 27 of 80 national questions — over a third of the national section. Study offer and acceptance, contingencies, agency disclosure, comparative market analysis, and the three appraisal approaches. Review our guide on how to pass the real estate exam for study strategies.
- Licensee Conduct and State-Specific Laws. These two topics make up 33 of 40 state questions — 82% of the state section. Focus on trust account handling, advertising compliance, agency disclosure requirements, DUCIOA provisions, and landlord-tenant regulations.
- Real estate math. Seven dedicated national questions test commission calculations, prorations, LTV ratios, and property tax math. Practice with conversion formulas until they become automatic. See our real estate exam tips for calculation shortcuts.
- Delaware-specific law. Study DUCIOA (governing condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities), the Landlord-Tenant Code, transfer tax rates, and the Short-Term Rental Lodging Tax.
- Practice exams. Use our free Delaware practice exam to simulate exam conditions and identify weak areas before test day.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to the Delaware Real Estate Commission
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the Delaware Real Estate Commission with the required documents and fees.
- Submit your application to the Delaware Real Estate Commission.
- Pay the application fee of approximately $90.
- Complete a criminal background check.
- Provide proof of education completion and exam passage.
- Processing time runs 4-6 weeks under normal conditions.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your Delaware real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed broker who will sponsor your license. Delaware law requires broker sponsorship — you cannot practice independently as a salesperson.
Interview at least 3 brokers before choosing. Compare training programs, desk fees, technology platforms, and commission splits. New agents typically start at a 50/50 commission split, while experienced agents negotiate 70/30 or 80/20 arrangements. Your broker submits activation paperwork to the Delaware Real Estate Commission. Learn more about what to do after passing the exam.
How Much Does a Delaware Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in Delaware ranges from approximately $500 to $1,400, depending on your choice of school and broker.
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $300–$600 |
| Exam fee | ~$85 |
| License application | ~$90 |
| Background check | $30–$75 |
| E&O insurance | $200–$500/year |
| MLS/association dues | $500–$1,000/year |
| Total first year | $1,205–$2,350 |
Delaware-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
Delaware has several state-specific real estate laws and recent legislative changes that may appear on the licensing exam.
- HB 62 Five-Year Property Tax Reassessment — Requires New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties to reassess all properties every five years to reflect current market values. Effective for the 2025 tax year.
- HB 147 Transfer-on-Death Real Estate Act — Enables property owners to designate deed beneficiaries to transfer property without probate. Passed Senate committee June 2025; not yet enacted.
- Landlord-Tenant Regulation Updates — Security deposit limits (1 month’s rent), 48-hour notice for non-emergency entry, 5-day eviction process, and 60-day notice for rent increases. Currently in force.
- Short-Term Rental Lodging Tax — Imposes a 4.5% tax on stays under 30 days. Property owners must collect and remit this tax.
- DUCIOA (Delaware Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act) — Governs condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities. Tested in the state section under Licensee Conduct and State-Specific Laws.
Requirements may change — verify with the Delaware Real Estate Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Delaware?
Most candidates complete the process in 3-5 months. The 99 hours of education takes 2-3 months part-time, and application processing adds 4-6 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Delaware?
Total upfront costs range from $500 to $1,400. The exam fee is approximately $85 and the license application fee is approximately $90, with the remainder going toward education and background check.
Can I get a Delaware real estate license online?
You can complete the 99-hour education requirement online through Commission-approved schools. The exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Does Delaware have real estate license reciprocity?
Delaware offers reciprocity with certain states. Contact the Delaware Real Estate Commission to verify whether your current license qualifies for an exam waiver or reduced education requirements.
How many times can you take the Delaware real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. If you fail, you can reschedule and retake the exam through Pearson VUE after paying the exam fee again.
Test Your Knowledge — Free Delaware Practice Exam
Prepare for the Delaware real estate exam with our free practice test covering both the national and state-specific sections including licensee conduct, DUCIOA, and contracts. Questions address Delaware licensing law, trust account rules, and all 8 national topics.
Start your free Delaware real estate practice exam →
Looking for broader preparation? Take our free national practice exam to strengthen your score on the 80-question national section.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — always verify with your state’s Real Estate Commission.
