How to Get Your Delaware Real Estate License

Delaware offers Salesperson and Broker licenses under Title 24 of the Delaware Code, regulated by DREC.

Salesperson License Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete 99 hours of DREC-approved pre-licensing education
• Pass the Delaware real estate Salesperson exam through Pearson VUE
• Submit a Salesperson license application with the $88 fee
• Complete fingerprint-based background check
• Affiliate with a Delaware-licensed Broker

Post-Licensing (21 hours within 2 years)

Delaware Salespersons must complete 21 hours of post-licensing education within the first 2 years.

Broker License Requirements

• Hold an active Salesperson license for at least 5 years (Delaware requires more experience than most states)
• Have demonstrable active practice during those 5 years
• Complete 99 additional hours of broker pre-licensing
• Pass the Broker exam
• Submit a Broker license application

Continuing Education

Delaware requires 21 hours of CE every 2 years to renew. Mandatory topics include core law and ethics.

Reciprocity

Delaware has no formal reciprocity agreements with other states; out-of-state licensees generally must meet Delaware's own licensing requirements. Check directly with DREC for current requirements and any endorsement options.

Step 1: Confirm your sponsoring Broker

You cannot operate as a licensed Salesperson without affiliating with a Delaware-licensed Broker.

Step 2: Submit your license application via DREC

Required: passing scores, completed application, $88 license fee, sponsoring Broker, background check.

Step 3: Background check

Delaware requires fingerprint-based background checks.

Step 4: Wait for license issuance

DREC processes complete applications within 2-4 weeks.

Step 5: Post-licensing (21 hours within 2 years)

Delaware Salespersons must complete 21 hours of post-licensing within the first 2 years.

Step 6: Continuing education

After post-licensing, Delaware requires 21 hours of CE every 2 years.

Realistic income expectations

Median Delaware agent earns $50,000. Brokers $70,000.

• Year 1: $20K-$45K
• Year 2-5: $45K-$80K
• Top 25%: $80K-$200K+
• Top 5% (Wilmington, beach communities): $200K+

Wilmington (Philadelphia metro) and beach communities (Rehoboth, Bethany, Lewes) provide the strongest earning potential. Delaware's small size (only 14K homes/yr) means relationship-based businesses do best.

The first 30 days

Week 1: Set up MLS access, learn brokerage CRM. Week 2: Send "I'm now licensed" announcement. Week 3: Shadow your Broker. Week 4: Start prospecting.