Virginia Law

Part II. Entry

18VAC135-20-20. Necessity for license (Refer to § 54.1-2106.1 of the Code of Virginia.).

A. Sole proprietor (principal broker owner). A real estate broker's license shall be issued to an individual trading under an assumed or fictitious name, that is, a name other than the individual's full name, only after the individual signs and acknowledges a certificate provided by the board that sets forth the name under which the business is to be organized and conducted, the address of the individual's residence, and the address of the individual's place of business. The board will consider the application of an individual only after the individual is authorized to conduct business in accordance with Chapter 5 (§ 59.1-69 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Sole proprietor (nonbroker owner), partnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation. Every sole proprietor (nonbroker owner), partnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation must secure a real estate license for its firm before transacting real estate business. This license is separate and distinct from the individual broker license required of each partner, associate, manager of a limited liability company, and officer of a corporation who is active in the firm's brokerage business. Each applicant for such license shall disclose, and the license shall be issued to, the name under which the applicant intends to do or does business and holds itself out to the public. Each applicant shall also disclose the business address of the firm. The board will consider the application of any partnership, association, corporation, or limited liability company only after the entity is authorized to conduct business in accordance with Chapter 5 (§ 59.1-69 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia.

C. Each real estate firm is required to have a principal broker whose license is in good standing with the board in order to transact real estate business.

D. Branch office license. If a real estate broker maintains more than one place of business within the state, a branch office license shall be issued for each additional place of business maintained other than the broker's primary place of business noted on the firm license application. Application for the license shall be made on forms provided by the board and shall reveal the name of the firm, the location of the branch office, and the name of the supervising broker for that branch office. The branch office license shall be maintained at the branch office location. No branch office license shall be required for:

1. A location that the principal broker or those employed by or affiliated as an independent contractor with the principal broker does not own, lease, or maintain exclusive access to, maintenance of, and control of, unless it is held out to the public as a location where such persons or entities are regularly engaging in the activities of a real estate broker or salesperson;

2. A motor vehicle or watercraft;

3. A place that is solely devoted to advertising real estate matters of a general nature or to making a real estate broker's business name generally known, such as a trade show or expo;

4. A residence, unless it is held out to the public as a location where the principal broker or those employed by or affiliated as an independent contractor with the principal broker is regularly engaging in the activities of a real estate broker or salesperson;

5. A post office box, mail drop location, or other similar facility; or

6. A public location, such as a coffee shop or restaurant.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR585-01-1 § 2.1, eff. July 15, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 5, Issue 23, eff. October 1, 1989; Volume 7, Issue 14, eff. May 15, 1991; Volume 8, Issue 13, eff. May 15, 1992; Volume 11, Issue 18, eff. June 28, 1995; Volume 15, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1999; Volume 19, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2003; Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015; Volume 36, Issue 15, eff. May 1, 2020; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. November 1, 2024.

18VAC135-20-30. Qualifications for licensure.

Every applicant to the Real Estate Board for an individual salesperson's or broker's license shall have the following qualifications:

1. The applicant shall have a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and fair dealing, and be competent to transact the business of a real estate broker or a real estate salesperson in such a manner as to safeguard the interests of the public.

2. The applicant shall meet the current educational requirements by achieving a passing grade in all required courses of § 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia prior to the time the applicant sits for the licensing examination and applies for licensure.

3. The applicant shall be in good standing as a licensed real estate broker or salesperson in every jurisdiction where licensed and the applicant shall not have had a license as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson which was suspended, revoked or surrendered in connection with a disciplinary action or which has been the subject of discipline in any jurisdiction prior to applying for licensure in Virginia. The applicant shall be in compliance with all the terms of all board orders, including but not limited to paying imposed monetary penalties and costs, plus any accrued interest and other fees, and completing imposed education.

4. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant shall submit to fingerprinting and shall disclose the following information:

a. All misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury within five years of the date of the application; and

b. All felony convictions during his lifetime.

Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subsection. The record of a conviction received from a court shall be accepted as prima facie evidence of a conviction or finding of guilt. The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

5. The applicant shall be at least 18 years old.

6. The applicant shall have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

7. The applicant, within 12 months prior to submitting a complete application for a license, shall have passed a written examination provided by the board or by a testing service acting on behalf of the board.

8. The applicant shall follow all procedures established with regard to conduct at the examination. Failure to comply with all procedures established with regard to conduct at the examination may be grounds for denial of application.

9. Applicants for licensure who do not meet the requirements set forth in subdivisions 3 and 4 of this section may be approved for licensure following consideration by the board.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR585-01-1 § 2.2, eff. July 15, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 5, Issue 23, eff. October 1, 1989; Volume 7, Issue 14, eff. May 15, 1991; Volume 8, Issue 13, eff. May 15, 1992; Volume 11, Issue 18, eff. June 28, 1995; Volume 15, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1999; Volume 19, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2003; Errata, 19:14 VA.R. 2176, 2177 March 24, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2008; Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015; Volume 38, Issue 2, eff. November 1, 2021.

18VAC135-20-40. Additional qualifications for brokers.

An applicant for an individual license as a real estate broker shall meet the following requirements in addition to those set forth in 18VAC135-20-30:

1. The applicant shall meet the current educational requirements of § 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

2. The applicant shall have been actively engaged as defined in 18VAC135-20-10 as a real estate salesperson for a period of 36 of the 48 months immediately preceding application. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the board in accordance with § 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

3. The applicant's experience must be verified by the principal or supervising broker for whom the licensee worked at the time of obtaining that experience.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR585-01-1 § 2.3, eff. July 15, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 5, Issue 23, eff. October 1, 1989; Volume 7, Issue 14, eff. May 15, 1991; Volume 8, Issue 13, eff. May 15, 1992; Volume 11, Issue 18, eff. June 28, 1995; Volume 15, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1999; Volume 19, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2003; Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015.

18VAC135-20-45. Additional qualifications for salesperson's or broker's license as a business entity.

An applicant for a salesperson's license as a business entity shall meet the following requirements in addition to those set forth in 18VAC135-20-30:

1. Every owner or officer who actively participates in the real estate business shall hold a license as a salesperson or broker. The business entity license does not replace the individual license. More than one licensee may be a participant of the business entity.

2. When one licensee is the owner or officer, the business entity shall be named in accordance with § 54.1-2106.1 C of the Code of Virginia.

3. The board will consider the application of any partnership, association, corporation or limited liability company only after the entity is authorized to do business in accordance with §§ 59.1-69 through 59.1-76 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 15, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1999; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2003; Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015.

18VAC135-20-50. Concurrent licenses.

Concurrent licenses shall be issued by the board to brokers active in more than one firm upon receipt of a concurrent license form and written statements verifying that written notice of the applicant's concurrent licensure status has been provided to the principal broker of each firm with which the applicant is and will be associated. Payment is required for each license. A concurrent license will not be issued to an individual applying to be associated with a firm if that individual has an expired license associated with the same firm and the expired license may be reinstated.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR585-01-1 § 2.4, eff. July 15, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 5, Issue 23, eff. October 1, 1989; Volume 7, Issue 14, eff. May 15, 1991; Volume 8, Issue 13, eff. May 15, 1992; Volume 11, Issue 18, eff. June 28, 1995; Volume 15, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1999; Volume 19, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2003.

18VAC135-20-55. Exchange to salesperson's license.

A broker who wants to exchange his license(s) for that of a salesperson must submit a complete application with appropriate fee. When exchanging the license(s), the licensee agrees his current broker's license(s) ceases to exist, and if he chooses to become licensed as a broker again, he must pass the current broker examination and must meet the current education and experience requirements in effect at the time of application.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015.

18VAC135-20-60. Qualifications for licensure by reciprocity.

An individual who is currently licensed as a real estate salesperson or broker in another jurisdiction may obtain a Virginia real estate license by meeting the following requirements:

1. The applicant shall be at least 18 years of age.

2. The applicant shall have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

3. The applicant shall have received the salesperson's or broker's license by virtue of having passed in the jurisdiction of licensure a written examination deemed to be substantially equivalent to the Virginia examination.

4. The applicant shall sign a statement verifying that the applicant has read and understands the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 21 (§ 54.1-2100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

5. The applicant, within 12 months prior to submitting a complete application for a license, shall have passed a written examination provided by the board or by a testing service acting on behalf of the board covering Virginia real estate license law and regulations of the Real Estate Board.

6. The applicant shall follow all procedures established with regard to conduct at the examination. Failure to comply with all procedures established by the board with regard to conduct at the examination may be grounds for denial of application.

7. The applicant shall be in good standing as a licensed real estate broker or salesperson in every jurisdiction where licensed and the applicant shall not have had a license as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson that was suspended, revoked, or surrendered in connection with a disciplinary action or that has been the subject of discipline in any jurisdiction prior to applying for licensure in Virginia. The applicant shall be in compliance with all the terms of all board orders, including paying imposed monetary penalties and costs, plus any accrued interest and other fees, and completing imposed education.

8. At the time of application for a salesperson's license, the applicant must have met educational requirements that are substantially equivalent to those required in Virginia. At the time of application for a broker's license, the applicant must have met educational requirements that are substantially equivalent to those required in Virginia, and the applicant must have been actively engaged as defined by 18VAC135-20-10 for 36 of the preceding 48 months. The broker applicant's experience must be verified by an individual who has direct knowledge of the applicant's activities as defined in § 54.1-2100 of the Code of Virginia. These requirements may be waived at the discretion of the board in accordance with § 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

9. The applicant shall have a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and fair dealing and be competent to transact the business of a real estate salesperson or broker in such a manner as to safeguard the interests of the public.

10. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant shall submit to fingerprinting and shall disclose the following information:

a. All misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury within five years of the date of the application; and

b. All felony convictions during the applicant's lifetime.

Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subsection. The record of a conviction received from a court shall be accepted as prima facie evidence of a conviction or finding of guilt. The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

11. Applicants for licensure who do not meet the requirements set forth in subdivisions 7 and 10 of this section may be approved for licensure following consideration by the board.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR585-01-1 § 2.5, eff. July 15, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 5, Issue 23, eff. October 1, 1989; Volume 7, Issue 14, eff. May 15, 1991; Volume 8, Issue 13, eff. May 15, 1992; Volume 11, Issue 18, eff. June 28, 1995; Volume 15, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1999; Volume 19, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2003; Errata, 19:14 VA.R. 2176, 2177 March 24, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2008; Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015; Volume 38, Issue 2, eff. November 1, 2021; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. November 1, 2024.

18VAC135-20-65. Universal license recognition.

A. Licensed in a neighboring state. The board will issue a salesperson or broker license under universal license recognition to an individual who meets the following qualifications:

1. The individual holds a current and valid license with a similar scope of practice in a neighboring state;

2. The individual's other license is in good standing with no reported pending complaints;

3. The individual has met the requirements set in subdivision 4 of 18VAC135-20-30;

4. The individual has not been subject to professional discipline involving harm to the public or license probation, suspension, or revocation;

5. The individual pays the reciprocity application fee as listed in 18VAC135-20-80; and

6. The individual successfully passes the Virginia Real Estate Exam.

B. Licensed in another state. The board will issue a salesperson or broker license under universal license recognition to an individual who meets the following qualifications:

1. The individual holds a current and valid license with a similar scope of practice in another state, territory, possession, or jurisdiction of the United States for at least three years;

2. The individual was licensed in the other state after having passed a state required exam and met education, training, or experience requirements to obtain the license;

3. The individual's other license is in good standing with no reported pending complaints;

4. The individual has met the requirements set in subdivision 4 of 18VAC135-20-30;

5. The individual has not been subject to professional discipline involving harm to the public or license probation, suspension, or revocation;

6. The individual pays the reciprocity application fee as listed in 18VAC135-20-80; and

7. The individual successfully passes the Virginia Real Estate Exam.

C. Experience in a state that does not require licensure. The board will hold an individual to have met all experience, training, and education requirements if the applicant has three years of experience in a state that does not require licensure.

1. To be exam eligible under universal license recognition, an individual must have:

a. Demonstrated at least three years of experience as a salesperson or broker in another state that does not issue an occupational or professional license for that respective profession;

b. Met the requirements set in subdivision 4 of 18VAC135-20-30;

c. Not been subject to professional discipline involving harm to the public or license probation, suspension, or revocation; and

d. Paid the applicable application fee as listed in 18VAC135-20-80.

2. Under this subsection, individuals are required to pass all exams required of initial applicants for the license under 18VAC135-20-30.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2024; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. November 1, 2024.

18VAC135-20-70. Activation or transfer of license.

A. Any inactive licensee may activate that license with a licensed real estate firm or sole proprietorship by completing an activate form prescribed by the board. A licensee who submits an activate application to the board shall not conduct business with the real estate firm or sole proprietorship set forth in the application until the application is processed and the license is issued by the board. Continuing education pursuant to § 54.1-2105.03 of the Code of Virginia shall be completed within two years prior to activation of a license when the license has been inactive for more than 30 days. Any licensee who has not been active with a licensed real estate firm or sole proprietorship for a period of greater than three years shall be required to meet the existing prelicense educational requirements.

B. Any licensee may transfer from one licensed real estate firm or sole proprietorship to another by completing and submitting to the board a transfer application and the fee as set forth in 18VAC135-20-80. The transfer application shall include the signature of the new principal broker or supervising broker with signature authority who will be responsible for the licensee's real estate activities and shall be effective upon the principal broker or supervising broker's execution of the transfer application.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR585-01-1 § 2.6, eff. July 15, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 5, Issue 23, eff. October 1, 1989; Volume 7, Issue 14, eff. May 15, 1991; Volume 8, Issue 13, eff. May 15, 1992; Volume 11, Issue 18, eff. June 28, 1995; Volume 19, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2003; Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015.

18VAC135-20-80. Application fees.

A. All application fees for licenses are nonrefundable and the date of receipt by the board or its agent is the date that will be used to determine whether the fee is on time.

B. Application fees are as follows:

C. The fee for examination or reexamination is subject to contracted charges to the board by an outside vendor. These contracts are competitively negotiated and bargained for in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Fees may be adjusted and charged to the candidate in accordance with these contracts.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR585-01-1 § 2.9, eff. July 15, 1987; amended, Virginia Register Volume 5, Issue 23, eff. October 1, 1989; Volume 7, Issue 14, eff. May 15, 1991; Volume 8, Issue 13, eff. May 15, 1992; Volume 11, Issue 18, eff. June 28, 1995; Volume 14, Issue 6, eff. January 8, 1998; Volume 15, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1999; Volume 15, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 1999; Volume 19, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2003; Volume 20, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2004; Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015; Volume 41, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2024.