Massachusetts Real Estate License · Out-of-State

Massachusetts Real Estate License Reciprocity

Formal reciprocity, the education waiver, and the standard Massachusetts path are three distinct routes for out-of-state licensees. Here's how to tell which applies to you.

Limited Reciprocal State ListEducation Waiver OptionList Dated 2026-07-30

RealReady is an independent guide. Confirm current reciprocity and waiver rules directly against official Mass.gov guidance before relying on them.

RealReady Massachusetts · Independent Guide
Reciprocity Snapshot
Full reciprocity12 states on current detailed list
Education waiverSkips course, not the MA exam
Still requiredeLIPSE application, current fees
List stabilityVerify current list before relying on it
Independent planning snapshot — verify current status with the official source.

Three distinct out-of-state paths

Which path applies depends entirely on where you're currently licensed.

Formal reciprocity
Limited list of states
May streamline licensure using existing credentials from a listed state.
Education waiver
Non-reciprocal states
Board may waive the 40-hour course; the applicant still completes the current Massachusetts examination path required by the Board.
Neither applies
Standard MA path
Complete the standard course, endorsements, CORI, and required exam portions.

Formal reciprocity states (dated 2026-07-30)

The current detailed Mass.gov reciprocity page lists: Connecticut, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Oklahoma (for applicants licensed for two years). This list changes over time; verify the current list directly on Mass.gov before relying on it. Requirements may include a certified Letter of Good Standing, issue and expiration dates, method of original licensure, discipline and status information, notarized CORI, a recent color photograph, professional-license standing records issued within 90 days where applicable, a broker $5,000 surety bond where applicable, and the current eLIPSE application and fees. Reciprocal licensure is not an automatic transfer.

The education waiver for non-reciprocal states

If your home state is not on the formal reciprocity list, you may still be able to submit an education-waiver request supported by a certified Letter of Good Standing. The Board determines whether education is waived. An education waiver addresses the education requirement. The Board determines the examination path that remains applicable.

Which path applies to me

If your current license is from a state on the current reciprocal list, review the formal reciprocity requirements. If it is not, review the education-waiver option. If neither applies to your situation, follow the standard Massachusetts salesperson path described in the hub.

What's still required either way

Even candidates using reciprocity or an education waiver still submit the current eLIPSE application and pay current fees, and salespersons still need broker affiliation before practicing.

Reciprocity traps to avoid

An education waiver is not an exam waiver
A waiver can exempt you from the 40-hour course, but you still complete the current Massachusetts examination path required by the Board.

Not eligible for reciprocity or a waiver?

Follow the standard first-time salesperson path from the hub.

Frequently asked questions

Official Sources

Reciprocity list dated 2026-07-30. State lists change over time; confirm the current list directly on Mass.gov before relying on it.