Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a real estate agent in Seattle, King County, Washington.

$700 -- $1900 4–14 weeks to obtain license and begin practice 4 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Seattle / King County Requirements

1 requirement
1

City of Seattle — Business License Tax Certificate (if operating a brokerage)

Individual real estate brokers in Seattle are licensed at the state level through the Washington DOL. If operating an independent brokerage, a Seattle Business License Tax Certificate is required.

$100–$500/year (brokerage only)1–3 weeks
Official government source

Washington State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Washington State Department of Licensing — Real Estate Broker License

Washington calls its entry-level real estate license a Broker license. Applicants must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the Washington Real Estate Broker Exam (administered by PSI), and apply to the Washington State Department of Licensing. Must affiliate with a licensed designated broker.

$138.25 (exam fee) + $223 (license fee) + $300–$600 (pre-licensing education)4–12 weeks
Official government source
2

Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Most real estate brokerages require agents to carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects against claims of negligent acts or omissions in real estate transactions. Some states mandate it; most brokerages require it. Coverage typically starts at $100,000 per occurrence.

$300–$800/year1–5 business days
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or have employees. Free from the IRS. Even sole proprietors may benefit from obtaining an EIN to keep business and personal finances separate.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

Get your personalized permit checklist

Find out exactly which permits and licenses your real estate agent needs in Seattle, WA — with costs, timelines, and official links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe Official links & citations

Related Guides

Stop guessing about permits

Know exactly what permits your business needs

Get a personalized permit report with every license, registration, and permit required for your business — with costs, timelines, and official application links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe 50 states, 4,000+ jurisdictions