How to Get Your Real Estate License in Delaware (2026)
Compare 3 DREC-approved schools for Delaware's 99-hour pre-license requirement. Pearson VUE exam, IdentoGO fingerprinting, and a step-by-step guide to your Delaware license.
Course Cost
$580 – $700
Time to License
8 – 16 weeks
Avg Salary
$60,000 – $90,000
Required Hours
99 hours
Top 3 Delaware Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Tri-State Real Estate Learning Center
Most affordable option. Live Zoom evening classes (Mon/Wed/Thu), textbooks included, DREC-approved with small class sizes.
$580
99-hour full course
2. Delaware School of Real Estate
Best local school. Live Zoom instruction, textbooks included, associated with Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate. Delaware-focused curriculum.
$595
99-hour full course
3. The CE Shop
Best for self-paced online learning. LEAP 2.0 interactive platform, 96% student satisfaction, 5-day free trial available.
$699
Courses Only package
Best Real Estate Schools in Delaware
All 3 schools are Delaware DREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Tri-State Real Estate Learning Center
Starting at
$580
- Live Zoom evening classes
- Textbooks included in tuition
- Evening sessions (Mon/Wed/Thu 6–9:30 PM)
- DREC-approved provider
- Small class sizes with direct instructor access
Available Packages (1)
99-Hour Full Course
- 99-Hour Delaware Salesperson Pre-License Course
- Live Virtual Instruction (Zoom)
- Required Textbooks Included
- Course Final Exam
Delaware School of Real Estate
Best Local SchoolStarting at
$595
- Live Zoom instruction with licensed instructor
- Textbooks included in tuition
- Evening class sessions (Mon/Tue/Thu)
- Associated with Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate
- Delaware-focused local school
Available Packages (1)
99-Hour Salesperson Pre-License Course
- 99-Hour Delaware Pre-License Course
- Live Virtual Instruction (Zoom)
- Modern Real Estate Practice (21st Ed.) Textbook
- Delaware Real Estate Primer Textbook
- Mastering Real Estate Mathematics (9th Ed.) Textbook
- Course Final Exam
The CE Shop
Starting at
$699
- LEAP 2.0 interactive platform
- 96% student satisfaction rate
- 5-day free trial
- Scenario-based learning
- Exam Prep Edge included in Standard+
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 99-Hour Delaware Salesperson Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Study Schedule
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Delaware?
Average Annual Income
$60,000 – $90,000
Source: ZipRecruiter Nov 2025 / BLS OES May 2023
Top Earners
$130,000+
Beach market specialists & luxury agents
Commission Structure
Delaware real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $363,400 home (Delaware statewide median), that's approximately $9,100–$10,900 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $6,370–$7,630. In the beach markets, the numbers are dramatically higher — Rehoboth Beach's ~$975,000 median means a single 3% commission side yields nearly $29,000.
Top-Earning Delaware Markets
Is a Delaware Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Beach Market Goldmine: Rehoboth Beach and Lewes attract high-net-worth buyers from D.C. and Philadelphia — median home prices near $975,000 mean massive commissions.
- + Full Reciprocity: Delaware offers full reciprocity with all 50 states — one license can open doors nationwide.
- + No Income Tax on Commissions (for some): Delaware has no sales tax, and certain business structures offer tax advantages for self-employed agents.
- + Strategic Location: Proximity to Philadelphia, D.C., and Baltimore means a steady influx of out-of-state buyers and relocators.
👎 Cons
- - Fingerprinting Bottleneck: You must complete IdentoGO fingerprinting and get DPR clearance before scheduling your Pearson VUE exam — this adds 1–2 weeks to the process.
- - High Course Costs: Delaware's limited school options mean course prices start at $580 — significantly higher than states with more competition.
- - 56% First-Time Pass Rate: More than 4 in 10 candidates fail their first exam attempt — the state law section is a common stumbling block.
- - 12-Month Post-Licensing Requirement: New licensees must complete 12 hours of post-licensing modules within 90 days of their license issue date.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Delaware
Meet Delaware's Eligibility Requirements
Confirm you are at least 18 years old and have no administrative penalties for real estate services in any jurisdiction. Criminal history is reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Delaware Administrative Code Title 24 § 2907 — prior charges related to real estate practice may disqualify applicants. No college degree is required. If you have concerns about your background, contact the Delaware Real Estate Commission at (302) 744-4500 before enrolling in a course.
Complete 99 Hours of Approved Pre-License Education
Enroll in a DREC-approved 99-hour salesperson pre-licensing course. The curriculum covers: Real Estate Orientation (3 hrs), Real Estate Sales (36 hrs), Real Estate Law (33 hrs), Real Estate Mathematics (24 hrs), and a Review section (3 hrs). Choose from Tri-State Real Estate Learning Center, Delaware School of Real Estate, or The CE Shop. Upon completing all 99 hours, you'll take a proctored end-of-course exam with a 70% minimum passing score. Keep your Certificate of Completion — it's required for your license application. The entire process must be completed within 12 months.
Complete IdentoGO Digital Fingerprinting (Required Before Exam)
Before you can schedule your Pearson VUE exam, you must complete a digital fingerprint background check through IdentoGO at uenroll.identogo.com. Enter the Real Estate Commission service code provided during your DELPROS application setup. Pay the $72 fee and book an appointment at an IdentoGO site in Delaware (Dover, Wilmington, or Newark) or an approved out-of-state location. IdentoGO transmits results electronically to DPR, which typically processes clearance within 24–48 hours. Only after DPR marks you CLEARED will Pearson VUE unlock exam scheduling.
Pass the Delaware Real Estate Salesperson Exam (Pearson VUE)
Schedule your exam at pearsonvue.com/de/realestate after receiving DPR clearance. Pay the $85 exam fee online — no walk-ins accepted. The exam has 120 multiple-choice questions (80 national + 40 Delaware law) over 4 hours, plus 15 unidentified pretest questions that don't count toward your score. You must achieve a scaled score of 70 or higher on each section independently. Test centers are available in Dover and Newark, DE, plus nearby locations in Salisbury, MD and Philadelphia, PA. If you fail one section, you may retake only the failed section within 12 months.
Find a Delaware-Licensed Sponsoring Broker
Before submitting your license application, secure a sponsoring broker — a Delaware-licensed Broker of Record whose office will employ you. Your broker must complete and sign the Statement of Broker of Record form (available at dprfiles.delaware.gov). Evaluate brokers based on commission splits, training programs, geographic focus (beach markets vs. Wilmington metro vs. suburban growth areas like Middletown), and mentorship opportunities.
Submit Your License Application Through DELPROS
Apply online at delpros.delaware.gov. Complete the Salesperson application, upload your Certificate of Completion, Pearson VUE exam score report, Statement of Broker of Record, and any name-change documents. Pay the $149 application fee and the $25 Guaranty Fund fee by credit or debit card. Once DPR approves your application, you'll receive an email confirmation and can print your license directly from DELPROS. As a new licensee, complete 12 hours of post-licensing modules within 90 days of your license issue date.
Delaware Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No college degree required
- No administrative penalties for real estate in any jurisdiction
- Digital fingerprint background check via IdentoGO ($72)
- Must be affiliated with a licensed Delaware Broker of Record
Education & Exam Requirements
- 99-hour DREC-approved pre-license course (5 required modules)
- Pass end-of-course exam with 70%+ score
- Pass Pearson VUE exam: 120 questions (80 national + 40 state)
- Score 70+ on each section independently
- Complete 12-hour post-licensing within 90 days of license issuance
Delaware Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Delaware real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (99 hours) | $580 – $700 | Tri-State ($580), DSRE ($595), The CE Shop ($699+) |
| IdentoGO Digital Fingerprint (state + federal) | $72 – $72 | Required BEFORE Pearson VUE exam scheduling; DPR clears in 24–48 hrs |
| State Exam Fee (Pearson VUE) | $85 – $85 | $85 per attempt; retakes same price, wait 24 hrs between attempts |
| License Application Fee (DELPROS) | $149 – $149 | Salesperson initial application — paid online by credit/debit card |
| Guaranty Fund Fee | $25 – $25 | One-time fee required at time of initial license application |
| Estimated Total | $911 – $1,031+ | Per exam attempt; add $85 for each retake |
* Total reflects one exam attempt. Course prices verified March 2026 — check school websites for current pricing.
The Delaware Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: 120 multiple-choice questions (+ 15 unscored pretest)
- Sections: 80 national + 40 Delaware state law
- Passing score: 70 (scaled) on each section independently
- Time allowed: 4 hours (240 minutes)
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Cost: $85 per attempt
- First-attempt pass rate: ~56%
Exam Topics
- Real Property Characteristics & Legal Descriptions (9 questions)
- Property Value and Appraisal (11 questions)
- Real Estate Contracts and Agency (16 questions)
- Property Disclosures & Environmental Issues (8 questions)
- Financing and Settlement (7 questions)
- Delaware Commission Duties & Licensing (7 state questions)
- Delaware Statutory Requirements (17 state questions)
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Delaware exam has a ~56% first-time pass rate — lower than many states. The Delaware law section (40 questions) is the most common stumbling block. Focus extra study time on the Delaware Real Estate Commission's rules, license law, and the statutory duties of licensees. The CE Shop's Standard Package includes Exam Prep Edge with Delaware-specific practice questions and simulated exams — a worthwhile upgrade if you want to maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Delaware Real Estate License?
6–8 weeks
Full-Time
6–8 hrs/day study; 99-hour course in 2–3 weeks, fingerprint + exam in 2–3 weeks
10–14 weeks
Part-Time
2–3 hrs/day evenings & weekends; course in 5–7 weeks plus fingerprint, exam, and application
16–24 weeks
Casual Pace
1–2 hrs/day a few times per week; course in 10–14 weeks plus remaining steps
Important: The Delaware process includes a mandatory fingerprinting step (IdentoGO, ~$72) that must be cleared by DPR before Pearson VUE will allow exam scheduling. Plan for 1–3 extra days for IdentoGO processing in your timeline. The entire licensing process — from course enrollment to application approval — must be completed within 12 months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Delaware?
Total costs typically range from $681 to $1,031. This breaks down as: pre-license course ($350–$700 depending on provider), IdentoGO fingerprint fee ($72), Pearson VUE exam fee ($85), DREC license application fee ($149), and Guaranty Fund fee ($25). Course cost varies by provider and package — The CE Shop's entry-level package starts at $699. If you fail and retake the exam, add $85 per additional attempt.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Delaware?
Most candidates complete the process in 8–16 weeks. The 99-hour pre-license course is the biggest time commitment — completing it in 3 weeks requires intensive daily study, while part-time online study typically takes 6–10 weeks. After finishing the course, you'll need 1–3 weeks for fingerprint clearance plus exam scheduling, and another 2–4 weeks for DPR to process your license application. The entire process must be completed within 12 months.
Do I need to get fingerprinted before I can schedule my Delaware real estate exam?
Yes — this is one of Delaware's most important procedural requirements. You must submit a digital fingerprint background check through IdentoGO (uenroll.identogo.com) and receive DPR clearance before Pearson VUE will allow you to schedule your exam. The fingerprint fee is $72. DPR typically processes clearance within 24–48 hours of IdentoGO transmitting results. Do not skip or delay this step — it is the most common reason candidates get stuck in the process.
What is on the Delaware real estate exam?
The exam has two sections totaling 120 questions over 4 hours (plus 15 unscored pretest questions). The national section (80 questions) tests general real estate principles including contracts, agency, financing, property valuation, disclosures, and math. The Delaware state section (40 questions) covers Commission duties and powers, licensing requirements, statutory obligations of licensees, and additional Delaware-specific topics. You must pass both sections independently with a scaled score of 70 or higher.
What is the pass rate for the Delaware real estate exam?
The Delaware Real Estate Commission reported an overall first-attempt pass rate of approximately 56% in Q1 2025. This means roughly 4 in 10 candidates do not pass on their first try. The most common cause of failure is underpreparation for the state law section. To improve your odds, use a quality exam prep course with Delaware-specific practice questions and focus additional study time on the state portion.
How much do real estate agents make in Delaware?
Delaware real estate agents typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 per year, with top producers earning $130,000 or more. BLS OES data (May 2023) reports a mean annual wage of $55,010 for Delaware's approximately 1,000 employed agents; ZipRecruiter reports $85,867 as of November 2025. Delaware's location between Philadelphia and Washington D.C. creates strong buyer demand, especially in Sussex County's beach communities. In Rehoboth Beach, where the median home price is around $975,000, a single 3% commission side yields nearly $29,000.
What are the best real estate markets in Delaware?
Delaware has four distinct markets. Wilmington (New Castle County) is Delaware's largest city with a median home price around $327,000 — a corporate hub with strong residential demand. Newark (home of the University of Delaware) is a growing suburban market near the Pennsylvania border with median prices around $350,000. Dover (capital, Kent County) offers affordable entry-level opportunities with a ~$290,000 median. Sussex County — including Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach, and Milford — is Delaware's highest-value market, driven by vacation home buyers primarily from the D.C. and Philadelphia metros. Rehoboth Beach median sale prices have exceeded $975,000.
Does Delaware have reciprocity with other states?
Yes — Delaware has full reciprocity with all 50 states and U.S. territories. If you hold an active salesperson license in another jurisdiction, you can apply for a Delaware license by reciprocity without repeating full pre-licensing education or the national exam portion. You will need to pass the Delaware law section of the Pearson VUE exam (unless you qualify under the 3-year continuous licensure path, which requires proof of 20 completed transactions). Reciprocity applications are submitted through DELPROS with the standard application fee.
Can I get my Delaware real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and severity of your offense. Under Delaware Administrative Code Title 24 § 2907, any prior administrative penalties for real estate services in any jurisdiction (fines, reprimands, suspensions, revocations) may disqualify you. Criminal charges related to real estate practice are also reviewed. General criminal offenses are evaluated case-by-case. Contact the Delaware Real Estate Commission at customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov before enrolling in a course to request a preliminary review of your situation.
What continuing education is required to renew a Delaware real estate license?
Delaware real estate licenses expire on April 30 of every even-numbered year and must be renewed with 21 hours of continuing education covering seven mandatory topics (3 hours each): Agency and Fair Housing, Professional Standards, Real Estate Documents, Office Management, Legislative Issues, Practices of Real Estate, and one Elective course. New licensees must also complete a separate 12-hour post-licensing requirement within 90 days of their license issue date. Late renewal incurs a penalty fee of 50% of the renewal fee.