Georgia offers real estate license reciprocity with nearly all U.S. states except Florida. Use your active license to apply in Georgia without repeating pre-licensing hours. Some states may still require exams. Know which states work best, steps, timelines, and expert tips for multi-state success.
If you’re licensed and in good standing elsewhere, you can apply for a Georgia license without repeating all your pre-licensing hours. Just be prepared for a few extra steps if you’re moving from Florida or a state that requires you to retake a portion of the exam.
Georgia stands out for broad reciprocity with most U.S. states and a mutual recognition agreement with Florida. But here’s the catch: mutual recognition is not the same as full reciprocity. Florida agents must still pass Georgia’s state-specific exam portion, so plan for that step if you’re licensed in Florida.
Getting it wrong can mean redoing courses, retaking exams, or worse, facing fines for non-compliance.
This is exactly where Realty Hub steps in. As a 100% commission, flat-fee brokerage built for licensed agents in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, we help you run a lean, compliant business while keeping every dollar you earn, no unnecessary splits, franchise fees, or surprise costs.
Our virtual model makes it easy to maintain multi-state licenses, meet continuing education requirements, and handle compliance without the usual headaches.
If you want the exact states, how to apply, step-by-step instructions, and insider tips to protect your license, read on.
Where Georgia Has Real Estate Reciprocity
Georgia stands out for having one of the broadest reciprocity agreements in the U.S. If you hold an active real estate license in good standing, Georgia will likely recognize it, with one major exception: Florida.
If you’re licensed in Florida, you’ll need to pass the Georgia-specific portion of the state exam. It’s a carve-out that catches many agents off guard.
Here’s a quick rundown of states that typically accept Georgia licenses either fully or partially, and vice versa:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Keep in mind, each state’s rules can shift. Always check for updated licensing board requirements before you assume your Georgia license will transfer cleanly.
And remember, reciprocity does not mean you’re automatically approved to skip every exam or extra paperwork, some states, like South Carolina, may still require you to pass their law portion.
Reciprocity vs. Portability: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of multi-state licensing:
- Reciprocity means your license is recognized in another state, so you can apply without repeating all your pre-licensing education.
- Portability, on the other hand, lets you temporarily work across state lines, usually under a referral or co-brokerage arrangement.
Georgia is a cooperative state when it comes to portability. This means you must affiliate with a local Georgia broker if you’re coming in from out of state to handle a transaction here.
You can’t just show up, represent a client, and leave, that’s a quick way to run into compliance issues.
A quick reality check: Texas, California, and New Jersey do not offer any reciprocity with Georgia.
If you’re a Georgia agent looking to expand into those states, be ready to complete their full licensing process from scratch. And no, you can’t work a deal in Texas using your Georgia license alone. You’ll need a Texas license or a referral agreement with a local agent.
How to Transfer Your Real Estate License to Georgia
Here’s what you need to do if you’re planning to move your license into Georgia:
1. Verify your current license. Make sure it’s active and in good standing. Inactive licenses typically aren’t eligible for reciprocity, but you can reactivate and then apply.
2. Gather your paperwork. You’ll need:
- Certified license history from your home state
- Lawful Presence Verification (notarized)
- Criminal background check, Georgia residents must use a Georgia Criminal Information Report (GCIC); out-of-state agents can use their state’s equivalent. Don’t let a stale report stall your application, many are rejected if older than 60 days.
3. Complete the 25-hour post-license course. Even if you’re seasoned, Georgia requires new licensees to complete this in their first year. Our team sees plenty of agents miss this step, and it can mean extra fees or worse, a lapsed license.
4. Submit your application to the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). Allow a few weeks for processing. If you’re a broker, you may have to provide extra business entity documents, so build in more time for review.
Quick tip: Many agents choose to run a lean virtual model through Realty Hub to keep compliance simple and avoid franchise fees. This makes it easier to maintain multiple licenses without your overhead eating into your commission.
Are You a Broker? Special Requirements
If you’re transferring as a broker instead of a salesperson, expect a few extra hoops. Georgia’s Real Estate Commission (GREC) often requires out-of-state brokers to submit entity documentation, updated license verification, and sometimes proof of brokerage management experience.
Processing can take longer than a standard salesperson license, especially if paperwork is missing or your background check is out of date.
If you’re switching to a virtual flat-fee brokerage like Realty Hub, you can keep your broker license active in Georgia while trimming franchise splits and office overhead to almost zero.
That’s why so many multi-state brokers choose our structure to grow without the typical costs.
How Reciprocity Works If You’re Moving From Georgia
Reciprocity doesn’t just work one way, Georgia agents expanding into other states need to be strategic, too. Many states will accept your Georgia license, but some won’t.
Here’s what you need to know:
- States like Virginia and Alabama are more straightforward, they generally accept your Georgia license with a simple application and license verification.
- States like Texas, California, and New Jersey do not honor Georgia’s license for reciprocity. You’ll need to go through their full pre-licensing and exam process.
- Some states, like Utah, want proof you’ve actively closed deals in the past two years. That’s a detail plenty of agents miss.
This is where the worry sets in: “Will I have to redo everything if my new state doesn’t recognize my license?”
Not always. Some states offer license recognition or endorsement instead, meaning they’ll review your education and experience and may let you skip parts of the process. Others allow you to maintain a referral-only license through Realty Hub so you can still earn on deals in states where you’re not fully active.
Pro Tips for Multi-State Agents
Working across state lines is absolutely doable, but only if you set yourself up the right way. Here’s what we see top agents do to stay compliant, profitable, and sane:
- Keep your business lean. A flat-fee brokerage like Realty Hub helps you avoid paying a percentage on every deal. When you’re juggling licenses in multiple states, that adds up fast.
- Use referral-only pathways strategically. Not every state will honor your license, but that doesn’t mean you can’t earn. Many agents maintain a referral-only license where full reciprocity doesn’t make sense. It’s one way our agents maximize income without extra coursework.
- Stay ahead on continuing education. Reciprocity can vanish if your license lapses. Keep your CE hours tracked, your post-license course finished, and your records up to date.
- Double-check portability rules. Just because you have reciprocity doesn’t mean you can fly in for a closing. Georgia is cooperative, you’ll need a local broker partner. Realty Hub makes that seamless with our virtual model and local E&O coverage.
- Market smart. Having a license doesn’t mean business will appear on its own. A well-run, low-overhead brokerage frees up your budget for marketing in any state where you’re active.
Should You Apply for Georgia Reciprocity?
If you’re an agent ready to expand or relocate, Georgia’s broad license reciprocity can be a smart move. Unlike states that pile on costly coursework or endless hoops, Georgia recognizes your existing experience, keeping the process straightforward as long as you’re organized and compliant.
Keep in mind: the biggest misstep is assuming reciprocity means automatic business. It doesn’t.
You still need local market knowledge, marketing, and the right brokerage structure to make multi-state practice worth it.
When you choose a lean, virtual brokerage like Realty Hub, you don’t just keep 100% of your commission, you keep your freedom. You decide where and how you work, without franchise fees eating away at every closing.
Ready for a Smarter Brokerage Structure?
Most agents ask us the same thing: “Why am I still handing over 20–40% of my commission just to hang my license somewhere?” That question is exactly why Realty Hub exists.
When you plug into our flat-fee, 100% commission model, you can:
- Operate fully in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama under one virtual umbrella.
- Maintain multiple licenses with minimal overhead, $100/year, $100 per transaction.
- Earn on referral-only deals in states where you don’t want the hassle of full licensure.
With Realty Hub, you’re the boss. You keep more of what you earn. And you get the support you need, when you need it, not when someone else says so.
Your next step
If you’re ready to stop splitting your commission and start building your business on your own terms, see how Realty Hub can help you grow your multi-state footprint, starting with Georgia.
FAQ’s Agents Ask
Which state has the most reciprocity?
Virginia is one of the more flexible states when it comes to accepting out-of-state licenses, but always confirm their latest rules.
Do I need continuing education for Georgia too?
Yes. Georgia requires 36 hours of continuing education every four years and a 25-hour post-license course in your first year. Miss it, and you risk losing your license status, something we see agents overlook far too often.
How long does it take to get a Georgia reciprocal license approved?
Plan for 2–8 weeks, depending on how clean your paperwork and background check are. Missing notarized forms or outdated reports are top causes for delays.
What if my license is inactive?
Reactivate it before you apply; inactive licenses don’t qualify for reciprocity. One unique benefit of Realty Hub is helping agents keep a referral-only license active, so you can still earn commissions on deals you pass along.
How much does it cost?
You’ll pay standard GREC application fees, background check fees, and possibly a few notary or mailing fees. Keeping your overhead lean with a flat-fee brokerage like Realty Hub helps offset these costs.
Can I work in another state with just my Georgia license?
No. Reciprocity isn’t the same as portability. For states without reciprocity, you’ll either need to get licensed there fully or structure a referral/co-brokerage relationship with a local agent. Don’t risk practicing out of compliance, fines can add up fast.
