Your Guide to Real Estate Reciprocity
in South Carolina
South Carolina Reciprocity Requirements
If you’re already a licensed real estate agent, The South Carolina Real Estate Commission recognizes your associate or broker license from a different state. However, applicants will still need to pass the South Carolina portion of the real estate examination. Applicants may also be required to complete a South Carolina real estate course. The required course depends on your license type, with 30 hours required for Associates, and 60 hours for Brokers. This expedited licensing process is called reciprocity, and when used, will cost you less time and money getting your real estate license in South Carolina.
Regardless of the state in which you currently hold a license, in order to apply, you must meet the following requirements.
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a US citizen or legal resident; DACA status does not qualify
- Submit to a full criminal background check
The licensing process for most out-of-state agents depends on how long they have resided in the state of South Carolina (see the Georgia exception below). Applicants for a associate license who have not been in the state for at least six months must:
- Pass the South Carolina state portion of the real estate exam;
- Submit certifications of licensure from all states within the prior five years; and
- Have been licensed within six months prior to applying for a South Carolina license.
Applicants who have a prior license and have lived in South Carolina for at least six months must also:
- Complete the 30-Hr. Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles course.
Georgia's Unique Reciprocity Agreement With South Carolina
If you’re a licensed agent from the state of Georgia, you already qualify for a reciprocal license in South Carolina without taking the state exam or additional courses. You can find the application on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website. The only requirements are to submit:
- The Associate by Reciprocity application;
- Georgia identification;
- Certification of your license history; and
- The criminal background forms required of all applicants.
Tips for Getting Your South Carolina Reciprocity Completed Faster
The most important thing to remember in getting your license processed more quickly is to read and follow instructions regarding the types of documents you must submit and the order in which those documents should be submitted.
- The Exam Application For Real Estate is to be submitted by licensed applicants in states outside of Georgia.
- Criminal background check information will be provided after the application is received; however, you must fill out the applicable portions of the application.
- Fingerprints should not be obtained until the commission reviews your initial exam or reciprocity application.
- Submit the Authorization for Release of Information form for the social security number check.
States Where South Carolina Agents Commonly Get Another License
Some South Carolina real estate agents become licensed in additional states to grow their business. The following states, most of which are near South Carolina, are some of the more common states in which agents have dual licenses.