Your Guide to The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Your resource hub as a real estate salesperson or broker in Wisconsin.
We know how challenging it can be to navigate complex departmental and commission websites, so we’ve created this guide to help real estate professionals in Wisconsin access documents and get their departmental-related questions answered. Whether you’re looking for an application or need to know how to contact the Department, this guide has you covered.
Basic Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services information.
In Wisconsin, the licensing of real estate salespersons and brokers falls under the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Location:
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
DSPS Hours:
7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday-Friday
You can reach DSPS by email at dsps@wisconsin.gov. You can also contact them by phone at 608.266.2112, Monday – Friday from 7:45 AM – 5:30PM
Files, applications, and important documents.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common forms and resources you’ll need to get licensed and maintain your license in Wisconsin. If you can’t find what you’re looking for below, check out the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website. A few documents can only be found inside the Department’s real estate portal, where licensees apply for licensing and manage their accounts.
| Form Title | Form Description |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Salesperson License Application Information (Form 3166) | Read about helpful Real Estate Salesperson License Application Information here. |
| Application for Fee Reduction (Form 3217) | This application is to determine if you qualify for a fee reduction. |
| Irrevocable Consent for Nonresidents (Form 813) | If you're not from Wisconsin or you used to live in Wisconsin but moved away, you must give the Board permission to sue you in any county of our state. You can do this by filling out the 813 form and submitting it to the Board. |
| Verification of Examination or Registration (Form 2688) | Submit this form to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to verify your examination and registration. |
| Convictions and Pending Charges (Form 2252) | You must notify the DSPS of any convictions or pending charges against you using this form. |
| Addendum to License Application (Form 3036) | This form is an addendum to your license application. |
| Notice of Licensee Association with Firm (Form 812) | If you have joined a firm, you must fill out this application to notify the DSPS of your association with a firm. This form must be filled out and mailed to DSPS, along with a $10.00 transfer fee. You may not provide brokerage services on behalf of a firm until you submit this application. |
| Notice of Termination of Licensee Association with Firm (Form 766) | If you’ve recently terminated your employment as a firm, you must notify the DSPS using this form. |
| Notice of Broker Engaging in Independent Practice (Form 3193) | If you are a broker engaging in independent practice, notify the DSPS by using this form. |
| Consent to Examine and Audit Trust Account (Form 814) | A firm must submit this form to register a Trust account within 10 days after any voluntary or required opening of any Real Estate Trust Account and after any change affecting the account. |
| Requirements for a Real Estate Trust Account Bookkeeping System (Form 2358) | Read about the requirements for a Real Estate Trust Account Bookkeeping System here. |
| Application for Predetermination (Form 3085) | Submit this form only if you have been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor, or other violations of federal or state law in this state or any other and you desire a review of your conviction record before applying for a credential. |
| Continuing Education Addendum (Form 2920) | Fill out this form with your completed CE courses, and submit it to DSPS to renew your license. |
| Convictions and Pending Charges (Form 2254) | When renewing your license, if you have any convictions or pending charges, you must notify the DSPS using this form. |
| Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension (R210) | If you desire a renewal extension because you are an individual or have a spouse who is on Active Duty in the U.S. military. |
| Renewal Dates and Fees (Form RDAF) | Read about the renewal dates and fees here. |
| LicensE Customer Information | A list of licenses available via LicensE plus user guides and other resources are available on this LicensE Customer Information page. |
| license.wi.gov | This portal is used for applying for your license, renewing your license, and submitting your completed CE. |
| Pearson VUE Testing | Schedule your Wisconsin real estate or broker’s exam here. |
| LicensE Application Status Lookup | You can view your application status here. |
FAQs: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
What are the continuing education requirements for real estate salespersons and associate brokers in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requires that real estate salespersons and brokers complete 18 hours of continuing education from an approved DSPS school. These courses ensure that salespersons stay up-to-date on industry requirements, expectations, and trends. Your CE must be completed every 12 months and is required to maintain licensure. After you complete the coursework, you must submit your continuing education online.
If you’re ready to get started on your continuing education, sign up for 18 hours of continuing education today.
What are the continuing education requirements for real estate brokers in Wisconsin?
Real estate designated brokers must complete 18 hours of continuing education from an approved DSPS school every 12 months in order to maintain their licenses. After you finish your coursework, you will need to submit your continuing education here. Continuing education is required information you must take to keep your knowledge up to date, and your license active, according to state laws. The renewal deadline is December 14th every year.
If you’re ready to get started on your broker Continuing Education, sign up for 18 hours of continuing education today.
Can I renew my license without submitting my CE credits?
No. Licensing renewal cannot occur until all continuing education hours have been completed.
What are the steps to become a real estate salesperson in Wisconsin?
Here is a quick breakdown of becoming a real estate salesperson in Wisconsin:
- Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education. Becoming a real estate salesperson in Wisconsin starts with 72 hours of education. This serves as the learning core before you can take the state exam.
- Take and Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam. Exams are taken through Pearson VUE.
- Apply for Your Real Estate License. To apply, you’ll need to create an account on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services web portal. The application requires proof of real estate education, various documents (think social security cards and work history), and verification that you’ve found a sponsoring broker. The sponsoring broker will oversee all the real estate transactions you perform. Once your application is approved, you’ll be ready to start working as a salesperson.
For a more comprehensive explanation of the licensing steps, take a look at our guide on how to become a real estate salesperson in Wisconsin. If you’re ready to start your pre-licensing education today, you can sign up for one of our approved online packages.
How soon must I report a change in my address to the DSPS?
Any changes to your address must be reported to the DSPS within 30 business days. Changes that are not made, or not made in time, are violations of the statutes and rules, and you could be subject to disciplinary action.
How do I reinstate my license?
Licensees can activate their license by completing the CE from the previous biennium and paying the license renewal fees and late fee. After completing your CE, renew your license with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
How long does it take to become a real estate salesperson in Wisconsin?
The time that it takes to become a practicing real estate salesperson depends on your pre-licensing program and the application process. That’s why it’s important to choose a top-notch real estate school. Typically, it takes six months to one year to become a real estate salesperson in Wisconsin.
Will my criminal history prevent me from getting a real estate license in Wisconsin?
While having a criminal history doesn't automatically disqualify you from obtaining a real estate license in Wisconsin, it can potentially affect your application.
You will be asked to complete Predetermination Paperwork outlining your criminal history and provide it to the state. DSPS will consider various factors to determine your eligibility before rendering a decision. These factors may include the nature and severity of the crime, how long ago the incident occurred, and whether it relates to the duties and responsibilities of a real estate licensee.
What is Wisconsin’s reciprocity policy for real estate professionals?
Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements with Indiana and Illinois. This means that licensees holding an active license in Illinois or Indiana are exempt from the education requirements and may take their exam directly. For all other states, you’ll need to complete additional education to obtain your Wisconsin real estate license.
Salesperson Reciprocity
If you’ve held an active Sales License in a state other than Illinois or Indiana for at least two years within the last four years, you’re required to take 13 hours of pre-licensing education before taking the State exam. But if you’re a broker licensed in another state, you do not need to complete the full 72 hours of broker pre-licensing education.
Broker Reciprocity
If you’re a licensee holding an active Managing Broker license in Illinois or Indiana, you are exempt from the education requirement and may take the Broker exam directly.
If your Illinois or Indiana license is not active but was active within the past two years, you may apply to obtain a Broker license by endorsement.
Do I need to complete post-licensing education in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not require you to complete post-licensing education. However, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements yearly, which is different from post-licensing.
How do you become a real estate broker in Wisconsin?
- Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 72 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved school
- Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Broker Exam
- Find a sponsoring broker to work under
- Submit your application, including fees, and undergo a background check
- Get your Wisconsin real estate broker license after approval