Idaho Real Estate Reciprocity: Out-of-State License Waiver Path

Active in Another State? Get the Waiver Steps First —
Then Prepare for the Idaho State Exam Portion

Confirm You Qualify for a Idaho Real Estate Waiver

Idaho doesn't have reciprocity — but if your out-of-state license is active, the state will waive the national exam portion and prelicense education.

Quick summary
  • Active license in another state? Idaho waives the national exam portion and all prelicense education (and broker experience if applicable).
  • You still complete Idaho steps: pass the Idaho state portion, complete fingerprints/background, have E&O coverage, and submit your DOPL application.
  • Important: your waiver must be applied before you schedule your exam appointment — otherwise you're required to take both portions.
See Course Options & Start Now Waiver Steps (Fast Track)
Do I qualify? (mini-checker)
1 Do you have an active real estate license in another state?
2 What type of license do you hold in your primary state?
3 What are you applying for in Idaho?
Select your answers above to see your recommended path. All sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Exam + Education Waiver Path (Fastest)
  • Waived for active out-of-state licensees: national exam portion + prelicense education (and broker experience requirements if applicable).
  • You still need: pass the Idaho state portion, complete fingerprints/background, have E&O coverage, and submit your DOPL application.
  • Do this in the right order: your waiver must be applied before you schedule the exam appointment.
Broker note: You may obtain the same type of license in Idaho (salesperson or broker) as you hold in your primary state. If your primary state is a single-licensure state, Idaho requires you to hold a Principal/Designated Broker license to qualify for an Idaho broker license. To be an Idaho Designated Broker, you must also take the Idaho Business Conduct & Office Operations (BCOO) course before you can be licensed.
Follow the Waiver Fast-Track Steps See Course Options
Tip: Certified license histories are time-sensitive (validity windows apply), so don't wait until the last minute.
Standard Idaho Path
  • No active out-of-state license: for salesperson applicants, there are no waivers of the salesperson prelicense education.
  • Recommended next step: choose a package, complete the required Idaho education, then schedule the full exam through Pearson VUE.
Choose a Class Package Read the Step-by-Step Idaho Licensing Guide
Confirm Active Status First
  • Active status required. The waiver needs a certified license history showing your license is on active status.
  • Once confirmed, you can request the waiver and take the Idaho state portion only.
  • Start now: request your certified license history today (it can take weeks), then follow the waiver steps below.
Waiver Steps (Fast Track) Idaho Licensing Guide
Plain-English overview
What Idaho will waive (with an active out-of-state license) National exam portion + prelicense education (and broker experience requirements if applicable).
What you still must complete Idaho state portion exam + fingerprints/background check + E&O insurance + DOPL application.
Recommended next step
Active out-of-state license? Use the waiver steps below and take the Idaho state portion only.
Fast-Track Waiver Steps
No active out-of-state license? Follow the standard Idaho licensing process.
Idaho Licensing Guide
  • Order a certified license history from your primary state of licensure (often takes 3–6 weeks). Ask the agency to send it to you.
  • Create a Pearson VUE candidate ID and note it on your waiver request form.
  • Email your certified license history + completed waiver request form to [email protected].
  • Wait for waiver approval before scheduling your exam appointment. Waiver must be applied prior to scheduling or you may be required to take both portions.
  • Schedule and pass the Idaho state portion through Pearson VUE.
  • Complete fingerprints/background check (processing time varies), obtain E&O insurance, then submit your application via the DOPL Online Services portal.
Timing guardrails: Certified license histories are valid for a limited window (and may need to be refreshed if they expire before your application is accepted), so start the license history request early.
See Course Options & Start Now Full Step-By-Step Idaho Licensing Guide
Do I still take an exam if I qualify for the waiver?

Yes — the waiver is for the national portion. You still take the Idaho state portion (after your waiver is applied).

What happens if I schedule my exam before my waiver is applied?

The waiver must be applied before scheduling the exam appointment. If it isn't applied in time, you may be required to take both portions.

What's "primary state of licensure" and why does it matter?

Idaho ties the waiver to your primary state. You'll request a certified license history from that state and submit it with your waiver request.

I'm from a single-licensure state — can I get an Idaho broker license?

You can apply for the same license type you hold in your primary state, but if your primary state is a single-licensure state, Idaho requires a Principal/Designated Broker license to qualify for an Idaho broker license.

Do I still need fingerprints and E&O insurance?

Yes. Fingerprints/background check is still required, and you must have E&O coverage in place before your license can be activated.

Broker applicants: do I need Idaho's BCOO course?

To be an Idaho Designated Broker, you must take the Idaho Business Conduct & Office Operations (BCOO) course before you can be licensed.

Course Package

Idaho State Portion Fast-Track Package

Built for licensed agents transferring to Idaho. Skip the 90-hour pre-licensing course and focus on what you actually need: the Idaho state portion.

✓ Idaho state portion focused ✓ Watch only what you need ✓ 250 flashcards included
Get Started Today
7-Day Refund Guarantee
If this Fast-Track Package isn’t a fit, email us within 7 days of purchase to request a refund. Refunds apply to this digital product purchase only and are processed back to the original payment method.
What's included
1) Topic-Specific Class Recordings

On-demand videos organized by topic. Focus on the Idaho state portion and skip what you already know. Lifetime access — revisit any time.

2) 250 Idaho Real Estate Flashcards

Targeted flashcards covering Idaho-specific topics — real estate law, license rules, and key terms. Quick review for weak areas and final exam prep.

3) Idaho Study Outline, Textbook & Handbook

A pared-down, Idaho-focused study outline plus direct links to the Idaho textbook and license law & rules handbook. Everything in one place — skip the national-only topics.

Ready to fast-track your Idaho license?
Skip the 90 hours. Focus on the state portion. Get licensed faster.
Get Started Today — $275
7-Day Refund Guarantee
If this Fast-Track Package isn’t a fit, email us within 7 days of purchase to request a refund. Refunds apply to this digital product purchase only and are processed back to the original payment method.
Pursuing an Idaho broker license? Check the FAQ for additional requirements.

Hear What Past Students Are Saying About Our School

Idaho Online Real Estate Academy
4.9/ 5
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  • Excellent instructor - prepared students well for the course exams and shared valuable information for real-life situations. I cannot say enough positive things about both the school and instructor! Highly... read more

    Danielle Brunson Avatar Danielle Brunson

    I picked this class because the schedule was ideal. Barb is an awesome teacher. She's very energetic and has a ton of real world examples/stories to benefit you. Believe it... read more

    Jake wicher Avatar Jake wicher

    A class that spans two full weekends is long! Barb made tme fly by with her real life experiences and funny anecdotes as well as teaching us real estate concepts!

    Carole Wells Avatar Carole Wells

  • This is an excellent way to get qualified for or do continuing education for real estate. Whether you want to become an agent or are looking to get some credits... read more

    Greg Vanderford Avatar Greg Vanderford

    The Idaho Online Real Estate Academy was convenient, educational, informative, and prepared me to pass the state and national exams on my first try! The instructor was wonderful! Highly recommend!!

    Matthew Volz Avatar Matthew Volz

    Terrific class. We had an enthusiastic, engaging instructor in Barb Laws, and a weekend schedule that caters to those of us who work during the week. Haven't taken... read more

    Drew Matich Avatar Drew Matich

  • Great teachers fun and cares about their students! Thanks

    Deetra Tsak Avatar Deetra Tsak

    The instructor is very knowledgeable and has real life advice for when you get your license and become an agent. The class material was very easy to follow and understand.... read more

    Cassandra Lysiak Avatar Cassandra Lysiak

    The course is offered virtually with a live instructor who is engaging, caring, and has a wealth of experience to share with the students. This is not a self-guided course,... read more

    Todd Christensen Avatar Todd Christensen

Cassandra Lysiak

I just completed Module 1 and Module 2. The instructor is very knowledgeable and has a lot of advice for when you become a realtor. The class material was very easy to follow and understand.
…
Cassandra Lysiak

Morgan Giles

Excellent and well put together class!

Morgan Giles

Kraig Owens

***10 OUT OF 5 STARS!!!*** I would recommend Idaho Online Real Estate Academy 100% to anyone without hesitation. Liam is top notch and easy to work with. Nikki Sorini is the best instructor–BAR NONE–i could
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Kraig Owens
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