and each case is evaluated individually to determine eligibility for a real estate license.
North Dakota:
In North Dakota, felons applying for a real estate license may face challenges if they have been convicted of a felony or multiple misdemeanors. Those eligible may need to seek a Certificate of Relief to enhance their chances of approval.
Ohio:
The Ohio real estate commission may deny a license to individuals with a criminal record involving a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or a violation of civil rights laws within the last two years. Convictions are subject to review, and decisions are made after a completed application is assessed.
Oklahoma:
Felons seeking a real estate license in Oklahoma face specific waiting periods based on the type of offense. For violent crimes, a 20-year waiting period is required, while for forgery, embezzlement, fraud, and similar offenses, a 10-year waiting period applies. Less serious misdemeanors necessitate a five-year waiting period.
Oregon:
Oregon real estate license applicants must disclose all felony and misdemeanor convictions during the application process. Each application is reviewed individually, considering the nature and circumstances of the convictions.
Pennsylvania:
In Pennsylvania, real estate license applicants with misdemeanor or felony convictions may experience delays or denials in their application process. Conviction-related paperwork must be submitted for commission review and decision-making.
Rhode Island:
In Rhode Island, felony convictions and crimes involving fraud, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, bribery, larceny, extortion, and conspiracy to defraud can be grounds for disqualification from obtaining a real estate license.
South Carolina:
South Carolina may deny a real estate license if the applicant has been convicted of violating federal and state housing laws, embezzlement, breach of trust, forgery, larceny, obtaining money or property under false pretenses, fraud, conspiracy to defraud, a real estate felony, a financial felony, or a violent offense felony.
South Dakota:
The South Dakota Real Estate Commission may disqualify an applicant from licensure for writing insufficient funds checks or having a felony or misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude.
Tennessee:
Applicants with felony or misdemeanor convictions involving theft of money, property, or services must appear before the Tennessee Real Estate Committee for consideration of licensure, accompanied by their principal broker during the hearing.
Texas:
In Texas, there are no crimes that automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining a real estate license. However, convictions demonstrating a lack of honesty, trust, and integrity may make it difficult to obtain a license. Each case is reviewed on an individual basis.
Utah:
In Utah, individuals are ineligible for a real estate license if they completed a felony sentence within the last five years or a misdemeanor sentence involving fraud, misrepresentation, theft, or dishonesty within the last three years. Applications are subject to review outside these timelines.
Vermont:
In Vermont, felons may be disqualified from obtaining a real estate license if they were convicted of a felony, forgery, fraud, conspiring to defraud, embezzlement, or obtaining money under false pretenses.
Virginia:
The Virginia Real Estate Commission will not deny licensure based on a prior criminal conviction unless it negatively affects the felon’s professional abilities as an agent. However, they will review the circumstances of the conviction and may deny a license if they find the person to be unfit or unsuited to engage in the industry.
Washington:
Applicants may be disqualified from obtaining a Washington real estate license if they have been convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor within the last 10 years, if there is a current criminal charge against them, or if they are a registered sex offender. Other criminal records are subject to review before a license is granted.
West Virginia:
Felons applying for a real estate license in West Virginia must disclose their criminal history, which will be reviewed to determine if they are eligible for a license.
Wisconsin:
Applicants for a real estate license in Wisconsin must complete a Convictions and Pending Charges Form as part of the application process, disclosing all criminal history. The Real Estate Commission will review the form and determine if they are eligible for a license.
Wyoming:
Applicants may be denied a Wyoming real estate license if they have been convicted of a felony related to securities and investing within the past 10 years or more serious crimes. All cases will be reviewed, and outcomes will be decided on an individual basis.
Alabama:
In Alabama, individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude face disqualification from obtaining a real estate license. This term refers to actions or conduct that significantly violate community sentiments or accepted standards.
Alaska:
Obtaining a real estate license in Alaska is not possible for those with felony convictions. Additionally, individuals may be disqualified if they have committed crimes like forgery, conspiracy to defraud creditors, extortion, or theft, hindering their ability to competently practice real estate.
Arizona:
A conviction for either a felony or misdemeanor may prevent one from obtaining an Arizona real estate license. Disqualification can occur if there's a prior guilty verdict for offenses such as theft, forgery, extortion, violence against others, conspiracy to defraud, or crimes involving moral turpitude.
Arkansas:
The Arkansas Real Estate Commission will not grant a license to individuals with felony convictions or crimes involving fraud, violence, dishonesty, or untrustworthiness.
California:
Certain convictions may disqualify applicants from obtaining a California real estate license, including murder, perjury, fraud, forgery, grand theft, tax evasion, embezzlement, extortion, rape, bribery, burglary, petty theft, and possession of drugs for sale or transport.
Colorado:
The Colorado real estate commission evaluates license applications based on individual criminal history, making determinations on a case-by-case basis. Minor misdemeanor convictions may be more likely to receive approval compared to major felony convictions.
Connecticut:
Connecticut reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis and does not automatically disqualify applicants from receiving a real estate license.
Delaware:
Prospective licensees in Delaware must disclose their conviction history for review. Waivers may be granted if more than five years have passed since the conviction. However, those incarcerated, on work release, or on probation will not be eligible for a license.
Florida:
Certain crimes, such as moral turpitude felonies, violent acts against minors or the elderly, and sexual assault, may disqualify individuals from obtaining a Florida real estate license. Lesser offenses, like criminal mischief, trespassing, burglary, and firework sales, might be overlooked after a clean record for a specified duration.
Georgia:
In Georgia, a single felony or crime of moral turpitude conviction results in a two-year disqualification from obtaining a real estate license, while multiple felonies or crimes of moral turpitude require a five-year waiting period before applying for a license.
Hawaii:
Felony convictions can prevent individuals from obtaining a real estate license in Hawaii. Those with misdemeanor convictions related to drug abuse, unpaid judgments, tax liens, professional license disciplinary actions, or currently on parole or probation may also face challenges in getting licensed.
Idaho:
The Idaho Real Estate Commission typically doesn't approve applicants convicted of felonies for a real estate license. Written requests for exemption reviews are considered. Convictions of misdemeanors such as fraud, misrepresentation, and dishonorable dealing can also make it difficult to obtain a license.
Illinois:
In Illinois, most applicants disclosing their convictions are likely to be approved for a real estate license. However, convictions for offenses like conspiracy to defraud, extortion, forgery, embezzlement, larceny, and felonies involving moral turpitude might reduce the likelihood of approval.
Indiana:
Indiana will not grant a real estate license to those convicted of crimes endangering the public, lewd or immoral conduct, or behavior adversely impacting their ability to practice real estate.
Iowa:
Iowa evaluates criminal convictions individually, considering factors such as the type of crime, its relation to real estate, conviction and charge levels, and how long ago the crime occurred. Most felons must wait five years after conviction before their application is considered.
Kansas:
Applicants convicted of a felony must wait 15 years before applying for a Kansas real estate license. For misdemeanor convictions, a five-year waiting period is required. However, no license is guaranteed, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Kentucky:
Individuals convicted of a felony must wait 10 years before applying for a Kentucky real estate license, while those with misdemeanor convictions must wait five years. Licenses are not guaranteed, and the board reviews applications based on the seriousness of the crime and its potential impact on the individual's ability to work in the real estate field.
Louisiana:
In Louisiana, individuals with felony and misdemeanor convictions may still qualify for a real estate license. They must complete a Felony Applicant form, and their case will be reviewed based on the offense's seriousness, time since conviction, and its relevance to their real estate career.
Maine:
In Maine, individuals convicted of a crime must wait three years after completing their sentence to apply for a real estate license. The commission considers factors such as the crime's recency, severity, and potential impact on the applicant's abilities as a real estate agent.
Maryland:
A felony or misdemeanor conviction will not automatically disqualify individuals from obtaining a Maryland real estate license. The commission reviews all records and documentation of the conviction on a case-by-case basis.
Massachusetts:
The Massachusetts real estate board allows individuals with felony or misdemeanor records to apply for a real estate license, subject to a review and exemption process.
Michigan:
Applicants in Michigan with a criminal record must disclose details to LARA (Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) for consideration of a real estate license. The case will be reviewed, and a decision on approval or denial will be made.
Minnesota:
Having a criminal record won't necessarily prevent someone from obtaining a Minnesota real estate license. However, applicants with prior convictions must provide written statements and supporting documents with their application, and their licenses will be subject to approval by their broker.
Mississippi:
Individuals with felony convictions must appeal to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission for permission to obtain a real estate license. They must submit a criminal background history, and their case will be reviewed to determine eligibility.
Missouri:
In Missouri, felons may still be eligible for a real estate license if their crime was not directly related to an agent's responsibilities. However, disqualifications may apply for serious offenses such as first-degree murder, dangerous felonies, sex offenses, crimes related to children, fraud, and controlled substance delivery.
Montana:
Montana allows applicants with a criminal record to apply for a real estate license, but they must submit relevant documents related to the crime for review by the Division of Criminal Justice Information Systems and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Nebraska:
In Nebraska, felons' approval for a real estate license is determined on a case-by-case basis. Felony conviction applicants must attend an informal hearing before the Commission to assess eligibility. Individuals with multiple misdemeanors or a consistent pattern of offenses may also need to attend a hearing for a decision.
Nevada:
When applying for a Nevada real estate license, applicants must disclose any felony or misdemeanor convictions and other relevant circumstances. The Commission reviews the explanation provided by the applicant to determine further steps.
New Hampshire:
New Hampshire law states that individuals convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor may be disqualified from obtaining a real estate license. The offense is reviewed to assess potential risks and harm to the public.
New Jersey:
The New Jersey Real Estate Commission requires applicants to disclose all criminal convictions and pending criminal matters, reviewing them individually to determine license eligibility.
New Mexico:
New Mexico disqualifies applicants with felony convictions within three years of completing their sentence. All other felons are considered on a case-by-case basis.