You Passed the NJ Real Estate Exam: What Happens Next?

The short answer: Congratulations, but you aren't licensed yet. Next you get fingerprinted through IDEMIA, have your sponsoring broker sign your PSI score report, and submit your complete application with the $160 fee to NJREC's Licensing Services Bureau, all before the eligibility expiration date on your score report (PSI candidate bulletin; NJREC fingerprinting). You can start working once the Commission approves your license.

Here's the exact sequence. For the full journey, see our complete guide to getting a NJ real estate license.

What should you do the day you pass?

  1. Keep your passing score report safe. It shows your eligibility expiration date and your Applicant ID (NJREC fingerprinting; NJREC online applications). PSI's bulletin says the report your broker signs must be the original, because copies aren't accepted (PSI candidate bulletin). If you're unsure which document counts, ask PSI or your broker.
  2. Check your deadline. Your eligibility expires one year from when you completed your course, not from the exam date (NJREC fingerprinting).
  3. Book fingerprints. NJREC recommends scheduling immediately after you pass. Appointments usually fall within 7–10 days (NJREC fingerprinting).
  4. Call your broker. If you haven't chosen one yet, now's the time. See How to find a sponsoring broker in NJ.

How does fingerprinting fit in?

Fingerprinting is required. Applications won't be accepted without evidence of it (NJREC fingerprinting). In short:

  • Fill out the Universal Form first
  • Book with IDEMIA and pay $66.05
  • Bring one government-issued ID showing your photo, name, address and date of birth
  • Keep the receipt, because it goes in your application

Full walkthrough: NJ real estate license fingerprinting and background check.

What goes in your license application?

According to PSI's bulletin, all of these must be submitted together. The Licensing Services Bureau won't accept a partial submission (PSI candidate bulletin):

  • Your original PSI passing score report, completed, signed and dated by your employing broker. The employment date can't be earlier than your exam date or later than your eligibility expiration date.
  • Your completed Universal Form and the fingerprint receipt.
  • $160 by certified or cashier's check, money order, or broker's business account check, payable to the State Treasurer of New Jersey. Personal checks are returned along with the unprocessed application.

The $160 covers the $100 license fee, the $50 application fee and the $10 Real Estate Guaranty Fund fee (NJREC fees). For every cost along the way, see NJ real estate license cost.

Where it goes: Licensing Services Bureau, Real Estate, 20 West State Street, PO Box 474, Trenton, NJ 08625-0474 (PSI candidate bulletin). Don't send license materials to PSI. They'll be returned.

Can your broker submit it online?

Yes. NJREC lets Brokers of Record submit and pay for salesperson applications electronically, using the Applicant ID printed on your passing score report (NJREC online applications). Ask your broker which route they use.

How long does NJREC take?

License applications are normally processed within 15 business days of receiving a complete and accurate application with all required fees in the correct form (N.J.A.C. 11:5-3.13(c)). Missing pieces or the wrong form of payment slow things down. Get it right the first time.

When can you start working?

Only after approval. NJREC is clear that submitting an application, online or otherwise, "DOES NOT RESULT IN AN ACTIVE REAL ESTATE LICENSE" and doesn't let you transact real estate business. The Commission has to review, approve and authorize the application, and it will notify you when it's approved or denied, or if it needs more information (NJREC online applications).

Once you're approved, the Commission doesn't mail licenses. You print or save your license, pocket card or electronic license ID from the Online Licensing Services portal (NJREC FAQ).

What should you know in your first term?

  • You're paid through your broker. All salesperson compensation must flow through the employing broker (N.J.S.A. 45:15-16) (NJREC FAQ).
  • Report any arrest, indictment or conviction to the Commission in writing within 30 days (N.J.S.A. 45:15-17(s)) (NJREC FAQ).
  • Continuing education: the current license term ends June 30, 2027. If you're first licensed on or after July 1, 2026, you don't need CE for that renewal. Otherwise you need 12 CE hours by April 30, 2027 (NJREC CE).
  • Renewal for a salesperson is $100 every two years (NJREC fees).

Your post-exam checklist

  • Score report saved, eligibility date noted
  • Fingerprints booked, form completed, ID ready
  • IDEMIA receipt in hand
  • Broker chosen; original score report signed and dated
  • $160 in an accepted payment form (or broker submitting online)
  • Complete package submitted before your eligibility expires
  • Wait for NJREC approval before doing any real estate business

What if something goes wrong with your application?

  • NJREC will contact you if it needs more information, and notifies you when an application is approved or denied (NJREC online applications).
  • Walk-ins aren't accepted. NJREC asks that applications and forms be submitted electronically when possible. For help, call the Real Estate Commission at (609) 292-7272 (NJREC FAQ).
  • Keep copies of everything you send, including your fingerprint form, receipt and payment, so you can answer questions quickly.
  • Watch the calendar. A rejected or incomplete package still has to be fixed before your eligibility expires (NJREC fingerprinting).

If you're ready to start the 75-hour course, Business Elementary teaches it live on Zoom: see the 75-hour course.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 26, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I licensed once I pass the PSI exam?

No. You still have to be fingerprinted, have your broker sign your score report and file a complete application. You can work only after the Commission approves it (NJREC online applications).

Can I send a copy of my score report?

No. The original, signed and dated by your employing broker, is required (PSI candidate bulletin).

How long does the license application take?

Normally within 15 business days of a complete, accurate application (N.J.A.C. 11:5-3.13(c)).

Will NJREC mail me my license?

No. You print or save it from the Online Licensing Services portal (NJREC FAQ).

What's my deadline to apply?

The eligibility expiration date on your PSI score report, which is one year from completing your course (NJREC fingerprinting).