Do I need to be a resident of North Carolina?
North Carolina’s border regions (near SC, VA, and TN) are hot markets, and many brokers live in one state while practicing in the other. This brings us back to a core rule: Is NC residency required to obtain a Provisional Broker License?
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) expressly states that you do not need to be a resident of North Carolina to obtain a broker license. This is great news for professionals looking to work in border markets or simply invest from afar.
The True Requirement: Affiliation
While the NCREC doesn’t care where you sleep, it absolutely cares about who supervises you and which laws you follow.
- No Residency Rule: You can complete your 75-hour Pre-Licensing course (often online) and pass the state exam without ever changing your driver’s license.
- Mandatory Affiliation: If you want your license to be Active (meaning you can legally practice brokerage and earn commission), you must affiliate with a Broker-in-Charge (BIC) whose brokerage is licensed and registered in North Carolina.
- Out-of-State Licensees (Limited License Recognition): If you already hold an active broker license in another state, you may be eligible to waive the 75-hour course and the National section of the NC exam. This Limited License Recognition is now available to brokers from all 50 U.S. states and Canadian jurisdictions, streamlining the process, regardless of residency.
The Dual-State Broker Challenge (Example: NC/SC)
Brokers working both the North and South Carolina markets often choose to hold licenses in both states. This dual-licensure typically requires:
- Maintaining an active license in your primary state.
- Passing the State-Specific portion of the licensing exam in the secondary state (NC or SC) and paying all annual fees in both jurisdictions.
Key Takeaway
NC residency is not mandatory for an NC Provisional Broker License. However, maintaining an Active status requires mandatory affiliation with an NC Broker-in-Charge and strict adherence to NCREC rules, especially if you are pursuing dual licensure under the state’s Limited License Recognition policy.