Minnesota Real Estate License Law
Minnesota real estate practice is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 82 and administered by the Department of Commerce. This chapter covers who must be licensed, how salespersons work under a broker, and the enforcement and consumer-protection tools built into the law.
The Department of Commerce and Chapter 82
The Minnesota Department of Commerce, through the Commissioner, issues and regulates real estate licenses under Chapter 82. Anyone who, for compensation, lists, sells, buys, leases, or negotiates real estate for others must hold a license unless a specific exemption applies (for example, an owner dealing with their own property or a licensed attorney acting within their practice). The Commissioner has authority to investigate complaints, deny or revoke licenses, and impose civil penalties.
Salesperson and Broker Relationship
A salesperson's license is valid only while the salesperson is employed by and acting for a licensed broker. All licensed activity is conducted in the name of the broker, and the broker is responsible for supervising the salesperson and for handling trust funds. A salesperson may not accept a commission or other compensation directly from a buyer or seller; payment must come through the employing broker. A licensee may hold only one active license at a time.
Recovery Fund and Enforcement
The Real Estate Education, Research, and Recovery Fund reimburses consumers who win a final judgment against a licensee for fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in a licensed transaction and cannot collect it. When the fund pays, the responsible licensee's license is suspended until the fund is repaid with interest. Common grounds for discipline include commingling trust money, false advertising, acting without a required agency disclosure, and dishonest dealing.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Minnesota Department of Commerce
- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Prelicensing education
- 90 hours (three 30-hour courses)
How many prelicensing hours does Minnesota require to become a real estate agent?
Minnesota requires 90 hours of pre-license education delivered as three 30-hour courses (Course I must be completed before the exam; Courses II and III before license application).
Who licenses real estate agents in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Commerce licenses real estate salespersons and brokers. The Department uses Pearson VUE to deliver the licensing exams.
How is the Minnesota salesperson exam structured?
The Minnesota salesperson exam is delivered by Pearson VUE with a national portion and a Minnesota state portion, scored separately; you must pass both. Confirm the current scored-question counts in the Pearson VUE Candidate Handbook.
Sources: https://mn.gov/commerce/industries/real-estate/, https://home.pearsonvue.com/mn/realestate
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