Can I get my NC license if I have a past arrest or conviction?
As an applicant, you must obtain and submit a criminal record report with your application. In addition, you will be required to answer three character questions when completing your application. One of these three questions pertains specifically to any criminal offenses in your past or currently. Failing to answer truthfully will be considered a character issue in addition to the underlying issue or offense. All information relating to criminal offenses, including serious traffic offenses such as DWIs or reckless driving, must be submitted.
A conviction is one of several character issues that require further review by the Commission. If you have a criminal record report showing a criminal conviction, including a serious traffic offense or DWI, or you have answered “yes” to any one of the questions on the license application regarding criminal offenses, professional licensure disciplinary action or liens and unpaid judgments, you are considered to have a character issue.
The Commission will review each application with a character issue and evaluate it on a case-by-case basis. If the issue relates to a criminal conviction, the Commission is required by law to consider the following factors:
The crime’s level and seriousness.
The date the crime was committed.
The age of the person at the time the crime was committed.
The situations surrounding the perpetration of the crime, if known.
The relationship, if any, between the criminal activity and the prospective real estate duties of the applicant.
The prison, jail, probation, parole, rehabilitation, and employment records of the applicant since the date the crime was committed.
Completion or active participation in alcohol or drug treatment.
Any affidavits or other written documents, including character references, that speak to the character of the applicant.
If you are undergoing a review because of one or more character issues, expect the commission to take up to 45 days after you’ve passed the licensure exam to complete its evaluation before you request a status update. It’s possible the Commission will need to do a more extensive search of criminal or civil records, or request a credit report. You may also be asked to supply additional information.
If, during the process, the Commission determines the applicant is of satisfactory good character, the license will be promptly issued. If a criminal charge or issue is pending, the commission may be unable to move forward with its review until the matter is resolved.
If the Commission determines your character does not meet required standards, it will defer the application and advise you of your right to request a formal hearing before the Commission. Failure to request a hearing within 60 days of that notification will constitute a waiver of that right and the license application will be denied.
Related FAQs
Unlike many states, North Carolina only offers broker licenses. However, there are multiple categories of broker licenses. Most new licensees will start their real estate careers at the entry-level license status of provisional brokers.
There is not a minimum education requirement to apply for a real estate license. You do not need to have a high school diploma to apply for a real estate broker license in North Carolina.
If you already hold a real estate license from another state, U.S. territory or Canadian jurisdiction, and your current license—such as a real estate salesperson license—is equivalent to North Carolina’s provisional broker license, you can apply for a provisional broker license in North Carolina.
Yes, providing your Social Security number is mandatory in making your application. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission is required by law to collect your Social Security number, but the law says it must also protect it from public access or improper disclosure.
You can receive a license, but it will be inactive and you will be unable to engage in real estate activities on your own. You will need a broker-in-charge to sign and submit an affiliation form to the Commission before your license can be activated.
As an applicant, you must obtain and submit a criminal record report with your application. In addition, you will be required to answer three character questions when completing your application.
In order to apply for a provisional broker license in North Carolina, you must meet the following three requirements. - Be age 18 or older - Be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national or a qualified alien under federal law, or have a lawful presence in the U.S. - Have a Social Security number
If you are found to have a character issue including criminal offenses, professional licensure disciplinary action, and liens or unpaid judgments the North Carolina Real Estate Commission will review your application. Character issues are considered on a case by case basis. A decision is usually rendered within 45 days
Here are the costs to obtain your NC license: Pre-Licensing Course: 249 License application fee: $100/ attempt (paid to NC Real Estate Commission) License examination fee: $64/attempt (paid to PSI). Criminal background check: $30 Total cost: $443
For the quickest service, you should make your application online at the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website. Applying via postal mail will cause a delay in review of your application.
An attorney may receive a waiver of the required 75-hour pre-license coursework. A request to waive this education requirement should be made in writing and included with the application for license. In addition, a transcript and copy of your law degree must be included with the application for licensure.
You will need to take a final course exam for your 75-hour pre-license required coursework, as well as the North Carolina real estate license exam. The state license exam consists of two distinct sections: a national portion and a state portion.
1. Complete your 75-hour pre-license education requirement or qualify to waive the pre-license education requirement. 2. Submit a complete license application. 3. Schedule your exam. 4. Pass the state exam. 5. Receive your license and activate it.
Yes, there is a character assessment as part of the broker license application process. You will need to answer three questions related to criminal offenses (including serious traffic offenses), professional licensure disciplinary actions and liens/unpaid judgments at the time you make your application.
The three questions are: 1. Have you EVER been convicted of any criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor) 2. Have you EVER been denied a real estate or other professional license or been disciplined by an occupational licensing agency 3. Are there any liens or unpaid judgments now outstanding against you?