Can I get my Washington broker license if I have a prior conviction?

When you make the application for your license, you will need to answer a series of criminal history and character assessment questions. It’s quite possible that a criminal record could affect whether or not you are issued a license.

If any of the questions hold true for you, then you will have to explain the circumstances by providing additional details. This includes specifying the date, location, offense, case number, and results, as well any other additional aspects of the incident that you want the department of licensing to know. You will be able to upload any supporting documents that help to explain your situation.

The licensing department will look primarily at four factors to make a determination as to whether or not to issue a real estate broker license. Those four factors are:

  • Type of crime committed.
  • When the conviction occurred. The department typically focuses most of its attention on convictions that occurred within the past 10 years.
  • Whether or not the crime relates to the practice of real estate, and if so, in what way.
  • Whether the conviction is a misdemeanor, felony or infraction.

Keep in mind that each case is considered on an individual basis. Because of that, providing a thorough explanation of any incident is likely to your advantage. Investigators may also reach out to you or others for additional information.

If your application is denied due to a past criminal record you’ll be notified and given directions with next steps that can be taken in the process.