Looking to Get Licensed in Another State? What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know.
For many real estate professionals, career growth eventually means working across state borders. This may be due to agency expansion, relocation, or the desire to access broader market opportunities.
One of the first questions that comes up is simple: do you need to start the licensing process again?
The short answer is no; not always. In many cases, your existing licence may be recognised. However, how this works depends on the state you intend to work in and the current license level that you currently hold.
Understanding Your Options: Automatic Mutual Recognition vs Mutual Recognition
When moving between states, there are typically two pathways.
Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) allows eligible licence holders to work in another state using their existing licence, usually after notifying the regulator.
Mutual Recognition (or licence transfer) requires you to apply to have your licence recognised or transferred into the new state.
In both cases, the goal is the same: to avoid starting from scratch. However, the process and requirements vary depending on the state.
Why This Matters for Real Estate Professionals
Real estate is regulated at a state level. This means licence categories, responsibilities, and compliance obligations differ across jurisdictions. For example:
licence categories may not align exactly
supervision requirements can vary
trust account rules differ
CPD and compliance obligations are state-specific
While your experience remains valuable, it does not always translate directly. The key is understanding how your current licence maps to the requirements of the new state.
The Key Risk: Your Scope of Work
Even where recognition applies, you can only perform work that aligns with your existing licence. This means you must:
operate within the limits of your current licence
comply with the laws of the state you are working in
adjust your role if required to meet local requirements
For example, a licence that allows full agency control in one state may not automatically allow you to operate as a Licensee in Charge in another. This is where many agents encounter issues.
How Different States Approach Licensing Recognition
There is no single national system. Each state applies its own approach.
New South Wales
NSW includes many property roles under Automatic Mutual Recognition. If eligible, you can begin working under your existing licence; however, you must notify NSW Fair Trading before commencing.
You must also comply with NSW laws, including supervision, CPD, and trust account requirements.
Victoria
Victoria also participates in AMR. Eligible agents may work under their existing licence after submitting a notification.
There is also a separate mutual recognition pathway, depending on your circumstances.
Queensland
Queensland does not currently participate in AMR.
To work in Queensland, you must hold a Queensland licence. In most cases, this involves applying to transfer your interstate licence under mutual recognition.
Not all licence types transfer directly, so it is important to confirm this early.
Other States and Territories
Most other jurisdictions follow a similar structure:
AMR may apply to eligible occupations
if not, mutual recognition or licence transfer is required
local laws and compliance obligations always apply
Requirements vary, so it is essential to check with the relevant state regulator.
What to Check Before You Make the Move
Before working in another state, there are five key steps to confirm.
Identify the correct pathway: Determine whether AMR, mutual recognition, or a full application applies.
Check your licence category: Confirm how your current licence aligns with the new state.
Understand your permitted activities: Be clear on what you are legally allowed to do.
Complete the required process: This may involve submitting a notification or a formal application.
Review local compliance requirements: This includes CPD, supervision, insurance, and trust account obligations.
Getting this right from the outset will help avoid delays and compliance risks.
Do You Need Additional Training?
In some cases, yes. Recognition pathways can reduce duplication, but they do not remove state-specific requirements. You may still need to:
complete gap training
understand new legislation
meet local CPD requirements
adjust to different supervision structures
This is particularly relevant when moving into more senior roles or stepping into a Licensee in Charge position.
Where Under The Hammer Fits In
Recognition pathways are only one part of the process. In many cases, agents still need to complete additional requirements, including gap training, state-specific units, or CPD.
That is where we come in. Once your pathway is clear, we help you complete what is required, efficiently, practically, and without unnecessary content.
Final Thought
If you are looking to get licensed in another state, there is a strong chance you will not need to start from scratch. However, the process is not automatic and differs across jurisdictions.
Some states allow you to begin work under your existing licence, while others require a formal transfer. All require you to comply with local laws and regulatory obligations.
The most effective approach is simple: understand your pathway, then complete it properly.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Once you understand what is required, the next step is completing it. We deliver:
licensing courses
CPD training
practical, compliance-focused education
This ensures you meet your requirements and can continue working with confidence.
View upcoming courses or speak with our team to get started
