How to move your Washington license to Real

01

Talk it through (optional)

Talk to a Real agent about costs and timing before you apply.

02

Complete Real's application

Create your account, name your sponsor and team, sign the independent contractor agreement, and pay the $249 sign-up fee. Have these ready: your license number and expiration date, MLS and board details, your sponsor's name and email, and a photo of the front of your driver's license.

03

Transfer your license through DOL

Log in to your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account and move your license to Real Broker, LLC. If your last fingerprint background check was more than six years ago, complete it before you leave your current firm.

04

Move your board and MLS

Real completes the NWMLS transfer for you. You update your local Realtor association yourself (for example Seattle King County Realtors or Snohomish County-Camano). Ask your previous managing broker to release any files stored in Transaction Desk.

05

Handle listings and pending deals

Your previous firm's contract controls active listings and buyer agreements. In Washington, pending deals are passthrough: your previous firm stays on the contract and pays your commission through Real.

06

Get set up

Set up your tools, training, team selection if you have one, and marketing with Real Broker, LLC branding.

Washington licenses are managed by the Department of Licensing through SecureAccess Washington. You move your license to Real Broker, LLC in your SAW account after your Real application is complete. Fingerprint background checks are needed every six years for active renewals, so check your date first.

If you are an NWMLS member, Real completes the transfer on your behalf. Board or association membership, such as Seattle King County Realtors, is a separate form you submit yourself.

Washington requires a passthrough for deals that are already under contract. Your previous brokerage stays the broker of record and pays your commission to Real, and Real pays you. Active listings and buyer agreements follow your previous brokerage’s policies. Real can't step in on those, so plan your move date around them.

Team ads must show the brokerage name, Real Broker, LLC, clearly, along with the licensee’s name. Team names must include the word team or group and cannot use words like LLC, Inc, realty, real estate or firm. A team leader who directs other brokers needs a Washington managing broker license.