What will disqualify you from getting your real estate license?
"I have a friend that wants to get her real estate license, but she has a felony. Will that disqualify her?"
Response from Lanard
It's great that your friend is interested in pursuing a career in real estate. A past felony doesn't necessarily mean the door is closed—it just means there may be a few more steps to walk through before she can get her license.
In many states, felony convictions can raise red flags during the application process, but they don't automatically disqualify someone. Real estate commissions understand that people make mistakes and that lives change. That's why most have review procedures in place. These processes consider several factors, including the time elapsed since the offense occurred, the nature of the conviction, and whether the person has demonstrated rehabilitation since then.
That said, transparency is critical. When applying for a real estate license, your friend will need to disclose her criminal history. Trying to hide or misrepresent that part of her past can be far more damaging than the conviction itself. If the licensing board finds out later—and they usually do—it could result in the automatic denial or revocation of the license. Being upfront shows integrity, and that matters a great deal in this business.
To move forward with confidence, your friend should contact her state's real estate commission directly. Every state has slightly different requirements and review processes, so she must get information specific to where she plans to practice. A simple online search using the phrase "State Real Estate Commission" should bring up their official website. From there, she can find phone numbers, email addresses, and possibly even guidelines or FAQs about criminal background reviews.
Before reaching out, it's a good idea for her to gather documentation that might support her case. This could include court records, letters of reference, proof of rehabilitation programs completed, or evidence of consistent employment and community involvement. The more prepared she is, the better she'll be able to make her case if a review or hearing is required.
Some states even allow potential applicants to request a preliminary decision on their eligibility before taking classes or paying fees. That's worth asking about, too—it could save time and money if her record is likely to pose a barrier to her success.
Above all, let your friend know this: past mistakes don't define her future. Many successful real estate agents have overcome complex histories and gone on to build rewarding careers. If she's serious, honest, and willing to follow the proper channels, she has a real shot at making it happen.
Encourage her to do the research, make the calls, and take the first step. Real estate is a career where determination counts—and it sounds like she already has that part covered.
