First State Licensing
How to Get Your Delaware Real Estate License
Delaware requires 99 hours of pre-licensing across three modules and uses a Pearson VUE exam — plus one of the highest real estate transfer tax rates in the Mid-Atlantic.
Delaware Real Estate Commission
The Delaware Real Estate Commission under the Division of Professional Regulation administers all real estate licenses. Delaware requires 99 hours of pre-licensing education in three modules: Real Estate Fundamentals (33 hrs), Real Estate Practice (33 hrs), and Electives (33 hrs).
The Delaware real estate exam is administered by Pearson VUE: 80 national questions (150 minutes) and 40 state questions (90 minutes). Both portions require a 75% passing score.
Delaware licenses are renewed every two years with 21 hours of CE, including mandatory fair housing and agency modules.
Delaware Fast Facts
Pre-Licensing Hours
99 hours across three modules of 33 hours each.
Exam Format
Pearson VUE: 80 national + 40 state questions. 75% passing score on each.
Transfer Tax
Delaware imposes a 4% transfer tax on real estate sales — 2% state + 2% county. Split between buyer and seller.
LLC Titling
As the corporate capital of the US, Delaware has many investment properties held in LLCs and limited partnerships.
Delaware State-Specific Topics
Delaware's 4% transfer tax (2% state + 2% county) is among the highest in the region and is a common calculation topic on the state exam. A $400,000 sale generates $16,000 in transfer taxes, typically split equally between buyer and seller.
Delaware has no state sales tax, but the transfer tax still applies at closing. Delaware uses a mortgage for most residential transactions. Foreclosure is judicial, typically taking 9–18 months.
The Seller's Disclosure of Real Property Condition Act requires sellers to complete and deliver a comprehensive disclosure form to buyers covering structural, mechanical, environmental, and legal conditions.
Delaware Real Estate Exam FAQ
How is Delaware's transfer tax calculated?
The 4% transfer tax is applied to the sales price. A $400,000 sale generates $16,000 in transfer taxes, typically split $8,000 each between buyer and seller. This is a common state exam math question.
Does Delaware require post-licensing education?
New salesperson licensees must complete a 3-hour post-licensing course on the Code of Ethics in addition to the standard CE requirement during their first renewal period.