Many believe a felony conviction permanently shuts the door to a real estate career — but that’s not always true.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), over 6.1 million adults in the United States have a felony conviction, with approximately 730,000 in Georgia alone (BJS.gov). That’s millions of people who face challenges when pursuing careers that require professional licensing — real estate being one of the most affected industries.
A felony record doesn’t automatically disqualify someone from becoming a realtor. The answer depends on state-specific laws, the nature of the crime, how long ago it happened, and proof of rehabilitation. Some states have strict “no-go” lists of offenses, while others evaluate applications case by case.
Understanding the Role of a Realtor and Licensing Requirements
To legally represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions, you must hold a state-issued real estate license. That license requires:
- Completing state-approved pre-licensing education
- Passing a real estate exam
- Submitting to a criminal background check
- Meeting the moral character requirements set by your state’s real estate commission
Every state has its own rules for who can (and can’t) be licensed. While criminal history is always reviewed, the decision often depends on whether the felony relates to trustworthiness or fraud.
How States Handle Felony Convictions for Realtors?
Some states have clear laws about felons applying for a real estate license, while others review each case individually.
| State | Felon Eligibility | Waiting Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Case-by-case | 2–5 years | Must provide full court records and rehabilitation proof |
| Alaska | Allowed if rehabilitated | 3–5 years | Crimes of fraud or violence heavily scrutinized |
| Arizona | Case-by-case | 3 years after sentence | Must disclose all convictions |
| Arkansas | Possible with board approval | 5 years | Certain violent and sexual offenses permanently disqualify |
| California | Allowed if rehabilitated | 2–5 years | Complete honesty on disclosure required |
| Colorado | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Focuses on rehabilitation efforts |
| Connecticut | Allowed with review | 2–5 years | Financial crimes reviewed more strictly |
| Delaware | Case-by-case | 5 years typical | Certain crimes can lead to permanent denial |
| Florida | Case-by-case review | No fixed period | Sexual offenses often permanently disqualify |
| Georgia | Some felonies disqualify | 2–10 years | Fraud/violent crimes are highest risk |
| Hawaii | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Must explain circumstances and rehabilitation |
| Idaho | Case-by-case | 5 years | Fraud/violence likely denied |
| Illinois | Possible with waiver | 5 years | Must appear before board for review |
| Indiana | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Board decides on “good moral character” |
| Iowa | Allowed with review | 5 years | Fraud or dishonesty crimes reviewed more harshly |
| Kansas | Case-by-case | 5 years | Complete disclosure required |
| Kentucky | Allowed with hearing | 5–10 years | Certain crimes permanently disqualify |
| Louisiana | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Board considers rehabilitation efforts |
| Maine | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Decisions made on a case-by-case basis |
| Maryland | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Fraud and violent crimes are major concerns |
| Massachusetts | Allowed if rehabilitated | 5 years | Must submit supporting documents |
| Michigan | Allowed with review | 5 years | Fraud and embezzlement closely reviewed |
| Minnesota | Case-by-case | 5 years | Must show good moral character |
| Mississippi | Allowed with board approval | No fixed period | Board reviews seriousness of offense |
| Missouri | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Must disclose all convictions honestly |
| Montana | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Board decides based on trustworthiness |
| Nebraska | Case-by-case | 2–5 years | Fraud and violent crimes heavily considered |
| Nevada | Allowed with review | 3 years minimum | Certain crimes require longer waiting periods |
| New Hampshire | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Must provide rehabilitation evidence |
| New Jersey | Allowed with review | 5 years | Fraud and theft crimes closely examined |
| New Mexico | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Full disclosure required |
| New York | Allowed with review | 3–5 years | May need “Certificate of Relief from Disabilities” |
| North Carolina | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Rehabilitation is heavily considered |
| North Dakota | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Fraud and violent crimes are high-risk |
| Ohio | Allowed with review | 3–5 years | Must provide rehabilitation proof |
| Oklahoma | Case-by-case | 5–10 years | Certain crimes permanently disqualify |
| Oregon | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Fraud/violence reviewed harshly |
| Pennsylvania | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Must show rehabilitation and honesty |
| Rhode Island | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Crimes of dishonesty reviewed more strictly |
| South Carolina | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Board examines trustworthiness |
| South Dakota | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Fraud/violence closely reviewed |
| Tennessee | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Board decides on moral character |
| Texas | Allowed case-by-case | 2–5 years | Crimes of moral turpitude heavily scrutinized |
| Utah | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Fraud/violence require strong rehabilitation proof |
| Vermont | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Must submit full history and explanation |
| Virginia | Allowed with review | 5 years | Certain crimes require longer waits |
| Washington | Case-by-case | No fixed period | Honesty and rehabilitation key |
| West Virginia | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Violent crimes are high-risk |
| Wisconsin | Case-by-case | 3 years | Fraud and violence reviewed closely |
| Wyoming | Allowed with review | No fixed period | Rehabilitation efforts strongly considered |
More Opportunities: Dallas Pathways Career Re-entry Program
Types of Felonies That Matter Most
Licensing boards are especially cautious about crimes that involve dishonesty or harm to others. These are more likely to result in denial:
- Fraud (mortgage fraud, credit card fraud)
- Theft (grand larceny, burglary)
- Violent crimes (assault, armed robbery, murder)
- Sexual offenses (often permanent bans)
- Drug trafficking (less strict if non-violent and older)
On the other hand, non-violent offenses from many years ago, especially if unrelated to financial trust, may be forgiven if the applicant has shown rehabilitation.
The Real Estate Background Check Process
Every state requires applicants to undergo a FBI fingerprint-based background check. Here’s what typically happens:
- Fingerprint submission to the state licensing authority
- Criminal history review — looking at both felony and misdemeanor records
- Board evaluation to decide if the applicant meets “good moral character” standards
- Possible hearing to explain the circumstances
You should always disclose convictions. Failing to do so is almost guaranteed to cause denial, even if the crime itself wouldn’t have disqualified you.
How Felons Can Improve Their Chances of Becoming a Realtor?
1. Wait the Required Time Period
Most states require that a certain number of years have passed since completing your sentence, parole, or probation.
2. Gather Proof of Rehabilitation
- Letters of recommendation from employers
- Volunteer work documentation
- Certificates from rehabilitation or training programs
3. Expunge or Seal Your Record (If Possible)
Some states allow expungement or record sealing, which can remove the offense from public record.
4. Be Honest in the Application
Include a written statement explaining the offense, what you’ve done since, and why you can be trusted in real estate.
5. Get Legal Advice Before Applying
An attorney experienced in professional licensing can review your case and advise on the best strategy.
Real Stories: Felons Who Became Realtors
- Case #1 – Texas: A man convicted of non-violent drug possession in 2005 applied in 2015, provided community service records, and was approved after a hearing.
- Case #2 – Florida: A woman with a fraud conviction was denied twice but later approved after completing financial ethics courses and obtaining a state “rehabilitation certificate.”
These examples show that it’s not the felony alone that matters — it’s the story you can tell about your life after the felony.
Final Word
A felony conviction doesn’t have to be the end of your real estate career dreams. While some crimes create permanent barriers, many felons successfully obtain real estate licenses every year — often after demonstrating rehabilitation, honesty, and a commitment to ethical work.
If you’re serious about becoming a realtor with a felony on your record:
- Research your state’s laws in detail
- Wait until the required time period has passed
- Gather strong proof of rehabilitation
- Be fully transparent in your application
The road may be longer, but it’s far from impossible.
Final Thought
Can I hide my felony when applying for a real estate license?
No — all states require full disclosure. Lying on your application is grounds for automatic denial.
Will a 20-year-old felony still affect my application?
Possibly, but older non-violent convictions are less likely to be an issue, especially with proof of good character.
Does every state require a background check?
Yes, all U.S. states conduct fingerprint-based checks for real estate licensing.
Can I get licensed in one state and work in another to avoid restrictions?
Not exactly — most states have reciprocity agreements, meaning they will still check your criminal history.
