In India, real estate agents must be registered under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) to operate legally. This license ensures you meet professional standards and comply with government regulations. Here’s exactly how to get started.
✅ Requirements to Get a Real Estate Agent License in India
You must:
✅ Be at least 18 years old
✅ Have Indian citizenship or valid residency status
✅ Have no criminal convictions involving fraud or dishonesty
✅ Apply for registration with the respective state’s RERA authority
✅ Pay the required license fees
Step-by-Step Guide: Your RERA Registration Process:
1. Confirm your market and state(s) of operation
RERA registration is state-specific. Decide where you’ll actually work first (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi NCR, UP). If you’ll operate in multiple states, you’ll need separate registrations—one per state.
2. Create your account on the state RERA portal
Go to your state’s official portal and create an “Agent Registration” account.
- What to search: “[State] RERA agent registration portal”
- Examples: MahaRERA (Maharashtra), K-RERA (Karnataka), UP-RERA (Uttar Pradesh), RERA Rajasthan
- Choose the correct applicant type: Individual or Firm/Company
- Verify your mobile/email to unlock the application form
3. Gather and format your documents (before you start the form)
Have clear PDFs (under the portal’s size limit), named properly, and self-attested.
- For Individuals: Aadhaar, PAN, address proof, recent passport photo, 3 years ITRs (if asked), office address proof (rent agreement/utility bill), cancelled cheque/bank passbook (sometimes requested)
- For Firms/Companies: PAN of entity, Certificate of Incorporation/Registration, MoA/AoA or Partnership Deed/LLP Agreement, Board Resolution/Authorization Letter, list of directors/partners (with PAN/contacts), GST details (if applicable), principal place of business proof, 3 years ITRs (if asked), authorized signatory ID proof and photo
- Pro tip: Keep a simple one-page cover sheet listing every document you’ll upload. It cuts down on “deficiency” queries.
4. Complete the online application carefully
Fill in your legal name exactly as on PAN, add your registered office address, contact details, and business category.
- Make required declarations (no fraud/dishonesty convictions)
- Upload each document to the correct field (misplaced uploads are a common reason for delays)
- Double-check spelling and numbers—especially PAN, address, and email
5. Pay the registration fee online and save the receipt
Fees vary by state and applicant type (Individual vs Firm/Company).
- Typical examples: Maharashtra: ₹10,000 (individual) / ₹1,00,000 (company). Karnataka: ₹6,000 (individual) / ₹10,000 (company)
- Pay via the portal (net banking/card/UPI). Download the payment receipt—you’ll need it if support asks for proof.
6. Track your application and fix “deficiencies” fast
Most portals show a dashboard status like Submitted → Under Scrutiny → Approved.
- If you get a Deficiency/Clarification note, respond within the given window (often 7–15 days)
- Common fixes: re-upload a clearer document, correct a mismatch (name/address), add missing authorization letters
- If stuck, contact the portal helpdesk with your application number and payment receipt
7. Receive and download your RERA Registration Certificate
Once approved, download the Registration Certificate with your unique RERA Agent Number. Validity is typically 5 years.
- Save multiple copies (cloud + local)
- Display your RERA number on every advertisement, website, proposal, and client-facing document
8. Know your post-registration obligations
Comply with RERA rules while operating:
- Deal only with RERA-registered projects
- Avoid false or misleading advertising
- Maintain transaction records and agreements as required by your state authority
- Provide your RERA number whenever you represent yourself as an agent
9. Renew 3 months before expiry
Log back into the same portal and file a Renewal application before your certificate expires.
- Upload any updated documents (new ITRs, change in address/partners, etc.)
- Pay the renewal fee listed for your state
- Late renewals can mean a lapse and potential penalties, so set a calendar reminder
10. Expanding to another state
If you plan to operate in another state, repeat this process on that state’s portal. You cannot use one state’s RERA number in another.
Quick Reference Table: RERA Registration Fees
| State | Individual Fee | Company / Firm Fee | Portal URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | ₹10,000 | ₹1,00,000 | MahaRERA portal |
| Karnataka | ₹6,000 | ₹10,000 | K-RERA portal |
| Others | Varies | Varies | Refer to state’s RERA portal |
Final Tips
- In listings and ads, display your RERA number to build credibility.
- Set reminders for renewal at least 3 months before expiration.
- Always track your submission status via your agent account.
FAQs
Do I need a license to be a real estate agent in India?
Yes. Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), you must be registered with your state’s RERA authority to legally facilitate property transactions.
This applies whether you work as an independent agent or under a real estate company.
Without this registration, you cannot advertise, sell, or mediate property deals — doing so is considered illegal under RERA.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in India?
The timeline varies by state, but on average, it takes 30 to 60 days from the time you submit your completed application.
If your documents are correct and fees are paid on time, approvals can be faster — sometimes under 30 days in states with efficient online portals like MahaRERA (Maharashtra).
If there are deficiencies (e.g., unclear scans or missing ITRs), the authority will ask for corrections, which can extend the timeline by 2–3 weeks.
What happens if I operate without a license?
Operating without a valid RERA license has serious consequences. Individuals can be fined up to ₹50,000, while companies may face penalties up to ₹5,00,000.
There is also a risk of legal action, blacklisting, or even bans on future registration.
Repeated violations increase penalties, and any property transaction conducted without an active registration may be considered invalid in legal disputes.
Can I apply for a license in more than one state?
Yes. RERA registration is state-specific, meaning a license from one state, such as Maharashtra, is not valid in another state, such as Karnataka or Delhi.
If you want to operate in multiple states, you need to submit separate applications, pay each state’s fees, and use the unique registration number issued by each state in marketing and transactions.
Is there any educational qualification required?
There is currently no formal academic degree required to register under RERA. However, having a good understanding of property laws, contracts, and market trends is highly recommended.
If you are new to the field, you can take short certification programs or online training courses on property law basics, real estate marketing, or client management to strengthen your knowledge and improve your credibility with clients.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, the authority will specify the reason. In most cases, it is due to missing or incorrect documents.
You can fix the issue and reapply, and if you are unsure of the rejection reason, contact the RERA helpdesk for guidance.
If you believe the rejection was an error, you also have the option to file an appeal.
How do I renew my RERA license?
Begin the renewal process at least three months before the license expiration date to avoid interruptions in your business.
Log in to your state’s portal, update any necessary information, and pay the renewal fee.
Most renewals are processed within 15 to 30 days. If you miss the renewal deadline, you will need to stop operations until your license is reactivated.
