Fair Housing and Real Estate Advertising Rules by State (All 50)

Quick answer: Federal fair housing law is the floor in every state. 37 states and DC add protected classes, and many cities add more. Each state also sets its own advertising rules, like where the brokerage name goes and how team names work. Agents licensed in two states follow both. Use the table to compare, then read your state’s section.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws and commission rules change often. Last reviewed: September 30, 2026. Confirm anything you act on with your state real estate commission, your broker of record or an attorney.

For the federal rules that apply everywhere, including words to avoid and Meta and Google ad targeting, start with Fair Housing Rules for Real Estate Social Media and Ads.

On this page: Source of income · Compare states · Licensed in two states · Key takeaways

What source of income means

Source of income is where a person’s money for rent or a mortgage comes from. In states and cities that protect it, a landlord or agent cannot turn someone away, or write an ad that discourages them, because of that source. It covers things like:

Housing vouchers, such as Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program), where a government program pays part of the rent
Government benefits, such as Social Security, disability (SSI) or veterans benefits
Child support, alimony and other lawful income that is not a paycheck

It matters most for rentals, and it is where many agents slip up. It is not one of the 7 federal classes, so it is easy to miss. In a state or city that protects it:

Ad wording	Risk
“No Section 8” or “No vouchers”	Unlawful
“Must be employed” or “3x rent from employment”	Risky: excludes people whose income comes from benefits
“Income must be 3x rent”	Usually fine when applied to everyone. Some states count only the tenant’s share of the rent for voucher holders

Compare all 50 states and DC

Every state has a card. The tags show the basics at a glance, and opening a card shows the full details and links. Search for a state, or filter the list.

Added classes: the state protects more groups than the 7 federal classes.
Source of income: protected statewide (Yes), in part, such as vouchers or public assistance (Partly), or not statewide (No). Cities may add it.
2nd license: No exam for licensees of most states. State exam means licensees from any state skip the national exam and usually prelicensing, then pass the state portion. Partner states means agreements with specific states, often for their residents only. Full exam means the state’s full exam. Check means the path varies or we could not confirm it.
EHO logo: no state requires it in every ad. Georgia and Virginia guidance says ads should include it. Details are in each card.

ALAlabamaAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Alabama Fair Housing Law, Ala. Code § 24-8-1 et seq. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Birmingham's 2017 nondiscrimination ordinance adds sexual orientation and gender identity, and it reaches housing.
Advertising: Ala. Code § 34-27-36(a)(15) requires every ad to prominently show the brokerage name or qualifying broker's name exactly as licensed, not abbreviated. AREC guidance says every social media advertising post needs that name. On Instagram it can go in the username or the caption. Under Ala. Admin. Code r. 790-X-3-.16, a team name must include "team" or "group" and may not use words like "company", "LLC" or "enterprise". A replacement rule effective Feb 14, 2026 carries out Act 2025-380, which requires at least 1 team member's name in each ad.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Full reciprocity with any qualifying state (prelicense education plus an exam with general and state sections). Take a 6-hour reciprocal course and pass the Alabama reciprocal exam within 6 months. The general portion is waived.

Alabama Real Estate Commission Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

AKAlaskaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Alaska Human Rights Act, AS 18.80.240. Adds marital status, changes in marital status and pregnancy. The state statute does not list familial status. Federal protections still apply.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Anchorage (AMC Title 5) adds sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age and familial status, enforced by the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission.
Advertising: 12 AAC 64.130 and related rules, plus the Commission's Dec 2020 Best Practice guidance. All advertising must include the brokerage name as registered. That covers every social media platform, internet marketing, signs, business cards and recruiting. The rule applies whether or not the licensee is on a team. No size rule found. Check with the commission.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: out-of-state licensees from any state have the national exam portion waived and pass the Alaska state portion only.

Alaska Real Estate Commission Alaska State Commission for Human Rights

AZArizonaAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Arizona Fair Housing Act, A.R.S. § 41-1491 et seq. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Phoenix adds sexual orientation and gender identity. Phoenix and Tucson both added source of income, but state law limits local fair housing ordinances to those passed by Jan 1, 1995, and the Attorney General found Tucson's source of income rule violates state law.
Advertising: A.A.C. R4-28-502(E) requires all advertising to show the employing broker's legal or dba name, clear, prominent and spelled out in full. Arizona REALTORS guidance says on social media the name should be visible at the top of the profile without scrolling. ADRE Substantive Policy Statement 2025.03 says the brokerage name must be larger than the team name, appear everywhere the team name appears, and the team may not look like a separate entity.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: Out-of-State License Recognition requires 1 year licensed, the Arizona state exam only and a 6-hour Contract Writing course.

Arizona Department of Real Estate Arizona Attorney General, Civil Rights Division

ARArkansasAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Arkansas Fair Housing Act, Ark. Code § 16-123-201 et seq. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Act 137 of 2015 preempts local protected classes beyond state law. Fayetteville's ordinance adding sexual orientation and gender identity was struck down by the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Advertising: AREC Regulation 10.5 and the Advertising Best Practices Guide (July 2025). Ads must use the brokerage name as recorded with AREC. The guide says the brokerage name should be at least as prominent as any licensee, team or dba name, and placed near it. For online and social media ads, the brokerage name goes on the profile or landing page, within 1 click or tap.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with AL, CO, FL, GA, IA, KS, LA, MS, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, WA and WV. Reciprocal applicants take the Arkansas law portion only. No residency requirement found.

Arkansas Real Estate Commission Arkansas Fair Housing Commission

CACaliforniaAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseFull exam

Fair housing law: Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Gov. Code § 12955. Adds gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, source of income, veteran or military status, and genetic information.
Source of income: Protected statewide. Since 2020 this includes housing vouchers and HUD-VASH.
Local rules: San Francisco Police Code Article 33 adds weight, height, place of birth and other traits.
Advertising: B&P Code § 10140.6 and 10 CCR § 2773 require the licensee's name, 8-digit DRE license number and responsible broker's identity on all first point of contact materials. DRE guidance (RE 559) treats social media posts and live streams as solicitation materials, so each needs all three. Under B&P § 10159.7, a team name must include the surname of at least 1 member with "team," "group" or "associates," and the responsible broker's identity must be as prominent as the team name. No terms that imply a separate entity.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: out-of-state licensees complete 3 college-level courses and pass the full California exam. Nonresidents also file a Consent to Service of Process (RE 234).

California Department of Real Estate California Civil Rights Department

COColoradoAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, C.R.S. § 24-34-502. Adds creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, source of income, and veteran or military status.
Source of income: Protected statewide. Covers any lawful and verifiable source, including government assistance (HB 22-1102).
Local rules: Denver adds age, military status, citizenship, immigration status, protective hairstyle and source of income.
Advertising: 4 CCR 725-1, Rule 6.10 requires all advertising to be clearly and conspicuously in the brokerage name (legal name or a trade name filed with the Commission). Advertising expressly includes social media and email signatures. Team ads must clearly and conspicuously include the brokerage name. A team name may not use terms such as Realty, Real Estate, Realtors, Company, Inc. or LLC. No size rule found beyond "clear and conspicuous."
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: licensees from any US jurisdiction with 2 or more years licensed pass the Colorado state portion only, plus a fingerprint check. No residency requirement.

Colorado Division of Real Estate Colorado Civil Rights Division

CTConnecticutAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46a-64c and 46a-81e. Adds creed, ancestry, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, lawful source of income, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, and sexual orientation.
Source of income: Protected statewide, including housing assistance, SSI, child support and public assistance.
Advertising: Regs. Conn. State Agencies § 20-328-5a, amended 2024. No ad without the broker's name, and agents may not use their own names to the exclusion of the broker's. On social media, apps, texts and email, the licensee's name must be prominent, with a link to a compliant website. Every website page must prominently show the broker's licensed name. Teams must register, and the sponsoring broker's name must appear prominently in every team ad.
EHO logo: No state requirement found for brokerage ads.
Second license: Limited agreements with AL, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MS, NE, OH, OK and RI. Applicants from FL, IL, IN and OH take the Connecticut state exam portion.

Connecticut Real Estate Commission, DCP Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities

DEDelawareAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Delaware Fair Housing Act, 6 Del. C. § 4603. Adds creed, marital status, source of income, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status and housing status.
Source of income: Protected statewide. Since 2024, government rental vouchers are covered.
Advertising: 24 Del. Admin. Code 2900, § 8.6. Ads must show the complete registered brokerage name and office phone, larger and more visible than the licensee's name. Internet ads also need the broker's main office city, state and jurisdiction of licensure, which a link can supply. Team names must include "team", "group" or "associates" and may not use "Realty", "Real Estate" or "Realtors". The brokerage name goes next to the team name and must be larger.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Open to active licensees from any state, with no residency requirement. Applicants take the 33 hour Delaware law course and pass the Delaware exam portion. Check with the commission.

Delaware Real Estate Commission Division of Human and Civil Rights

DCDistrict of ColumbiaAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: DC Human Rights Act, D.C. Code § 2-1402.21 et seq. Adds age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income and matriculation, among others.
Source of income: Protected statewide, including vouchers, subsidies and all government payments.
Advertising: 17 DCMR §§ 2609 and 2615. Ads run under broker supervision in the firm's name. No ad may run without the broker or company name and phone number, and agents may not advertise without the brokerage name and main phone number. Email, web pages, message boards and chat are expressly covered. No team-specific rule was found.
EHO logo: No requirement found for brokerage ads.
Second license: Licensure by reciprocity or endorsement for applicants from jurisdictions with at least equal standards. Applicants pass the DC exam portion, take the 3 hour DC Fair Housing course, and need 60 hours of prelicense education.

DC Real Estate Commission DC Office of Human Rights

FLFloridaAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Florida Fair Housing Act, Fla. Stat. §§ 760.20 to 760.37. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Miami-Dade County adds age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and source of income, among others. Fla. Stat. § 83.425 (2023) preempts local regulation of residential tenancies, and its effect on local source of income rules is disputed.
Advertising: Rule 61J2-10.025. Every ad must include the licensed brokerage name, and the licensee's name may not be larger than the brokerage name or logo. Online and on social media, the brokerage name goes next to, or directly above or below, the contact information. Under Rule 61J2-10.026, the team name may not be larger than the brokerage name.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with AL, AR, CT, GA, IL, KY, MS, NE, RI and WV. Applicants must be Florida nonresidents and pass the 40 question Florida law exam.

Florida Real Estate Commission Florida Commission on Human Relations

GAGeorgiaAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licenseNo exam

Fair housing law: Georgia Fair Housing Law, O.C.G.A. § 8-3-200 et seq. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Atlanta and DeKalb County have local protections that include source of income. Confirm current local rules before advertising there.
Advertising: GREC Rule 520-1-.09. The registered firm name must appear in a manner reasonably calculated to attract public attention. It must be equal or greater in size, prominence and frequency than the property name and any licensee's or team's name. Internet ads must include the registered firm name. Team leaders submit all team advertising to the broker for review. Team names must include "team" or "group" and may not use words such as Associate, Broker, Brokerage, Company, Corporation, Inc., LLC, LLP or LP.
EHO logo: State guidance says ads should include it. Georgia's fair housing advertising rule (Rule 186-2-.06) follows HUD's guidance.
Second license: Full reciprocity with every state except Florida. No exam or education is needed with a certified license history no more than 1 year old. Florida licensees pass the Georgia state exam portion.

Georgia Real Estate Commission Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity

HIHawaiiAdded classesYesSource of incomePartly2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: HRS Ch. 515, § 515-3. Adds sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, ancestry, age, and HIV infection.
Source of income: Partly protected: Section 8 and permanent supportive housing participants, since May 1, 2023. This covers ads, so "No Section 8" wording is prohibited.
Advertising: HAR § 16-99-11. All ads must include the brokerage's legal name or a trade name registered with the commission. Ads naming an individual must use the licensee's licensed name, and no information about unlicensed persons may appear. The commission applies these rules to websites and social media, including Instagram, Facebook Marketplace and TikTok. An ad with a team name plus a licensee's name must include that licensee's license number.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity. Applicants who passed the national exam section elsewhere take only the Hawaii section. Prelicense education equivalency is available.

Hawaii Real Estate Commission Hawaii Civil Rights Commission

IDIdahoAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Idaho Human Rights Act, Idaho Code 67-5909. Covers race, color, religion, sex, national origin and disability. State law omits familial status. Federal protections still apply.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Boise and Ada County have ordinances that add sexual orientation and gender identity.
Advertising: Idaho Code 54-2053 and IREC Guideline #13. All advertising of listed property must clearly and conspicuously show the broker's licensed business name. No size ratio was found. Guideline #13 counts websites, social media, email, texts, apparel and car wraps as advertising. A team name, logo or abbreviation alone does not meet the rule. The full licensed business name must appear.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: active out-of-state licensees can request an exam waiver that skips the national exam and prelicense education. They pass the Idaho state portion and submit a certified license history.

Idaho Real Estate Commission Idaho Human Rights Commission

ILIllinoisAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseCheck

Fair housing law: Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/Art. 3. Adds ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, order of protection status, unfavorable military discharge, immigration status, source of income and arrest record.
Source of income: Protected statewide.
Local rules: Chicago's Fair Housing Ordinance adds parental status, military status, source of income (vouchers included) and criminal history, among others. Cook County has similar protections.
Advertising: 225 ILCS 454/10-30 and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1450.715 and 1450.720. The sponsoring brokerage name must be at least equal in size to the team name or the licensee's name. Advertising includes social media. Team names may not use "realty," "real estate," "company," "agency," "associates," "brokers," "properties" or similar words, though the rule allows these terms when followed by the word "team." Confirm with IDFPR before using one.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: agreements ended 1/1/2026 when SB 3740 repealed §5-60. Existing reciprocal licenses remain renewable. Out-of-state brokers now apply by endorsement under §5-60.5 with a 30-hour course and an Illinois exam.

IDFPR Division of Real Estate Illinois Department of Human Rights

INIndianaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Indiana Fair Housing Act, IC 22-9.5. Adds ancestry.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Indianapolis (Code Ch. 581) adds sexual orientation, gender identity, age and veteran status. State law (IC 36-1-3-8.5) bars local governments from requiring landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers.
Advertising: 876 IAC 8-1-8. All advertising must carry the brokerage's licensed or publicly known name, clearly visible. Internet, TV or radio ads that show a broker's name must carry the brokerage name. Limited-display items such as thumbnails, texts and tweets may leave out the name if they link to a display that shows it. For team name rules, check with the commission.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: out-of-state licensees apply by endorsement and the commission reviews the home state. If approved, they take only the Indiana state portion of the exam.

Indiana Real Estate Commission Indiana Civil Rights Commission

IAIowaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Iowa Civil Rights Act, Iowa Code 216.8. Adds creed and sexual orientation. Gender identity was removed from the Act effective 7/1/2025.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: State preemption. A 2021 law (SF 252) bars local voucher mandates, and a 2026 law (SF 579) voids local protected classes broader than state law, including those in Iowa City, Des Moines, Ames and Coralville.
Advertising: Iowa Admin. Code 193E-10.1. The brokerage name must be conspicuously displayed immediately before or after the licensee's name or team name in all advertising. On a firm-owned or firm-controlled website or social media account, every page with an ad must show the registered firm or trade name in a readable font, with no abbreviations.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi and North Dakota (residents only, license earned by exam). Licensees from other states may get the national exam portion waived.

Iowa Real Estate Commission Iowa Office of Civil Rights

KSKansasAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Kansas Act Against Discrimination, K.S.A. 44-1016. Adds ancestry.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Wichita (Ordinance 51-654) adds age, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information and veteran status in housing. SB 391 (2026) bars cities and counties from requiring landlords to accept vouchers and voids existing ordinances as of 7/1/2026.
Advertising: K.A.R. 86-3-7. The brokerage name must be at least half the font size of the licensee name or team name. Online and on social media, the brokerage name must be adjacent to the licensee name or team name. Team names may not use "realty," "brokerage," "company" or similar words, and may not be more than twice the size of the brokerage name.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: out-of-state licensees skip the Principles course and national exam, then take the 30-hour Kansas Practice course and the Kansas state exam. Brokers also take a 4-hour Kansas Law course. K.S.A. 48-3406 exempts new residents with 2+ years of active license, plus military members and spouses.

Kansas Real Estate Commission Kansas Human Rights Commission

KYKentuckyAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Kentucky Civil Rights Act, KRS 344.360. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Louisville Metro adds age, sexual orientation and gender identity. HB 18 (2024) voids local voucher ordinances, including Louisville's source of income protection.
Advertising: 201 KAR 11:105. All ads must include the full registered brokerage name, or the principal broker's full name marked as principal broker. No size ratio was found. For internet, social media and digital ads, every individually viewable page or post counts as a separate ad. A team name needs the principal broker's written approval, and the principal broker must notify KREC of the team name and team leader first. KREC has a memo on using "Realty" or "Real Estate" in team names.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee (minimum licensure period plus a 40-hour reciprocal law course), and an MOU with Ohio. Licensees from any state can use license recognition: pass the Kentucky state law exam, with a background check and license history certification.

Kentucky Real Estate Commission Kentucky Commission on Human Rights

LALouisianaAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act, La. R.S. 51:2601 et seq. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: New Orleans (City Code Ch. 86) adds creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status and age.
Advertising: LAC 46:LXVII, Ch. 25. All ads must show the sponsoring broker's name and phone number, "conspicuous, discernible and easily identifiable." Internet ads must also show the licensee's name. Team names need the sponsoring broker's written approval and may not be deceptively similar to another business name.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, for legal residents of those states. License for license, same type only.

Louisiana Real Estate Commission Louisiana Attorney General, Fair Housing

MEMaineAdded classesYesSource of incomePartly2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Maine Human Rights Act, 5 M.R.S. §4581 and §4581-A. Adds sexual orientation or gender identity, and ancestry.
Source of income: Partly protected: landlords may not refuse to rent to public assistance recipients, including housing subsidy and voucher holders.
Advertising: Real Estate Commission Rules Ch. 410, §1. The agency's licensed trade name or legal name must be displayed "prominently." In internet and social media ads, it must appear prominently or be "readily accessible." The designated broker authorizes team names, and a team name is a service mark the agency must own and control.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Full reciprocity with licensees of any state under 32 M.R.S. §3257. Applicants need an active license in good standing, a certificate of licensure, and a pass on the Maine law exam.

Maine Real Estate Commission Maine Human Rights Commission

MDMarylandAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Md. Code, State Gov't § 20-705. Adds marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income and military status.
Source of income: Protected statewide.
Local rules: Montgomery County adds ancestry, age and family responsibilities. Baltimore City adds ancestry, age and HIV/AIDS status.
Advertising: COMAR 09.11.02.01. Ads must carry the brokerage name as licensed. Electronic ads show required disclosures on the first 25% of the main page, or 1 click away when the medium allows 280 characters or fewer. Team ads need the full brokerage name "in a meaningful and conspicuous way," a team member's name and the broker's phone number. Team names may not use "Real Estate" or "Realty." The team name must connect directly to the brokerage name, with only "of," "from," "with" or "at" between them. Teams notify the Commission by email before advertising, and team leaders take a supervision course within 90 days.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. Other states use license recognition, with the Maryland state exam required.

Maryland Real Estate Commission Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

MAMassachusettsAdded classesYesSource of incomePartly2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: M.G.L. c. 151B § 4. Adds age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military and veteran status, public assistance or rental subsidy, and children.
Source of income: Partly protected: public assistance, rental vouchers and housing subsidies such as Section 8.
Local rules: Boston adds rental assistance and military status. Cambridge adds source of income, among others.
Advertising: 254 CMR 3.00(9). All ads must include the broker's name, placed conspicuously. The Board counts social media as advertising. A team name may be used if the brokerage is clearly identified, but may not use "realty" or "real estate."
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with 13 states. Applicants who passed a partner state's exam skip the Massachusetts exam. Others get an education waiver and take the exam. Check with the Board for the current list.

Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

MIMichiganAdded classesYesSource of incomePartly2nd licenseCheck

Fair housing law: Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.2101 et seq. Adds age, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and source of income for rentals. Disability falls under the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act.
Source of income: Partly protected: rentals from landlords with 5 or more units, since April 2, 2025.
Local rules: Ann Arbor covers source of income. Detroit adds public benefit status.
Advertising: MCL 339.2512e. Any ad naming an agent or team must show the employing broker's business name in equal or greater type size, plus the broker's phone number or street address. LARA measures size by block height. Font and color may differ. Social media follows the same rule.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: LARA reviews out-of-state licensees case by case and may waive part of the 40-hour course or the exam.

LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing Michigan Department of Civil Rights

MNMinnesotaAdded classesYesSource of incomePartly2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minn. Stat. § 363A.09. Adds creed, marital status, status regarding public assistance, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Source of income: Partly protected: status regarding public assistance. Refusing Section 8 vouchers is not banned statewide.
Local rules: Minneapolis bans refusing voucher holders, upheld by the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2025. St. Paul adds age and ancestry.
Advertising: Minn. Stat. § 82.69. All ads must display the brokerage name "clearly and conspicuously." The old size rule was removed in 2019. A team name needs the primary broker's authorization. Minn. R. ch. 2805 requires licensees to identify as a broker or agent in ads.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma, plus Wisconsin for brokers. Applicants must live in and be licensed in the partner state.

Minnesota Department of Commerce Minnesota Department of Human Rights

MSMississippiAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: No general state fair housing act. Miss. Code § 43-33-723 covers only housing assisted by the Mississippi Home Corporation. Federal protections still apply, and complaints go to HUD.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Jackson's 2016 nondiscrimination ordinance adds sexual orientation and gender identity, including in housing.
Advertising: MREC Rules, Title 30 Part 1601. Ads must be in the name of the principal broker or firm, and that name must be conspicuous, discernible and easily identifiable. The brokerage name must be the same size or larger than any licensee or team name. Advertising includes social media, blogs, texts and email. Teams must be approved, the team name must sit near the brokerage name, and the broker's phone number must be shown prominently. Amendments to the rules were proposed in 2026. Check with the commission for the current text.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements, decided case by case. MREC can waive the exam if the other state's exam is equivalent and that state gives Mississippi licensees the same treatment. No residency requirement.

Mississippi Real Estate Commission HUD Office of Fair Housing, Mississippi

MOMissouriAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Missouri Human Rights Act, RSMo § 213.040. Adds ancestry.
Source of income: Not protected statewide. HB 595 (effective Aug. 28, 2025) also bars cities and counties from protecting it.
Local rules: St. Louis adds sexual orientation and gender identity. The source of income protections in St. Louis and Kansas City are preempted by HB 595.
Advertising: 20 CSR 2250-8.070. Ads must run under the broker's supervision and in the broker's or firm's name. If a licensee's name or phone number appears, the brokerage name and phone number must appear too. No size or prominence rule found. A team name may not suggest a separate company, such as "realty," "brokerage" or "company," unless it includes the affiliated broker's name.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: out-of-state salespersons pass the Missouri state exam portion and take the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice course. Brokers need 24 of the last 30 months licensed and pass the state broker exam portion. No residency requirement.

Missouri Real Estate Commission Missouri Commission on Human Rights

MTMontanaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Montana Human Rights Act, MCA § 49-2-305. Adds creed, age and marital status.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Missoula (2010) and Bozeman (2014) add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. No state preemption found.
Advertising: ARM 24.210.641. An ad must disclose the licensee's name and show that it comes from a licensee or brokerage. No size or prominence rule found. ARM 24.210.430 covers websites, blogs, video and social media. Every Internet ad needs licensee identification, and a banner ad may link to a page that has it. No team name rule found.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: licensees of any state can use the out-of-state waiver process. The national exam portion is waived and the Montana state portion must be passed. No residency requirement. Check with the board on education.

Montana Board of Realty Regulation Montana Human Rights Bureau

NENebraskaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseNo exam

Fair housing law: Nebraska Fair Housing Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 20-301 et seq. Adds military or veteran status.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Omaha adds sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age and creed. Lincoln adds ancestry and marital status, and voters added source of income in May 2025. That law is in effect while a lawsuit is pending.
Advertising: 299 NAC Ch. 2. The brokerage name must be conspicuous, discernible and easily identifiable. It must sit next to any agent or team name and be similar or more prominent. On social media, the brokerage name must be on the first public-facing page, with no "one click away" allowance. Audio must say the brokerage name, and video must say or show it prominently. Team names must include "team" or "group" and may not use words like Realtors, Company, Inc. or LLC.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: licensees of any state can get license recognition with no exam. The license must be from the applicant's home state. A fingerprint check and a recent license history are required.

Nebraska Real Estate Commission Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission

NVNevadaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: NRS 118.100. Adds sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and ancestry.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Clark County added lawful source of income, including vouchers, in 2020 by emergency ordinance. Check with the county on whether it is still in force. No state preemption found.
Advertising: NRS 645.315 and NAC 645.610. Every ad must include the licensee's license number and the brokerage name. Salespersons may not advertise under their own name alone. The brokerage name must be clearly identified with prominence, judged by type style, size, color and placement. The rules apply to Internet and social media ads. Under NAC 645.611, a team may use "team" or "group" if the name is not a deceptively similar trade name, the team has more than 1 licensee, and all members work under the same broker.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements for the salesperson license only. The national exam portion is waived and the Nevada state portion must be passed. Check with the Division for the current list of qualifying states.

Nevada Real Estate Division Nevada Equal Rights Commission

NHNew HampshireAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: RSA 354-A:10. Adds age, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Advertising: RSA 331-A:16, IV and RSA 331-A:26, X. Ads must include the licensee's legal name and the brokerage name (or the principal broker's name), and the brokerage name must be clearly identifiable. Names must match the Commission's records. The rules cover all electronic media, email and the Internet. Limited electronic media can meet the rule with a link to a page that has the required information. If an ad gives a direct contact for a licensee or team, it must also include the brokerage name and phone number. No team name rule found. Changes to Rea 300 were proposed in 2026. Check with the commission for the current text.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Full reciprocity with licensees of any state by endorsement, since Aug. 27, 2023. Applicants pass the New Hampshire state exam portion. Broker applicants need at least 1 year licensed elsewhere. No residency requirement.

New Hampshire Real Estate Commission New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights

NJNew JerseyAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseFull exam

Fair housing law: New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), N.J.S.A. 10:5-12. Adds creed, nationality, ancestry, pregnancy or breastfeeding, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital, civil union and domestic partnership status, liability for military service, and source of lawful income.
Source of income: Protected statewide. It covers vouchers, rental subsidies, SSI, child support, alimony and other benefits. Ads may not refuse or limit vouchers.
Advertising: N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.1. Broker ads use the business name on record with the Commission. Salesperson ads show the licensee's name and the brokerage name, and the brokerage name must be larger or more prominent than the licensee's name (business cards excepted). The rule applies to electronic media, including social media. For team name placement, check with the commission.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity: out-of-state licensees must pass the full New Jersey exam. Salespersons with 75 or more hours of out-of-state prelicensing education can seek an education waiver. Brokers licensed full-time for 3 years can have 90 of the 150 broker hours waived.

New Jersey Real Estate Commission NJ Division on Civil Rights

NMNew MexicoAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: New Mexico Human Rights Act, NMSA 28-1-7(G). Adds ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, and spousal affiliation. The housing subsection does not list familial status. Federal protections still apply.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Albuquerque added source of income, including Section 8 vouchers, in 2022. Santa Fe protects source of income, including vouchers, for renters and buyers since Aug 1, 2025.
Advertising: 16.61.32 NMAC. Qualifying broker ads show the brokerage trade name and office phone number as registered with the Commission. Associate broker ads show the brokerage trade name and phone number in type at least 33% the size of the associate broker's name, or of the team name in team ads (16.61.32.8).
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with Georgia, Louisiana and Massachusetts. Licensees from those states skip prelicensing and both exam portions. Brokers from other states can have the national portion waived but take the 30-hour Broker Basics course and pass the state portion. Check with the commission on residency.

New Mexico Real Estate Commission NM Human Rights Bureau

NYNew YorkAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseFull exam

Fair housing law: New York State Human Rights Law, Executive Law § 296(5). Adds age, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, lawful source of income, citizenship or immigration status, and status as a domestic violence victim.
Source of income: Protected statewide, including vouchers.
Local rules: The New York City Human Rights Law adds more classes, such as height, weight, lawful occupation and partnership status.
Advertising: 19 NYCRR 175.25. Ads use the name exactly as licensed and identify the brokerage with its address or phone. Social media posts count as ads and must show the licensed name, license type, brokerage name, and office address or phone. A team name must include the word "team" and may not use "realty", "group", "associate(s)" or names of unlicensed people. It must include members' full licensed names or be followed by "at" or "of" plus the full brokerage name.
EHO logo: No state requirement found. Licensee and team websites must link to the state fair housing notice on the homepage, and the Housing and Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form is due at first substantive contact (19 NYCRR 175.28).
Second license: No reciprocity: all agreements ended Dec 21, 2022. Out-of-state licensees can request an education waiver but must pass the New York exam.

NY Department of State, Division of Licensing Services NYS Division of Human Rights

NCNorth CarolinaAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: North Carolina State Fair Housing Act, N.C.G.S. Chapter 41A. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Durham and Greensboro fair housing ordinances add sexual orientation and gender identity. Orange County's Civil Rights Ordinance adds sexual orientation, gender identity, age and more.
Advertising: 21 NCAC 58A .0105. Ads need broker-in-charge consent and must include the firm name. On social media, the firm name must appear in the post itself, visible without clicking. There is no one-click allowance. Under 21 NCAC 58A .0120(d), brokers may not promote their services in a way that discriminates on any protected class.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity since 2012: licensees from any state skip prelicensing and pass only the North Carolina state section of the exam. Since July 1, 2023, they must also complete North Carolina continuing education.

North Carolina Real Estate Commission NC Office of Administrative Hearings, Civil Rights Division

NDNorth DakotaAdded classesYesSource of incomePartly2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act, N.D.C.C. ch. 14-02.5. Adds age, marital status and status with respect to public assistance. State housing programs also may not deny or evict applicants or tenants for being victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking.
Source of income: Partly protected: receipt of public assistance.
Local rules: Grand Forks bans rental housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (2013 ordinance).
Advertising: N.D. Admin. Code 70-02-03-02.1. Ads must use the brokerage trade name as licensed, equal to or greater than the name of any salesperson, associate broker or team in size and visibility. Ads must show how to contact the brokerage. Advertising covers any means of communication, including social media. Teams may not advertise in a way that suggests the team is an independent brokerage. Rule changes went to hearing on July 9, 2026, so check with the commission for current text.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with Georgia, Iowa and Minnesota. Applicants must primarily reside in that state and hold a current license there in good standing, certified by their home commission.

North Dakota Real Estate Commission ND Department of Labor and Human Rights

OHOhioAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Ohio Civil Rights Act, R.C. 4112.02(H). Adds ancestry and military status.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Columbus added source of income, including housing vouchers (Ordinance 0494-2021). Cuyahoga County's 2018 human rights ordinance adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
Advertising: OAC 1301:5-1-02. The brokerage name must be at least as prominent as the salesperson's name in all advertising the licensee owns or directly controls, including websites. An approved trade name must appear exactly as licensed. Advertising includes social media and blogs, and internet ads must show the brokerage name on every viewable page. Under OAC 1301:5-1-21, the brokerage name must be at least as prominent as the team name.
EHO logo: No state requirement found. Ohio requires its own Anti-Discrimination Disclosure form in transactions.
Second license: Limited agreements with Kentucky (effective April 25, 2025). Kentucky licensees skip prelicensing but pass the Ohio law portion of the exam. For other states, check with the commission.

Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing Ohio Civil Rights Commission

OKOklahomaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Oklahoma Fair Housing Law, 25 O.S. 1451 et seq. (section 1452). Adds age. The Attorney General's list of housing bases also includes pregnancy.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Tulsa adds ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity. Norman adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
Advertising: OAC 605:10-9-4. Ads run under the brokerage's licensed trade name and include the broker's reference. On social media, licensees show their license status and the broker's reference. No ads under the team name alone. The broker's reference must be prominent and at least 50% of the size of any team reference. The team name must be broker-approved, unique in Oklahoma, and registered with the Commission before use.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements with AL, AR, IA, LA, MD, NE, ND and SD. Nonresidents generally pass the state exam portion, take Oklahoma-specific CE and keep an Oklahoma registered agent.

Oklahoma Real Estate Commission Oklahoma Attorney General, Office of Civil Rights Enforcement

OROregonAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseFull exam

Fair housing law: ORS 659A.421. Adds sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status and source of income.
Source of income: Protected statewide, including Section 8 and other housing assistance.
Advertising: OAR 863-015-0125. The registered business name must be prominent and conspicuous in all ads. For social media, a "one-click" rule lets the required information sit on the page the ad links to. "Team" or "group" may be used in a team name if it is not a deceptive trade name. Under HB 3137 (2025), the managing principal broker approves each team, teams give clients a written team disclosure, and team names may not use "realty" or "real estate." Enforcement of that name ban starts July 1, 2027.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited. Out-of-state licensees generally pass the full Oregon exam, and some education may be waived. Check with the commission for current partner states.

Oregon Real Estate Agency

PAPennsylvaniaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Adds ancestry, age (40 and over), and use, handling or training of support or guide animals. A 2023 PHRC regulation reads "sex" to include sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Philadelphia has its own fair housing ordinance. Check it for classes beyond state law.
Advertising: 49 Pa. Code 35.305. A brokerage advertises only under the business name on its license. Ads by salespersons and associate brokers must include the employing broker's business name and phone number, of equal size with the licensee's name and number. Commission guidance says a team name must use a team member's licensed name (for example "Benjamin Franklin Team"), not a made-up name, and team ads list all members, except on business cards. Unlicensed staff may not be shown as team members.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Limited agreements, including Maryland. Licensees who meet their home state's CE do not need Pennsylvania CE. Pennsylvania no longer issues new licenses based on a New York license.

Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

RIRhode IslandAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, R.I.G.L. 34-37. Adds sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, lawful source of income, military and veteran status, country of ancestral origin, age, and status as a victim of domestic abuse.
Source of income: Protected statewide. Owner-occupied buildings of 3 units or fewer are exempt.
Advertising: Check with the commission for the brokerage name, team name and social media rules.
EHO logo: No state requirement found. Check with the commission.
Second license: Limited agreements with Connecticut and Massachusetts, for residents of those states with an active license. Applicants file a reciprocal application, an E&O insurance certificate and a letter of good standing, and take Rhode Island's 3-hour lead hazard course.

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Real Estate

SCSouth CarolinaAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licensePartner states

Fair housing law: South Carolina Fair Housing Law, S.C. Code § 31-21-10 et seq. Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Columbia's fair housing ordinance adds age and sexual orientation.
Advertising: S.C. Code § 40-57-135 requires the full brokerage firm name in every ad. Online and electronic ads can meet this with a link to the firm's home page. Team ads must show the team name and the full firm name in a conspicuous way. From May 15, 2027 (§ 40-57-360), team names must end in "team at [firm name]" and may be no more than twice the size, prominence or frequency of the firm name.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Reciprocal agreements with Georgia and North Carolina let those licensees skip SC pre-license courses. North Carolina licensees pass the SC state portion of the exam. Licensees from other states take the 60-hour and 30-hour SC courses. Check with the commission.

SC Real Estate Commission SC Human Affairs Commission

SDSouth DakotaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: South Dakota Human Relations Act, SDCL ch. 20-13 (§ 20-13-20). Adds creed and ancestry.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Sioux Falls handles housing complaints under City Ordinance ch. 98, which covers the same classes as state law.
Advertising: SDCL 36-21A-72: every ad must clearly state the name of the licensee's firm and disclose that the services come from a licensee. Team ads must name the affiliated brokerage, identify any unlicensed people shown, and must not suggest the team offers brokerage services on its own.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity agreements. A licensee who passed the exam in another state can get a similar South Dakota license by passing only the South Dakota state portion of the exam and sending a license history certificate from each state where licensed.

South Dakota Real Estate Commission SD Division of Human Rights

TNTennesseeAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Tennessee Human Rights Act, T.C.A. § 4-21-601. Adds creed.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Advertising: Under TREC Rule 1260-02-.12, the principal broker supervises all ads, and each ad must show the firm name and firm phone number on file with the Commission. The firm name must be the same size or larger than any licensee or team name. On social media, the firm name and phone number must be no more than 1 click away. Teams may not use terms such as "Realty," "LLC" or "Associates" that suggest a brokerage separate from the firm.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Tennessee offers no reciprocal license. A licensee from another state may use their education, national exam portion and experience in place of Tennessee's, then must pass the Tennessee state portion of the exam.

Tennessee Real Estate Commission Tennessee Human Rights Commission

TXTexasAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Texas Fair Housing Act, Tex. Prop. Code ch. 301 (§ 301.021). Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide. Tex. Local Gov't Code § 250.007 bars cities and counties from requiring landlords to accept federal housing vouchers, with an exception for veterans.
Local rules: Austin (City Code ch. 5-1) adds creed, student status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age and source of income. Its voucher coverage is limited by § 250.007.
Advertising: Every ad must show the broker's name at least half the size of the largest contact information for any associated agent (22 TAC 535.155). On social media, the broker information may sit on the profile. Team names must be registered with TREC and end in "Team" or "Group" (22 TAC 535.154). "Realty" is allowed in a team name only if the name still ends in "Team" or "Group," and a team leader must be a written delegated supervisor reported to TREC.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity. An out-of-state license does not replace Texas pre-license education. An active license from a state in ARELLO's national exam accreditation can exempt you from the national portion, so you take only the Texas state portion.

Texas Real Estate Commission TWC Civil Rights Division

UTUtahAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Utah Fair Housing Act, Utah Code § 57-21-1 et seq. (classes listed in § 57-21-5). Adds source of income, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Source of income: Protected statewide. The statute defines it as receiving federal, state or local assistance, including rental assistance or rent supplements.
Local rules: The state act supersedes and preempts local ordinances on housing discrimination (Utah Code § 57-21-2.5).
Advertising: Ads must clearly and conspicuously show the brokerage name (Utah Admin. Code R162-2f-401h). An electronic ad that cannot reasonably show it must link directly to a display naming the brokerage. A team or group that is not a registered brokerage must state the registered brokerage name in all advertising.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: Reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Mississippi and Alberta only. Active licensees from other states can request an education waiver that may drop some prelicensing hours and the national exam portion. The Utah state portion is still required.

Utah Division of Real Estate Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division

VTVermontAdded classesYesSource of incomePartly2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act, 9 V.S.A. ch. 139 (classes listed in § 4503). Adds age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, immigration status, receipt of public assistance and status as a victim of abuse or sexual assault.
Source of income: Partly protected: receipt of public assistance, which 9 V.S.A. § 4501 defines to include housing assistance.
Advertising: Administrative Rules of the Vermont Real Estate Commission, Rule 4.12. Every ad, including internet, email and electronic media, must conspicuously display the firm's registered name as it appears on its OPR registration. That name must be the most prominent and largest identifier, larger than the agent's name, phone number, team name and web address.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity. Licensees in good standing with 3 or more years of continuous practice in another U.S. jurisdiction can use Fast Track Endorsement. The Vermont state exam is still required and is taken inside the application.

Vermont Real Estate Commission (OPR)Vermont Human Rights Commission

VAVirginiaAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Virginia Fair Housing Law, Va. Code § 36-96.1 et seq. (§ 36-96.3). Adds elderliness, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity and military status.
Source of income: Protected statewide as "source of funds," including housing vouchers. Owners of 4 or fewer rental units in Virginia are exempt (§ 36-96.2).
Local rules: Arlington County's human rights ordinance (County Code ch. 31) adds marital status in housing.
Advertising: 18VAC135-20-190: the firm's licensed name must be clear and legible in all ads. Since April 1, 2026, every ad, social posts included, must show the firm name and office contact information, and the one-click rule is gone. Teams follow the same rules, and a team name must not suggest a separate brokerage. Every real estate team must hold a business entity salesperson license from the Real Estate Board (Va. Code § 54.1-2106.1).
EHO logo: State guidance says ads should include it.
Second license: No reciprocity. Out-of-state licensees pass only the Virginia state portion of the exam. Salespersons also show a 60-hour principles course; brokers show experience and 180 hours of broker education.

Virginia Real Estate Board Virginia Fair Housing Office

WAWashingtonAdded classesYesSource of incomeYes2nd licenseCheck

Fair housing law: Washington Law Against Discrimination, RCW 49.60 (real estate practices in RCW 49.60.222). Adds creed, marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, and use of a trained dog guide or service animal. Check with the Human Rights Commission for any recent additions.
Source of income: Protected statewide under RCW 59.18.255.
Local rules: Seattle's open housing ordinance (SMC ch. 14.08) adds more classes, including age, political ideology and alternative source of income. Seattle also limits the use of criminal records in housing under SMC ch. 14.09.
Advertising: WAC 308-124B-210. The firm's licensed name must appear prominently in ads. Department of Licensing guidelines bar "realty," "realtors," "firm," "real estate," "Inc.," "LLC" and "Corp." in team names unless the name is licensed as the firm's assumed name, and caution against "specialist" claims without the background to back them. Check with the Department for social media details.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity found. Out-of-state licensees should check with the Department of Licensing on education credit and which exam portions apply.

Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Washington State Human Rights Commission

WVWest VirginiaAdded classesYesSource of incomeNo2nd licenseCheck

Fair housing law: West Virginia Fair Housing Act, W. Va. Code § 5-11A-1 et seq. (discrimination section § 5-11A-5). Adds ancestry and blindness, which the law lists apart from disability.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Advertising: Advertising rules sit in the Real Estate Commission's legislative rules (Title 174 CSR). Plan to show the brokerage name in every ad. For the exact rule, any size or prominence rule, social media rules and team name rules, check with the commission.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity terms confirmed for this guide. Out-of-state licensees should check with the commission on education credit and exam requirements.

West Virginia Real Estate Commission West Virginia Human Rights Commission

WIWisconsinAdded classesYesSource of incomePartly2nd licenseCheck

Fair housing law: Wisconsin Open Housing Law, Wis. Stat. § 106.50. Adds ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, lawful source of income, and status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking. Gender identity is not listed in the statute. Federal protections still apply.
Source of income: Partly protected: lawful source of income is covered. Whether housing vouchers are covered is less clear, so check with the Equal Rights Division.
Advertising: Wis. Admin. Code REEB 24.04 requires the firm name in ads. For size or prominence rules, social media rules and team name rules, check with the Real Estate Examining Board.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity found. Out-of-state licensees should check with DSPS on which exam portions and education requirements apply.

Wisconsin Real Estate Examining Board (DSPS)Wisconsin DWD Equal Rights Division

WYWyomingAdded classesNoSource of incomeNo2nd licenseState exam

Fair housing law: Wyoming Fair Housing Act, Wyo. Stat. § 40-26-101 et seq. (§ 40-26-103). Same seven classes as federal law.
Source of income: Not protected statewide.
Local rules: Laramie (2015) and Jackson (2018) bar housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Advertising: Ads must include the real estate company name the licensee is licensed under, displayed conspicuously so the public can easily identify it (Wyo. Stat. § 33-28-119). Social media and team name rules: Check with the commission.
EHO logo: No state requirement found.
Second license: No reciprocity. If you hold an active license in another state, you skip the national exam. You complete the Wyoming Law Course and Salesperson II Course and pass the Wyoming state exam.

Wyoming Real Estate Commission Wyoming Attorney General

Licensed in two states

Many teams work across a state line: Charlotte and Rock Hill, Augusta and Aiken, Kansas City, the DC area. Each state where an agent practices needs its own license, and each license comes with that state’s rules.

How the second license works. A few states offer true reciprocity, where the home license carries over with little or no testing. Georgia is the clearest example, with no exam for licensees of every state except Florida. Most states use license recognition instead: out-of-state licensees skip the national exam and usually prelicensing, then pass the state portion. Some states limit agreements to specific partner states and their residents.

North and South Carolina. South Carolina has reciprocal agreements with Georgia and North Carolina, and North Carolina licensees pass the South Carolina state portion of the exam. Going the other way, North Carolina has had no reciprocity since 2012. Licensees from any state pass the North Carolina state section, and since July 1, 2023, they also complete North Carolina continuing education.

Other border pairs:

Ohio and Kentucky signed a license recognition agreement in 2025.
Rhode Island issues reciprocal licenses to residents of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
New York and New Jersey have no reciprocity. New York ended all agreements in 2022.
Florida has mutual recognition with 10 states for nonresidents, who pass a 40 question Florida law exam.

Advertising across a state line. An ad that reaches buyers in two states should meet both states’ rules. Build templates to the stricter one. If one state wants the brokerage name in every post and the other allows it on the profile, put it in every post.

Key takeaways

Federal fair housing law applies everywhere. 37 states and DC add classes, and cities often add more.
Source of income is protected statewide in 13 states and DC and partly in 8 more. “No Section 8” is a risky line almost anywhere.
Brokerage name rules differ most on social media. Some states want it in each post, others on the profile.
A second license is easier than it looks in most states: skip the national exam, pass the state portion.
Agents licensed in two states should build templates to the stricter state’s rules.
Rules change. Check the commission before you rely on any single line here.

Sources

Every state card links to its real estate commission and civil rights agency. The primary sources behind each card are listed below.

Show sources for all 50 states and DC

Alabama: Alabama Real Estate Commission, social media advertising guidance · Ala. Admin. Code r. 790-X-3-.16 (teams) · Ala. Admin. Code r. 790-X-1-.18 (reciprocity)
Alaska: AS 18.80.240 · Alaska Real Estate Commission, Best Practice Advertising · Alaska Real Estate Commission, Exam Information
Arizona: A.A.C. R4-28-502 (advertising) · ADRE Substantive Policy Statement 2025.03 (teams) · ADRE, Out-of-State License Recognition
Arkansas: Arkansas Real Estate Commission, Advertising Best Practices Guide (July 2025) · Arkansas Real Estate Commission, Reciprocal States · Ark. Code § 16-123-310
California: Cal. Gov. Code § 12955 · California DRE, RE 559 advertising guidance · Cal. B&P Code § 10159.7 (teams)
Colorado: Colorado Real Estate Commission, 4 CCR 725-1 Rule 6.10 · C.R.S. § 24-34-502 · Colorado Division of Real Estate, broker license application requirements
Connecticut: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64c · Connecticut DCP, 2024 Changes to Real Estate Advertising · Connecticut DCP, License Reciprocity for Real Estate Licensing
Delaware: Delaware Code, 6 Del. C. § 4603 · Delaware Real Estate Commission, 24 Del. Admin. Code 2900 · Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Real Estate Salesperson
District of Columbia: DC Office of Human Rights, Protected Traits · 17 DCMR § 2615, Advertising · 17 DCMR § 2611, Reciprocity
Florida: Florida Statutes, Chapter 760 · Florida Real Estate Commission, Rule 61J2-10.025 · Florida Real Estate Commission, Mutual Recognition States
Georgia: Georgia Real Estate Commission, Advertising Rules at a Glance (Rule 520-1-.09) · Georgia Real Estate Commission, Reciprocity for Real Estate Licensees · Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity, Rule 186-2-.06
Hawaii: Hawaii Revised Statutes § 515-3 · Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Source of Income Discrimination · Hawaii Real Estate Commission, Exam and Licensing
Idaho: Idaho Code 67-5909 · Idaho Real Estate Commission, Guideline #13 · Idaho Real Estate Commission, exam waiver
Illinois: Illinois Department of Human Rights, housing rights · 225 ILCS 454/10-30 · 225 ILCS 454/5-60.5
Indiana: Indiana Civil Rights Commission, laws and regulations · Indiana Real Estate Commission, 876 IAC 8-1-8 · Indiana Real Estate Commission, licensing information
Iowa: Iowa Office of Civil Rights, protected classes · Iowa Admin. Code 193E-10.1 · Iowa DIAL, reciprocity licensing
Kansas: K.S.A. 44-1016 · Kansas Real Estate Commission, K.A.R. 86-3-7 · Kansas Real Estate Commission, salesperson requirements
Kentucky: Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, FAQs · Kentucky Real Estate Commission, 201 KAR 11:105 · Kentucky Real Estate Commission, reciprocity
Louisiana: Louisiana Legislature, La. R.S. 51:2601 et seq. · Louisiana Admin. Code tit. 46, LXVII §2515 · Louisiana Real Estate Commission, Reciprocal Licensing
Maine: Maine Legislature, 5 M.R.S. §4581-A · Maine Real Estate Commission Rules, Ch. 410 §1 · Maine Real Estate Commission, Reciprocal Licensing FAQ
Maryland: Maryland Code, State Gov’t § 20-705 · COMAR 09.11.02.01 · Maryland Real Estate Commission, Team Advertising Guidance
Massachusetts: M.G.L. c. 151B § 4 · Massachusetts Board of Registration, Real Estate Teams FAQ · Mass.gov, Apply for Reciprocity
Michigan: Michigan Legislature, MCL 339.2512e · Michigan Public Act 178 of 2024 · LARA, Real Estate FAQs
Minnesota: Minnesota Statutes, § 363A.09 · Minnesota Statutes, § 82.69 · Minnesota Department of Commerce, Real Estate Applications
Mississippi: Mississippi Real Estate Commission, Rules and Regulations (Rule 3.3) · Mississippi Real Estate Commission, License Law 2026 · HUD, Mississippi
Missouri: Missouri Revisor of Statutes, RSMo § 213.040 · Missouri Real Estate Commission, 20 CSR 2250-8.070 · Missouri Real Estate Commission, Nonresident Requirements
Montana: Montana Code Annotated, MCA § 49-2-305 · Montana Board of Realty Regulation, ARM 24.210.430 · Montana Board of Realty Regulation, Salesperson License
Nebraska: Nebraska Real Estate Commission, 299 NAC Ch. 2 · Nebraska Real Estate Commission, Social Media Compliance · Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission, Nebraska Fair Housing Act
Nevada: Nevada Revised Statutes, NRS 118.100 · Nevada Administrative Code, NAC 645.610 · Nevada Administrative Code, NAC 645.611
New Hampshire: New Hampshire RSA 354-A:10 · New Hampshire RSA 331-A:26 · New Hampshire OPLC, Reciprocity Licensing
New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 10:5-12 (NJLAD) · New Jersey Real Estate Commission rule, N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.1 · NJ Division on Civil Rights, Source of Income fact sheet
New Mexico: New Mexico Real Estate Commission, 16.61.32.8 NMAC · New Mexico Real Estate Commission, 16.61.3 NMAC (license recognition) · City of Albuquerque, Source of Income Amendment
New York: NY Department of State, 19 NYCRR Part 175 · NYS Division of Human Rights, Protected Characteristics · NY Department of State, Real Estate Reciprocity
North Carolina: NC Real Estate Commission rule, 21 NCAC 58A .0105 · N.C.G.S. Chapter 41A, State Fair Housing Act · NC Real Estate Commission, Apply for a License
North Dakota: N.D.C.C. ch. 14-02.5, Housing Discrimination · North Dakota Real Estate Commission, N.D. Admin. Code 70-02-03-02.1 · North Dakota Real Estate Commission, Guidelines for Reciprocity
Ohio: Ohio Division of Real Estate, OAC 1301:5-1-02 · Ohio Revised Code 4112.02 · Ohio Division of Real Estate, OAC 1301:5-1-21 (teams)
Oklahoma: Oklahoma Statutes, 25 O.S. 1452 · Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, OAC 605:10-9-4 · Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, Nonresident Agreements
Oregon: Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 659A.421 · Oregon Real Estate Agency, OAR 863-015-0125 · Oregon Real Estate Agency, Out-of-State Licensees
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, What Housing Providers Should Know · Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission, 49 Pa. Code 35.305 · Maryland and Pennsylvania Reciprocal Agreement
Rhode Island: Rhode Island General Laws, R.I.G.L. 34-37-1 · Rhode Island General Laws, R.I.G.L. 34-37-4.6 · Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Reciprocal Salesperson Application
South Carolina: S.C. Code Title 31, Chapter 21 (Fair Housing Law) · S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 57 (Real Estate, § 40-57-135) · SC Real Estate Commission reciprocity notice (March 4, 2024)
South Dakota: SDCL 20-13-20 (unfair housing practices) · SDCL 36-21A-72 (advertising) · SD Real Estate Commission, nonresident licensing
Tennessee: THRC fair housing poster (protected classes) · TREC Rules Chapter 1260-02 (Rule .12 Advertising) · TREC Renewal, Reciprocity and Other Resources
Texas: Tex. Prop. Code § 301.021 (Texas Fair Housing Act) · TREC FAQ: out-of-state license and national exam portion · TREC social media advertising rules
Utah: Utah Code Title 57 Chapter 21, Utah Fair Housing Act (§§ 57-21-2.5, 57-21-5) · Utah Division of Real Estate, Reciprocity Agreement and Education Waivers · Utah Admin. Code R162-2f-401h, Requirements and Restrictions in Advertising
Vermont: 9 V.S.A. § 4503, Unfair housing practices · Administrative Rules of the Vermont Real Estate Commission (Rule 4.12 Advertising) · Vermont OPR Salesperson and Broker FAQs (Fast Track Endorsement, state exam)
Virginia: Va. Code § 36-96.3 (protected classes) · 18VAC135-20-190 Advertising by licensees · DPOR out-of-state licensee process
Washington: Washington Legislature, RCW 49.60.222 · Washington Legislature, RCW 59.18.255 · Washington Administrative Code, WAC 308-124B-210
West Virginia: West Virginia Code, § 5-11A-5 · West Virginia Real Estate Commission
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Statutes, § 106.50 · Wisconsin Administrative Code, REEB 24.04
Wyoming: Wyo. Stat. § 40-26-103 (Wyoming Fair Housing Act) · Wyo. Stat. § 33-28-119 (advertising, company name) · Wyoming Real Estate Commission: Obtain a License

Frequently asked questions

Which states protect source of income in housing?

As of this review, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia and Washington protect it statewide, and several more protect it in part, often public assistance or vouchers. Many cities add it too. Check the state section and your city before writing a rental ad.

Can I sell real estate in two states with one license?

No. You need a license in each state where you practice. Reciprocity and license recognition make the second license easier. Georgia, for example, waives the exam for licensees of most states, while North Carolina and many others waive education and the national exam but require the state portion.

Does North Carolina have reciprocity with South Carolina?

South Carolina has reciprocal agreements with Georgia and North Carolina, and North Carolina licensees pass the South Carolina state portion of the exam. North Carolina has had no reciprocity since 2012; licensees from any state pass the North Carolina state section and complete North Carolina continuing education.

Is the Equal Housing Opportunity logo required in my state?

We found no state that requires it in every ad. Georgia and Virginia guidance says ads should include it, and MLS rules, lenders or brokerage policy may require it. Using it is a low-cost good practice.

Do I need the brokerage name on every social media post?

It depends on the state. Some, like North Carolina, Virginia and Alabama, want the brokerage name in or on each advertising post. Others, like Texas and Arkansas, let it sit on the profile or within 1 click. Follow the stricter rule if you advertise in more than one state.

Disclaimer

The information in our Compliance guides is general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Real Estate Fractional CMO is not a law firm.

Laws, regulations, commission rules and platform policies change often and vary by state, city and country. We work to keep these guides accurate and current, but we make no warranties about their completeness, accuracy or timeliness.

You are responsible for your own marketing and compliance. Before acting on anything here, confirm it with your broker of record, your state real estate commission or a licensed attorney. Real Estate Fractional CMO and its publisher, Citrine Enterprises, LLC, are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of or reliance on this information. See our full Terms of Use.

Fair Housing and Real Estate Advertising Rules by State

What source of income means

Compare all 50 states and DC

Licensed in two states

Key takeaways

Sources

Frequently asked questions

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