Is There a Special Real Estate License for Veterans in Ohio?

Real estate is a great career path for those transitioning from military service to civilian life. After all, real estate can be extremely lucrative and allows for a flexible work schedule. In addition, you can earn your Ohio real estate license in just a few months. As a military member, you may wonder, “Is there a special real estate license for veterans?” We’ll answer this question and give insights on how to get your military veteran real estate license.

Key Takeaways

• No Special Real Estate License for Veterans: While Ohio does not offer a special real estate license for veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses can apply for a Military Temporary License if licensed in another state.
• Financial Support for Veterans: Veterans can leverage GI Bill benefits to cover real estate licensing courses and exam fees at VA-approved schools. Many schools, including Hondros College, offer military discounts (e.g., a 15% discount on pre-licensing packages).
• Additional Funding Options: Veterans can explore scholarships, grants, low-interest loans, payment plans, and employer-sponsored funding to reduce licensing costs. Bundled course packages, which include test prep and continuing education, offer further savings.
• Steps to Start a Career in Real Estate: Veterans must complete 100 hours of pre-licensing education, select a sponsoring broker, apply for a license, and pass the state and national real estate exam. Hondros College provides resources and discounts to support veterans in this career transition.

Is There a Special Real Estate License for Veterans?

No, there’s no special real estate license for veterans. However, there is a special application for active-duty military members and their spouses stationed in Ohio. If you’re licensed in another state and wish to practice in Ohio, complete the Military Temporary License Application.

Even though there’s no special real estate license for veterans, there are benefits and discounts for those obtaining a real estate license as an Ohio veteran.

Support Programs for Veterans in Real Estate

Even though there’s not a special real estate license for veterans, there are support programs for paying for your license. While there are costs associated with getting your license, you don’t need a college degree to become an agent. Most real estate licensing programs in Ohio are $2,000 to $2,500 – or less.

• GI Bill Benefits: Eligible veterans can use their GI Bill to cover real estate licensing courses and exam fees, provided the school is VA-approved. However, it’s critical that you choose a quality real estate school that will help you pass the Ohio real estate salesperson exam and succeed in the industry — even if the school does not participate in the Veteran Education Benefits Program.
• Military Discounts: Many Ohio real estate schools offer discounts for veterans. For example, Hondros College offers a 15% discount for military veterans enrolling in real estate, appraisal, home inspection, mortgage, and insurance pre-licensing packages.
• Scholarships and Grants: Local real estate associations and nonprofits may offer veteran-specific scholarships and grants.

Although not specific to military veterans, you can also use low-interest loans, payment plans, and employer-sponsored funding from real estate brokerages to help cover pre-licensing costs. Bundled course packages that include test prep materials and continuing education will also help you save money.

Steps for Veterans to Start a Real Estate Career

Here are the steps to get your real estate license in Ohio. Wondering whether it’s worth it? The median salary for Ohio real estate agents is $103,954, according to Salary.com in January 2025.

Step 1: Complete your real estate education.

Ohio requires 100 hours of pre-licensing education, covering topics like real estate principles, law, finance, and ethics. Look for schools that offer military discounts, such as Hondros College, if you’re a veteran enrolling in Ohio real estate courses.

Step 2: Select a sponsoring broker.

To activate your license, you’ll need to work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Research brokers whose values and career opportunities align with your goals. If you’re interested in serving fellow service members, mention this when you interview with brokerages.

Step 3: Submit your license application.

Apply to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive instructions on how to schedule your real estate exam.

Step 4: Pass the Ohio real estate exam.

The exam includes both state and national sections. Choose a real estate school that provides test preparation materials to boost your chances of passing on the first attempt.

For more detailed information on the steps to get your real estate license, reach out to Hondros College. We offer three affordable course packages and have a veterans real estate license program for prospective agents.