How to Transfer Your Real Estate License in Las Vegas, Nevada (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you’re a licensed real estate agent in Las Vegas, there may come a time when you decide it’s time for a change—a new brokerage, new opportunities, or simply a better cultural fit. But before you hang your license somewhere new, it’s crucial to understand the legal and procedural steps involved in transferring your real estate license in Nevada.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to transfer your real estate license in Nevada, ensuring your transition is smooth, compliant, and free of costly mistakes or downtime.
Understanding the License Transfer Process in Las Vegas (and all of Nevada)
The process for transferring your real estate license from one brokerage to another in Las Vegas—or anywhere in Nevada—is governed by:
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 645
Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 645
Rules established by the Nevada Real Estate Division (NVRED)
While the regulations apply statewide, this article highlights special considerations for Las Vegas agents, including updating your membership with the Las Vegas REALTORS® (LVR) and the local MLS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Your Real Estate License
Let’s break down exactly how to move your license to a new brokerage in Nevada. Here’s what you need to know, step by step.
1. Notify Your Current Broker
Before making any moves:
Put it in writing. Nevada law—and professional courtesy—requires that you formally notify your current broker that you intend to transfer your license.
Check internal paperwork. Many brokerages have internal release forms, exit interviews, or proprietary paperwork to complete before they’ll sign off on your transfer.
Review your Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA). Your ICA may obligate you to:
Complete pending transactions
Provide a notice period before leaving
Settle any financial obligations or reimbursements
Handling this step carefully helps maintain professionalism and avoid legal disputes over unfinished business or commissions.
2. Complete Required License Transfer Forms
Transferring your Nevada real estate license isn’t just about one form—it involves several documents that work together to update your license with the Nevada Real Estate Division (NVRED) and your REALTOR® association.
For most transfers, especially in Las Vegas, you’ll typically complete three key forms:
Form 505 – License Transfer / Activation / Inactivation Application
This is NVRED’s official form to transfer your license from one brokerage to another. It requires:Your licensee details
Your current and new brokerage information
Your new broker’s signature
A reason for your transfer
Form 504 – Real Estate License or Permit Change
This form is used for broader changes to your license record, including changing brokerages, updating names, or modifying license status. Some brokerages, like Magenta, require both Form 504 and Form 505 to ensure complete records at NVRED.LVR Transfer & Drop Notice
This is required by the Las Vegas REALTORS® (LVR) to formally notify the association of your change in brokerage. Your current broker usually needs to sign it to confirm your departure, and you’ll also submit it when updating your MLS affiliation.
You can download these forms directly from the NVRED Forms page or obtain them through your new brokerage during onboarding. Remember, some brokerages may also require their own internal transfer paperwork, separate from NVRED’s forms. Check with your current and future brokerages so you don’t miss any required documents.
It’s acceptable—and sometimes advisable—to prepare duplicate copies of your forms: one signed by your current broker and one by your new broker, especially if both sides want complete records for their files.
Important Timing Note:
NVRED requires that Form 505 be submitted within 10 calendar days of your license termination date. Once you notify your broker and your license is terminated, you have 30 days to complete all paperwork and deliver your original license back to NVRED.
3. Obtain Your New Broker’s Signature
Your new broker must sign Form 505 to officially confirm they agree to hold your license.
Why it’s required:
Nevada law prohibits a licensee from affiliating with a new brokerage unless the new broker accepts legal responsibility for the licensee’s activities.Good news:
Most brokerages are well-versed in this process and will help facilitate all necessary paperwork during onboarding.
4. Pay the Transfer Fee
As of the latest NVRED fee schedules:
Transfer fee amount: $20
Important note: Fees may change, so always confirm the current amount with the NVRED.
In addition to Form 505, NVRED also uses Form 504 for some types of license changes—including changes of broker.
Attach payment to your transfer packet if mailing or submitting in person, or follow electronic payment instructions if submitting by email (if permitted).
5. Submit Your Transfer Forms to the Nevada Real Estate Division (NVRED)
Once you’ve completed your transfer paperwork, it’s time to deliver your forms to NVRED. For most transfers—especially in Las Vegas—you’ll typically submit:
Form 505 – License Transfer / Activation / Inactivation Application
Form 504 – Real Estate License or Permit Change
Your original physical license (or a signed explanation if it’s lost)
Some agents choose to carry the LVR Transfer & Drop Notice along when visiting NVRED for convenience, but be aware that this form is not required by NVRED. It’s ultimately submitted to the Las Vegas REALTORS® (LVR) when you update your membership and MLS records.
You have several ways to submit your paperwork to NVRED:
In person: Hand-deliver your forms to NVRED at 3300 W Sahara Ave, Suite 350, Las Vegas, NV 89102. This is the fastest option. When delivered in person, your transfer is often processed immediately, and you’ll receive a printed receipt confirming your new brokerage affiliation.
By mail: Send your forms and payment to the address listed on the forms. This option takes longer due to mail and processing time.
By email: Check NVRED’s current instructions to confirm whether electronic submission is allowed and how to pay fees online.
Tip for Las Vegas agents: Delivering your forms in person ensures faster processing and immediate proof of your brokerage change. This can save several days compared to mailing or emailing your documents.
Don’t forget to:
Include your $20 transfer fee (confirm the current fee on NVRED’s website).
Double-check that all forms are fully completed and signed.
Return your original license or include an explanation letter signed by your broker if it’s lost.
6. Cease Activities Until NVRED Approval
This is where many agents slip up:
Nevada law strictly prohibits you from practicing real estate under your new brokerage until NVRED processes your transfer and updates your license record.
Specifically:
NAC 645.330 and NRS 645.330 state you must not perform any real estate activities until your new brokerage affiliation is officially recognized.
If you ignore this rule, you could face:
Disciplinary action
Potential fines
The invalidation of transactions
Protect yourself and your business—wait for NVRED’s confirmation before working under your new brokerage.
7. Update Your MLS and REALTOR® Memberships
After NVRED approves your transfer:
Contact your local REALTOR® association. For Las Vegas agents, this is typically the Las Vegas REALTORS® (LVR).
Update MLS records. Complete any MLS transfer forms to ensure your listings and access credentials move to your new brokerage.
Be aware of fees. MLS organizations like LVR MLS may impose fees for transferring listings or credentials.
LVR requires that you submit either a copy of your NVRED receipt showing your updated license status or your new hanging license as proof before processing your MLS and association transfer.
Failure to update your MLS profile can lead to:
Listing disruptions
Incorrect brokerage displays online
Compliance issues with MLS rules
Practical Tip: Before transferring brokerages, download important documents and data from systems like TransactionDesk, DotLoop, or Remine. Once your transfer is complete, your access to files in those systems may be removed, and those files often remain under your prior brokerage’s control. Download anything you’ll need before submitting your transfer paperwork.
8. Update Your Personal Branding and Marketing Materials
Nevada law requires all real estate advertising to accurately reflect your brokerage affiliation.
Under NRS 645.315 and NAC 645.600, you must update:
Business cards
Website
Email signatures
Social media profiles
Printed and digital marketing collateral
Continuing to advertise your services under your former brokerage after your transfer is a compliance violation and can result in fines or disciplinary action.
9. Address Pending Transactions and Commissions
One of the most critical—and often overlooked—parts of switching brokerages is deciding what happens to your existing deals.
Nevada law does NOT automatically transfer pending escrows or transactions to your new brokerage.
Work with both your current and new brokers to determine:
Which transactions will stay with your current brokerage
How commissions for pending deals will be handled
Whether there are any referral arrangements for deals you started but can’t close under your new brokerage
Put these agreements in writing to protect your interests and avoid misunderstandings.
Deadlines and Broker Responsibilities
Timing is crucial when transferring your license:
NAC 645.330 requires brokers to notify NVRED promptly when a licensee leaves their brokerage.
Licensees are strongly advised to submit transfer paperwork immediately to prevent:
License lapse
Unnecessary delays in reactivating your ability to transact business
Additionally:
Brokers are legally responsible for supervising licensees under their license.
Brokers must report terminated affiliations to NVRED under NRS 645.330(3).
Quick Checklist: How to Transfer Your Nevada Real Estate License
Here’s your at-a-glance guide to switching brokerages in Nevada:
Inform your current broker in writing
Review and complete any required internal brokerage forms
Download and complete Form 505 (License Transfer / Activation / Inactivation Application) from NVRED
Download and complete Form 504 (Real Estate License or Permit Change) from NVRED
Complete the LVR Transfer & Drop Notice for the Las Vegas REALTORS® (LVR)
Obtain your new broker’s signature on the necessary forms
Retrieve your original physical license from your current brokerage
Pay the $20 transfer fee (confirm latest fee schedule)
Submit your forms (including Forms 504, 505, and your original license) and fee to NVRED within 10 calendar days
Cease all activities until NVRED approves your transfer and issues your updated license
Update your MLS and REALTOR® association memberships (provide NVRED receipt or hanging license to LVR)
Download important documents or transaction data (e.g., from TransactionDesk or Remine) before transferring, as these often become the property of your prior brokerage
Update all marketing materials and branding to reflect your new brokerage
Address pending transactions and commissions in writing with both your current and new brokers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I start working for my new brokerage before the transfer is approved?
No. Under NAC 645.330 and NRS 645.330, you cannot conduct any real estate business under your new brokerage until NVRED officially approves the transfer and updates your license record.
How long does the license transfer take in Nevada?
Processing times can vary. In some cases, NVRED may approve transfers within a few business days. However, delays are possible during peak periods, so submit your paperwork promptly to avoid downtime.
What happens to my pending escrows if I switch brokerages?
Pending transactions don’t automatically transfer to your new brokerage. Work out agreements with your current and new brokers to decide:
Whether deals stay with your old brokerage
How commissions will be split
Any necessary referral arrangements
Always put these agreements in writing.
Conclusion
Switching brokerages in Las Vegas is an exciting step in your career—but it’s one that requires careful compliance to avoid downtime or legal trouble. Fortunately, the process of transferring your real estate license in Nevada is straightforward when you know the steps and stay organized.
If you’re planning to switch brokerages in Las Vegas, start your transfer paperwork today to ensure a seamless transition!