What Can a Real Estate Agent Do While Waiting for Their License in Nevada?
Your Next Steps After Passing the Exam — Stay Productive, Stay Legal, and Get Ready for Day One
Introduction
First—congratulations! You’ve passed your Nevada real estate exam—a huge milestone on your path to becoming a licensed agent.
(If you haven’t yet begun your licensing process, check out our Complete Guide to Getting Your Nevada Real Estate License.)
Now comes an unexpected pause: waiting for your official real estate license to be issued by the Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED).
If you’re feeling both excited and anxious, you’re not alone. Many new agents wonder:
“What can I legally do while my real estate license is pending?”
“How long will my license take?”
“Can I start working with clients right away?”
This guide, built from Magenta experience and NRED guidance, will give you clarity. Let’s dive in so you can stay productive—and stay compliant.
Understanding Your Status: “Active License” vs. “Pending License”
Pending License: Means you’ve passed your licensing exam but the state has not yet issued your license number. Legally, you’re not yet a licensed real estate professional.
Active License: Means your application has been approved, your license number issued, and you’re legally authorized to perform real estate activities under your brokerage.
How Long Does It Take to Get My Nevada Real Estate License?
After passing the exam, your timeline to receive your license typically depends on:
How quickly you submit your completed application and required documents.
NRED’s processing time, which averages 1-3 weeks but can vary depending on volume.
Whether there are issues with your background check or missing paperwork.
Tip: Check NRED’s current processing timelines on their official site here.
What You CANNOT Do While Your License Is Pending
Let’s get this part crystal clear first.
In Nevada, until your license is officially active, you may NOT:
Represent buyers or sellers in any real estate transaction.
Show property to potential buyers or tenants.
Negotiate offers or contracts.
Host open houses on your own.
Receive any compensation tied to a real estate transaction.
Market yourself publicly as a licensed real estate agent.
Discuss property specifics or provide professional advice.
Legal Reference: NRS 645.230 makes it unlawful to act as a real estate licensee without an active license.
Example: Even if a friend says, “Hey, come help me look at houses,” you must politely decline until your license arrives. Perhaps one of your fellow Magenta agents can assist in the meantime.
What You CAN Do While Waiting for Your License
While you’re legally limited from practicing real estate, there’s plenty you CAN do to prepare and stay ahead. Here’s how to maximize this time.
1. Complete Your Licensing Paperwork Immediately
Before anything else, submit:
Form 549 (Application for License).
Fingerprint background waiver and fingerprint card.
Proof of education (certificates).
Passing exam results.
Payment for license fees.
Why it matters: Delays in paperwork mean delays in launching your career.
2. Meet with Your Chosen Brokerage (Like Magenta!)
You’re not licensed yet—but you can absolutely meet brokers, discuss your career plan, and sign paperwork contingent on your license being issued.
Tip: At Magenta, we help agents:
Understand commission splits.
Start learning about our systems and tools.
3. Study Nevada Real Estate Law & Ethics
Use this waiting period to deepen your knowledge:
NRS Chapter 645: Real estate laws.
NAC 645: Administrative code for real estate.
NAR Code of Ethics: Especially if you plan to join the Las Vegas Realtors® Association.
YouTube: A few of Magenta’s trainings are public on YouTube, as are thousands of others. Get educated.
Why it matters: You’ll avoid costly mistakes as a new agent—and impress your future clients!
4. Set Up Your Business Foundations
While you can’t market yourself as a licensed agent yet, you CAN prepare your business infrastructure:
Research and choose a business name (if creating an LLC).
Research CRMs (Customer Relationship Management systems). We include one for free at Magenta.
Study broker brand & marketing guidelines. We include powerful marketing & design services at Magenta.
Create a business plan and goals—where will your business come from?
Explore accounting software to track expenses.
5. Order Non-Active Marketing Materials
Important: Until licensed, you cannot market yourself as a licensed agent.
However, you can:
Research headshot photographers.
Create personal bio drafts.
Consider your brand voice and image
Tip: Don’t do too much designing yet! We have an in-house design software packed with templates for business cards, signage, social media, etc. that are on-brand and in-style. (PS: when sketching your designs, leave the license number blank until issued).
6. Shadow Experienced Agents
While you can’t conduct real estate activities, you may be able to:
Sit in on training sessions.
Observe team meetings.
Watch how experienced agents handle client calls (without discussing confidential info).
At Magenta: We often invite agents-in-waiting to observe training sessions so you’re ready from day one.
7. Build Your Sphere of Influence (Softly)
While you can’t market yourself as a licensed agent yet, you can:
Let friends and family know you’re “in the process of getting licensed.”
Gather contact info into a CRM for future follow-up.
How to phrase it:
“I’ve passed my real estate exam and I’m waiting on my license. Once it’s official, I’d love to help you or anyone you know who’s considering a move!”
8. Study MLS Systems & Real Estate Tools
Why it matters: Once your license arrives, you’ll hit the ground running. You can:
Explore training materials for your local MLS (e.g. Las Vegas Realtors®).
Watch tutorials on:
MLS searching.
CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) tools.
Electronic signature software (TransactionDesk, AuthentiSign).
FAQ: Common Questions About Your Pending License Period
Q: Can I host open houses while my license is pending?
No. Under Nevada law, only licensed individuals can hold open houses on their own.
Q: Can I call myself a real estate agent yet?
Only in a casual, conversational sense. You may say you’ve passed the exam and are working toward your license. But you cannot advertise yourself publicly as a licensed agent.
Q: How long does the Nevada Real Estate Division take to issue licenses?
Typically 1-3 weeks, but it varies. Submit your application quickly and double-check all documents.
Q: Can I receive any real estate commissions while waiting for my license?
No. You cannot legally receive commissions or fees tied to real estate transactions until your license is active.
Key Takeaways
Until your license arrives, you cannot practice real estate in Nevada.
You CAN:
Complete paperwork.
Meet with your brokerage.
Study laws and tools.
Build your business foundation.
Use this waiting time as an opportunity—not a roadblock.
Ready to Launch Your Career?
At Magenta, we believe success starts within. From day one—even before your license arrives—we’re here to guide, train, and support you.
If you’re ready to talk about your career path, connect with us today. Your future in Nevada real estate is closer than you think!