Only a limited number of states require a real estate license to legally practice business brokerage. In most states, you can facilitate the sale of a business without holding a real estate license, provided the transaction complies with that state’s laws and does not involve activities requiring real estate licensure. Below is a list of the states that generally require a real estate license for business brokerage. The chart that follows provides additional clarification, including state-specific exceptions, special requirements, and circumstances where a license may or may not be required depending on the structure of the transaction. Licensing requirements are subject to change, so always verify current state laws before conducting business.