Travel agent: high school diploma, on-the-job training; some states register sellers of travel
A high school diploma is typically required, but employers may prefer sales experience, travel courses or a degree. Employers usually train new agents for at least a month on reservation systems. Some states require travel businesses to register, such as California and Florida's seller of travel laws.
For: Friendly salespeople who know destinations well and are comfortable on the phone and computer all day.
Route 1: Hired by an agency, trained on the job Typical
Some agencies prefer agents who have travelled widely or who focus on particular destinations or travellers.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Travel Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Optional
Travel courses or a certificate
Community colleges, vocational schools and industry associations; some 4-year colleges offer travel and tourism degrees.
BLS
Travel Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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At least 1 month
On-the-job training
For example, a reservation system used by several airlines.
BLS
Travel Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Travel agent
BLS
Travel Agents — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Your own travel business Self-employed
Some states require travel agents to have a business license, to register with the state or to meet other conditions.
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Start here
Experience as a travel agent
BLS
Travel Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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License
State seller of travel registration, where required
See California and Florida below.
BLS
Travel Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Self-employed travel agent
BLS
Travel Agents — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Professional travel credentials
Industry organizations · Voluntary - Not required; some travel agents choose to earn them.
BLS
Travel Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State licensing matrix
Requirements vary by state; contact the state licensing agency. Two states' seller of travel laws, from their own agencies: BLS
View source
| State or city | What you need |
|---|---|
| California Attorney General, Seller of Travel Program |
All sellers of travel must register before operating in California: file at least 10 days before doing business, $100 a year per business location, meet trust account or bond rules, and (for most California-based sellers) join the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. CA OAGFrequently Asked Questions: Seller of Travel RegistrantsCalifornia Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General
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| Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) |
Sellers or promoters of travel-related services must register every year unless exempt, with a performance bond of up to $25,000 ($50,000 if they sell vacation certificates). FDACSSellers of TravelFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.