Real Estate Agent License Requirements in California
- Training hours
- 135 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $450
- Exam
- Real Estate Salesperson Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 4 years
- Issuing board
- California Department of Real Estate
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 18 years old, Completion of three college-level courses in real estate (Principles, Practice, and an elective)., pass a criminal background check. Applicants must be honest and truthful. Conviction of a crime may result in denial of license. Fingerprints must be submitted via Live Scan (for California residents) or via fingerprint cards (for out-of-state residents). [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 135 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective course from an approved list. Each course must be a minimum of 45 classroom hours (totaling 135 hours) at an accredited college or DRE-approved private vocational school. [1]
- 3
Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Pass the Real Estate Salesperson Examination (fee: $100). Computer-based Consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass. [2]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to California Department of Real Estate. [2]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, California Department of Real Estate issues your Real Estate Salesperson for California.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | None specified |
| License fee [2] | $350 |
| Renewal fee [2] | $350 |
| Real Estate Salesperson Examination [2] | $100 |
| Fingerprint Processing Fee [2] | $49 |
The California Department of Real Estate does not charge a separate application fee beyond the $100 examination fee and the $350 license fee (or $450 combined combo fee).
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 4 years. 45 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Requires 45 clock hours of DRE-approved continuing education for each 4-year renewal cycle. First-time salesperson renewal must include 5 separate 3-hour courses (ethics, agency, trust fund handling, risk management, fair housing) plus a 2-hour implicit bias training course, 18 hours of consumer protection courses, and the remaining 15 hours in consumer service or consumer protection.
Reciprocity
No reciprocity or endorsement route was found.
California has no reciprocity with any other state to allow a waiver of any of the requirements to obtain a license. Out-of-state applicants must qualify for the exam and meet all other requirements.
55 state-approved training providers in California — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $350
- $100
Frequently asked questions
Does California recognize real estate licenses from other states?
No. California does not have reciprocity with any other state; you must qualify for and pass the California salesperson or broker examination and meet all other requirements to obtain a license.
How long is a real estate license valid?
Real estate salesperson and broker licenses are issued for a four-year period.
If I submit my renewal application on time, can I continue to operate while waiting for my new license?
Yes. Under Business and Professions Code Section 10156.2, if you submit your renewal application on-time, you may continue to operate under your existing license after its expiration date unless notified otherwise by the DRE.
Can I renew my license after the expiration date?
Yes. You may renew your license on a late basis for up to two years immediately following the expiration date, but you cannot perform activities requiring a real estate license until your license is renewed, and late fees apply.
Sources
- [1] dre.ca.gov/Examinees/RequirementsSales.html — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Fees.html — accessed 2026-07-12
- [3] dre.ca.gov/Licensees/CERequirements.html — accessed 2026-07-12
- [4] dre.ca.gov/Examinees/OutOfState.html — accessed 2026-07-12