The 30-second decision
Choose RE 400A when
You want to separate the exam from the license
- You want to pay the $100 examination fee now and the $350 license fee only after passing.
- You are ready to qualify for the exam but are not ready to complete the license-side filing.
- You accept that passing creates a second application step using RE 202.
Choose RE 435 when
You are ready to file the exam and license together
- You can pay the full $450 DRE amount up front.
- You are ready to complete fingerprints and license disclosures now.
- You prefer one combined filing and want to avoid a separate first-time RE 202 step after passing.
Neither route is automatically the faster one
DRE tracks examination-only and combined applications separately. Check the live processing page when your documents are ready. A combined filing removes a later application step, but it cannot remove a deficiency, fingerprint clearance, or individual background review.
RE 400A and RE 435 compared line by line
| Decision point | RE 400A | RE 435 |
|---|---|---|
| What does it apply for? | Salesperson examination only | Salesperson examination and original license |
| DRE fee at filing | $100 | $450 |
| Original license fee | $350 after passing, with RE 202 | Included in the $450 filing |
| Fingerprints | Handled at the license stage after passing | Handled with the combined license process |
| After a passing result | Download and submit RE 202 with license materials | No separate first-time RE 202 filing if the combined file is complete |
| Total DRE exam and license fees | $450 | $450 |
| Two-year examination window | Yes | Yes |
How the RE 400A route works
- 01
Qualify for the examination
Complete the required education and gather acceptable transcripts or course-completion records.
- 02
File examination-only
Apply through eLicensing or submit RE 400A by mail with the $100 examination fee and required records.
- 03
Receive eligibility and schedule
After DRE approves examination eligibility, use eLicensing to choose an available date or follow the schedule notice.
- 04
Pass the examination
The passing result unlocks the license-application stage. It does not issue the license by itself.
- 05
File RE 202
Download the Salesperson License Application from the examination-results page, then submit it with the $350 license fee, RE 237, and any other required documents.
How the RE 435 route works
- 01
Prepare both sides of the file
Gather education records and complete the examination and license information required by the combined application.
- 02
File the combined application
Apply through eLicensing or use RE 435 by mail and pay the $100 examination plus $350 license fees together.
- 03
Complete fingerprints
Use RE 237 and the applicable Live Scan process. Fingerprint results must reach DRE before a license can be issued.
- 04
Qualify, schedule, and pass
DRE must still approve examination eligibility, and you must pass within the two-year application window.
- 05
Complete any remaining review
If the combined file, fingerprint response, and other requirements are complete, no separate first-time RE 202 filing is needed.
The fee difference is timing, not total cost
RE 400A puts $100 at risk first. If you pass and continue, RE 202 adds the $350 original license fee. RE 435 collects the same two amounts as a single $450 payment before the examination. Fingerprint processing is separate from that $450.
Because DRE fees are nonrefundable, the combined route commits the license fee sooner. That may be comfortable for a candidate certain about continuing, and uncomfortable for someone who wants the examination result before funding the license stage. Post 12 will handle the deeper cash-flow scenarios. For this decision, the important question is simply whether you are ready to commit both money and license paperwork now.
What is the same under both routes
- The same three-course examination qualification
- The same California salesperson examination
- The same $450 total in DRE examination and original license fees
- The same two-year period to qualify and pass after filing
- The same need for fingerprint clearance before license issuance
- The same need for DRE approval before a license exists
- The same option to apply online through eLicensing or by mail
- The same rule that fees are nonrefundable
Things that should not decide the form by themselves
A claim that RE 435 is always faster
The separate queues and your file determine timing. Use the live DRE tracker.
A claim that RE 400A is cheaper
It is cheaper only at the first payment. The DRE total reaches the same $450 when you apply for the license.
Living outside California
Out-of-state requirements affect documents and fingerprints, but both examination routes remain available.
Not having a broker yet
A responsible broker is not required to apply for or take the examination under either route.
If you already filed, stop before creating a duplicate
Use the existing DRE record
The current RE 435 instructions warn people who already submitted RE 400A or RE 435, applied online, or applied within the last two years not to use the paper form as a new application. If you passed after RE 400A, the normal next form is RE 202. For any other existing-file change, use the options in eLicensing or obtain DRE instructions tied to that record.
Make the decision from current evidence
- 01Open DRE's current processing-time page and compare the examination-only and combined categories.
- 02Confirm that your three qualifying course records are complete and use your legal name consistently.
- 03Decide whether paying $450 and completing license disclosures now fits your situation.
- 04If yes, choose the combined RE 435 route. If no, choose examination-only RE 400A and plan for RE 202 after passing.
- 05Save the confirmation, uploaded records, payment receipt, and the date DRE received the application.
California license requirement FAQs
Keep going
See every California DRE form in the candidate journey
Move from qualification to forms, fingerprints, the examination, and license issuance.
Build your licensing timeline
Place the chosen application route inside a realistic calendar.
Build the complete license budget
Separate DRE fees from tuition, fingerprints, travel, and retake risk.
See which licensing steps are online
Separate online education and eLicensing from fingerprints and in-person testing.