How to get a California real estate license in 2026

For a California salesperson license, you must be at least 18 when licensed, complete the three qualifying college-level courses unless an exemption applies, apply to DRE, submit fingerprints, pass the 150-question salesperson examination with at least 70%, and satisfy DRE's license review. DRE-approved private-school courses total at least 135 hours; qualifying college courses use the stated semester or quarter units. You need a responsible broker before performing licensed real estate work, but not before the exam.

The fixed DRE examination and license fees total $450: $100 for the examination and $350 for the salesperson license. Fingerprint processing is another $49. That makes $499 in fixed examination, license, and fingerprint processing charges. Education tuition, the Live Scan provider's rolling fee and travel are additional. A reschedule costs $40; a re-examination after failure costs $100.

There is no single statewide completion time. The standard DRE-approved private-school route totals at least 135 course hours; qualifying college courses use semester or quarter units. Your school schedule, DRE's current application queue, examination availability, fingerprint clearance, and whether the application is complete determine the rest. Check DRE's live processing-time tracker before making a start-date promise.

Use the RE 400A examination-only route if you want to pay $100 first and file the $350 license application after passing. Use the RE 435 combined route if you want one filing and are ready to pay all $450 in DRE fees up front. The DRE fee total is the same. With either route, you must qualify for and pass the exam during the two-year life of the examination application.

DRE does not list a college degree or high school diploma as a salesperson licensing requirement. Most applicants qualify by completing the three required college-level real estate courses. Each course must be approved by DRE or completed through an appropriately accredited college or university.

Yes. For a private school, verify each course and its approved delivery method in DRE's statutory-course database before enrolling. Qualifying college courses follow the separate accreditation and semester-unit or quarter-unit requirements; they do not need a private-school database listing.

An original salesperson examination application and fee are valid for two years from the date DRE receives them. You must complete any missing qualifications and pass during that period. You may retake the exam without a numerical limit during the two-year window, but each retake requires the current $100 fee.

If you used the RE 400A examination-only route, retrieve form RE 202 through your eLicensing examination record after passing. DRE makes that application available to candidates who passed within the past year, so do not leave the license filing until the deadline. Combined RE 435 applicants have already filed the license application.

No. California does not require residency. An out-of-state applicant must meet the same education and examination requirements, file a notarized Consent to Service of Process on form RE 234, and follow DRE's out-of-state fingerprint instructions.

No. California does not have a general reciprocity agreement that waives its education, examination, or licensing requirements. Military servicemembers and spouses may qualify for expedited processing or federal license portability after a qualifying military relocation. The federal portability requirements are separate from ordinary reciprocity.

No. A broker is not required to apply or take the salesperson examination. You need a responsible broker before you perform any act that requires a real estate license.

Not every conviction disqualifies an applicant. Business and Professions Code section 480 limits conviction-based denial through substantial-relation requirements, a seven-year framework with specified exceptions, and protections for rehabilitation and specified dismissals. Fingerprint review is separate from mandatory self-reporting. Follow the current application questions, and get individual advice about a particular record rather than assuming every conviction must be volunteered.

Your next step depends on how you applied. RE 400A applicants download RE 202 through eLicensing, complete it, and submit the license fee, fingerprint documentation, and any other required records. RE 435 applicants have already filed and should complete any outstanding item or respond to a DRE request. Passing alone does not authorize licensed work.

An original California salesperson license is issued for four years. Renewal is a separate process with its own fee and continuing education requirements. A license can be issued without a broker affiliation, but it will not authorize licensed activity until a responsible broker is added.