California-specific tool
Consumer Recovery Account claim guide
The account is a last-resort reimbursement path for certain direct losses caused by a real estate licensee. It is not general transaction insurance, and winning a case does not make payment automatic.
1
Qualifying misconduct
The loss must come from intentional fraud, misrepresentation, deceit, or conversion of trust funds in a transaction requiring a real estate license.
2
A final result
The claimant generally needs a final civil judgment, qualifying arbitration award, or criminal restitution order against the licensee.
3
Collection efforts
The claimant must make the reasonable asset search and collection efforts the statute requires, including pursuing other liable and able-to-pay parties when applicable.
4
A timely application
DRE must receive the application within one year after the judgment or restitution order becomes final.
Current statutory limits
$50,000
Maximum for one transaction
$250,000
Maximum attributable to one licensee
This is a legal process, not an exam-only checklist
Eligibility turns on the judgment, the evidence standard, collection efforts, timing, and statutory exclusions. Use DRE's application materials and obtain legal advice for a real claim. This page is an educational map, not a finding that anyone qualifies.