California requires real estate salespersons and brokers to be licensed by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) before practicing. The DRE runs its own electronic exams rather than using a third-party vendor. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the exam process.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Pre-license135 Hours
- Exam Fee$100
- Renewal4 Years
- CE Needed45 Hours
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for the California salesperson license typically include:
- Three college-level courses of 45 hours each (135 hours total): Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, plus one elective.
- Being at least 18 years old.
- A completed application submitted to the DRE, plus live scan fingerprinting ($49 fee to the provider).
- A passing score of 70 percent on the salesperson exam.
Broker candidates need 8 courses plus 2 years of full-time licensed salesperson experience within the last 5 years or equivalent, and 75 percent on the broker exam. Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for a California real estate license generally involves these steps:
- Complete the required courses (135 hours for salesperson; 8 courses for broker).
- Submit your exam or combined exam and license application to the DRE.
- Complete live scan fingerprinting ($49 fee to the provider).
- Self-schedule your electronic exam through the DRE eLicensing system.
- Pass the exam and complete any remaining license issuance steps.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with the DRE.
- 3
Pass the real estate agent exam
The DRE administers its own electronic exams, self-scheduled through eLicensing. The salesperson exam is 150 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour limit and a 70 percent passing score. The broker exam is 200 questions with a 4-hour limit and a 75 percent passing score.
Always confirm exam requirements with the DRE, because formats and procedures can change.
License Types
Broker
Operate independently and employ salespersons; requires 8 courses and experience.
- Independent practice
- Can sponsor agents
Salesperson
Practice under a responsible broker after 135 hours of coursework.
- Broker-sponsored
- Entry level
Details
Experience
Salesperson candidates do not need work experience, only the 135 hours of coursework. Each 45-hour course requires a minimum of 2.5 weeks (18 days) by regulation, so the education phase cannot be compressed below roughly 7.5 weeks.
Broker candidates need 2 years of full-time licensed salesperson experience within the last 5 years or an equivalent accepted by the DRE, plus the 8-course education package. Confirm equivalency questions with the DRE before applying.
Details
Fees
Salesperson fees: exam $100, original license $350, or $450 total for a combined exam and license application. Broker fees: exam $150, license $450, or $600 combined. Live scan fingerprinting costs $49, paid to the provider. DRE fees are nonrefundable. Always confirm current fee amounts with the DRE before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
California real estate licenses run on a 4-year term. Each renewal requires 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education. On-time renewal costs $350 for salespersons and $450 for brokers; late renewal costs $525 and $675 respectively. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with the DRE before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in California?
The education phase alone takes at least about 7.5 weeks, because each of the three 45-hour courses requires a minimum of 2.5 weeks by regulation. Add DRE application processing and exam scheduling through eLicensing on top of that. Confirm current timelines with the DRE.
What score do I need on the California real estate exam?
Salesperson candidates need 70 percent on a 150-question, 3-hour exam. Broker candidates need 75 percent on a 200-question, 4-hour exam. The DRE administers the exams itself; confirm current standards on the DRE site.
How much does a California real estate license cost?
For salespersons: $100 exam fee and $350 license fee, or $450 for a combined application, plus a $49 fingerprint fee. For brokers: $150 exam and $450 license, or $600 combined. Fees are nonrefundable and can change; check the DRE fee page.
Does California accept real estate licenses from other states?
No. California has no reciprocity with any other state. Out-of-state licensees must meet California's education and application requirements and pass the California exam. Confirm current rules with the DRE.
