California Real Estate Agent License
Complete requirements guide for California
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete three college-level real estate courses totaling 135 hours from DRE-approved schools.
Required Courses (135 hours total):
- • Real Estate Principles (45 hours)
- • Real Estate Practice (45 hours)
- • One elective course (45 hours)
California has NO reciprocity agreements - all applicants must meet full requirements.
State Examination
Exam Name
California Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Provider
California DRE
Format
150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours 15 minutes
Passing Score
70% (105 correct answers)
Exam Fee
$100
Retake Policy: Can retake immediately upon failure; $100 fee per attempt
Background Check
Type: Live Scan fingerprinting
Cost: $49
Sponsoring Broker
Must affiliate with a licensed California broker to activate your license
Fee Breakdown
| Examination Fee | $100 |
| License Fee | $350 |
| Fingerprinting | $49 |
| Total Fees | $499 |
Combined exam/license application fee is $450 (exam $100 + license $350). Plus $49 fingerprinting.
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Renewal Fee
$350
CE Required
45 hours
Online Renewal
Yes
45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education before renewal
License Reciprocity
California does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state licensees must meet all California requirements.
California Department of Real Estate
- Official Website
- (877) 373-4542
- Apply Online
Helpful Tools
Upgrade to Broker
Requires 2 years as salesperson plus 8 additional college-level courses (360 hours total)
- • 2 years experience required
- • 360 additional education hours
- • Broker exam required
Last verified: 2026-01-12