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
Passing Score
70% (105 correct answers)
Exam Fee
$100
Retake Policy: May reapply after receiving a failing result; $100 per attempt. Reexaminations must fall within the original application's two-year period.
Background Check
Type: Live Scan fingerprinting
Cost: $49
The $49 government processing fee excludes the separate Live Scan provider service charge. Follow DRE instructions for the application type.
Sponsoring Broker
Must affiliate with a licensed California broker to activate your license
Fee Breakdown
| Examination Fee | $100 |
| License Fee | $350 |
| Fingerprinting | $49 |
| Listed Fees | $499 |
Listed fees include the $450 combined exam/license charge and $49 fingerprint processing. Tuition and the separate Live Scan provider service charge are additional.
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
Compare California
Upgrade to Broker
Requires two years of qualifying experience within the last five years and eight qualifying courses totaling at least 360 hours; previously completed qualifying courses may count toward the eight.
- • 2 years experience required
- • Broker exam required
Last verified: 2026-09-05