Do I Need a California Real Estate License?

3-minute read

California real estate agent in front of a property.

Whether you plan to sell luxury homes in Los Angeles or high-rise condos in San Francisco, a California real estate license is required legally to buy, sell, or lease real estate to clients. In this guide, we’ll explore what it takes to earn a California real estate license and launch your career in the Golden State.

What are the Basic Requirements?

To qualify for a California real estate license, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Pass a criminal background check.

Do I Need to Complete Coursework?

Yes. Before applying for a California real estate salesperson license, most applicants must complete 135 hours of coursework from a California Department of Real Estate (DRE) approved1 school. Required courses include Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one course of your choosing.

Members of the California State Bar are exempt from the course requirements, and applicants who can provide transcripts for eight qualifying college-level courses also may be exempt. 

How do I Apply for the California Real Estate License Exam?

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you can apply for the California real estate salesperson license exam online through the DRE’s eLicensing system2 or by mailing a completed application.3

Your application must include:4 

  • Your Social Security Number.
  • Proof you’ve completed the education requirement.
  • And the required fee. 

If you require special accommodations to complete the exam, you can submit a reasonable accommodations request.5

What Should I Expect from the Exam?

After your application is approved –– typically within 2 to 4 weeks –– you’ll be scheduled for a California real estate salesperson licensing exam.

  • The 3-hour exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions.
  • Topics include real estate practice, regulations, and disclosures.
  • You must score at least 70% to pass.

Exams are held in major California cities, including Fresno, San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Sacramento. You can find available exam dates and locations here.6

If you don’t successfully pass the exam within two years of approval, your application and fee will expire.

How do I Obtain my California Real Estate License?

Once you pass the exam, you can apply for your California real estate salesperson license. Submit your application through the DRE’s eLicensing system,7 along with the required fees and proof of fingerprinting.8

After DRE approves your application, you can print your license certificate from the DRE website.9

Do I Need to Work Under a Broker?

Yes. A California real estate salesperson must work under a licensed California real estate broker. While you can obtain a salesperson license without securing employment, you cannot legally perform real estate activities without the supervision of a licensed broker.

What Happens after I Receive my California Real Estate License?

Congratulations! You’re ready to launch your California real estate career. To keep your license active, you must renew10 it every four years, and first-time renewals require 45 hours of continuing education coursework.

Real estate is a dynamic field, and the best agents stay ahead by learning and adapting continuously. For the latest updates on industry requirements and changes in California real estate laws, check out this helpful resource.11 And for additional questions, visit the California Department of Real Estate’s website.12 You’ve got this! 

  1. https://secure.dre.ca.gov/publicasp/CEStatutory.asp ↩︎
  2. https://secure.dre.ca.gov/elicensing/ ↩︎
  3. https://dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/forms/re400a.pdf ↩︎
  4. https://dre.ca.gov/Newsroom/LicenseApply.html ↩︎
  5. https://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/forms/re413.pdf ↩︎
  6. https://www.dre.ca.gov/Examinees/HowWhereScheduled.html ↩︎
  7. https://secure.dre.ca.gov/elicensing/ ↩︎
  8. https://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/forms/re206.pdf ↩︎
  9. https://dre.ca.gov/ ↩︎
  10. https://www.dre.ca.gov/licensees/renewlicense.html ↩︎
  11. https://www.dre.ca.gov/licensees/Advisories.html ↩︎
  12. https://dre.ca.gov ↩︎

Written by

Courtney Hayes

Born and raised in the fishing port of Gloucester, MA, I grew up listening to the sea stories of local fishermen. My first job was “chum girl” on my dad’s tuna boat, where I spent my formative years covered in fish guts. Since then, I’ve worked as a researcher, blogger, and writer for documentary films. When not at work, you can find me surfing the cold waters of the North Atlantic or searching for warmer waves around the world.

Courtney writes on a number of topics such as risk assessment, starting a small business, and financial resources.

This content is for general, informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Please obtain expert advice from industry-specific professionals who may better understand your business’s needs. Read our full disclaimer