How to get a California real estate license
Three college-level courses, a $100 exam at the DRE, a $350 license and $49 for fingerprints. Set your start date and pace to see your dates.
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California license at a glance
| Prelicense courses | Principles, Practice and one elective, each at least 45 hours |
|---|---|
| Exam | $100 to the DRE, each attempt |
| License | $350, or $450 with the exam on one application |
| Fingerprints | $49 processing fee, through Live Scan |
| State fees | $499 |
| License term | 4 years; renewal is $350 |
| To renew | 45 hours of continuing education |
| Reciprocity | None with any state |
How to get a California real estate license
- Finish Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice and one elective, each a college-level course.
- Apply to the DRE for the exam ($100), or for the exam and license together ($450).
- Pass the exam at a DRE test center in Fresno, La Palma, Oakland, Sacramento or San Diego.
- Apply for the license ($350) with Live Scan fingerprints ($49 processing fee).
- Work under a responsible broker.
- Renew every four years with 45 hours of continuing education.
Licensed in another state?
California has no reciprocity with any state, so every applicant takes the courses and the exam.
You do not need to live in California. Out-of-state applicants get an FBI fingerprint card with the license application, have it completed by local law enforcement and send it to the DRE with the $49 fee.
Get ready for the exam
The exam is the step you control. See where you stand in a few minutes, free.
Questions people ask
How much does a California real estate license cost?
$499 in fees: $100 for the exam and $350 for the license, paid to the DRE, and $49 for fingerprint processing, paid at the Live Scan site if you live in California or to the DRE if you live elsewhere. Your three courses are extra.
How long does it take to get a California real estate license?
Mostly the three courses, each at least 45 hours. At 15 hours a week that is about 9 weeks. You can retake the exam as often as you need for two years after applying.
Do you need fingerprints for a California real estate license?
Yes. California residents use Live Scan and pay the $49 processing fee at the Live Scan site. Out-of-state applicants send a fingerprint card and the fee to the DRE.
How do you renew a California real estate license?
Licenses last four years and renewal is $350. Each renewal needs 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education.
Does California have real estate license reciprocity?
No. California has no reciprocity with any state. Out-of-state licensees take the courses and the exam like everyone else, and do not need to live in California.
DRE: Salesperson license requirements · DRE: Fees · DRE: Out-of-state applicants