California salesperson license
Getting your California real estate license might seem daunting, but we're here to guide you through the process.
Here are the five steps you'll need to complete before starting your career in California real estate.
Steps
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Before you start
You must be at least 18 years of age. If you are not a California resident, see Out-of-State Applicants. All applicants must be honest and truthful, and conviction of a crime may result in the denial of a license. Failure to disclose any criminal violation or disciplinary action may also result in the denial of a license.
You must first take and pass 135 hours of Pre-Licensing coursework, which consists of three courses, including: Real Estate Principles (45 hours), Real Estate Practice (45 hours), and one elective course (45 hours) from DRE's approved list, such as Real Estate Finance.
The elective list includes Real Estate Appraisal, Property Management, Real Estate Finance, Real Estate Economics, Legal Aspects of Real Estate, Real Estate Office Administration, General Accounting, Business Law, Escrows, Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending, Computer Applications in Real Estate, and Common Interest Developments. The CE Shop's package uses Real Estate Finance.
Once you complete each Pre-Licensing course, you must take a final exam. You have two attempts to pass each final exam. Your school sets the passing score and time limit, and the final exam is supervised by a proctor.
[FACT-CHECK: The CE Shop's passing score and time per question before launch]
After you pass your course final exams, you'll take the California licensing exam. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 3 hours, and the minimum passing score is 70%.
Need help passing? The CE Shop also offers Exam Prep tailored to California.
To begin your new career, you must be sponsored by an active California real estate broker. It's important to find a good fit when picking a Broker to work with and it's a key factor to becoming a successful California real estate agent.
Questions to ask a broker
Want to talk it through? Reach out to Ray.
After you pass the examination, and if you have not filed a License Combo Application (RE 435), then you will be sent a Salesperson License Application (RE 202). This form must be completed and returned along with the appropriate fee within one year of passing the examination. A license cannot be issued until DRE receives fingerprint response information.
Evidence of completion of Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one additional course from the course requirements list must be on file before your license is issued. Out-of-state applicants must also submit a completed and notarized Consent to Service of Process (RE 234).
Once your application is approved by the state, DRE will issue your California Real Estate Salesperson license. You can look up your new license on DRE's eLicensing website.
Timeline
DRE rules say a single course can't be finished in less than 2.5 weeks, and no more than two courses can be completed in any five-week period. Three courses means 7.5 weeks minimum; most people take longer.
Apply online through eLicensing (exam only, or the combo exam + license application RE 435) with your course transcripts. DRE emails you when your application is processed.
[FACT-CHECK: current DRE exam application processing time, see https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/CurrentTimeframes.html]
You pick your own date and site in eLicensing; seats depend on demand. Exams are given in person at DRE test centers (Fresno, Los Angeles area, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego). Results show on screen when you finish.
Your license can't be issued until DRE receives your fingerprint results. Get Live Scan done early.
[FACT-CHECK: current DRE license application processing time]
DRE issues your four-year salesperson license. You must work under a responsible broker to do licensed activity.
Processing times change. Check DRE's Current Processing Times page.
DRE exam outline (RE 425)
150 questions · 3 hours · 70% to pass · four answer choices each
California residents: take a completed Live Scan Service Request (RE 237) to a Live Scan location. You pay DRE's $49 fingerprint processing fee directly to the Live Scan provider, plus the provider's own rolling fee.
Out-of-state residents: DRE sends an FBI fingerprint card (FD-258) with your original license application. Have it completed at a local law enforcement agency and send it to DRE with the $49 fingerprint fee, your application and license fee.
Be honest on your application. Conviction of a crime may result in denial, and failing to disclose a conviction or disciplinary action may also result in denial.
Ray recommends The CE Shop for the 135 hours of Pre-Licensing coursework. Future agents can complete their coursework in as little as 7.5 weeks.
This is Ray's referral link.
Costs
| Pre-Licensing courses, The CE Shop (Courses Only to Premium package) | $139 to $435 (list price; sales are common) |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep (optional) | included in CE Shop Standard, Value and Premium packages |
| DRE salesperson exam fee | $100 (re-exam $100) |
| DRE original salesperson license fee | $350 |
| Combo exam + license application (RE 435) | $450 total to DRE (instead of $100 + $350 separately) |
| DRE fingerprint processing fee | $49 |
| Live Scan provider rolling fee | [FACT-CHECK: varies by location] |
| Estimated total | about $638 to $934, plus the Live Scan rolling fee |
Fees as of Oct 2026, check DRE for current fees (https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Fees.html). Course prices change and go on sale often; check The CE Shop for today's price.
Your broker becomes your responsible broker with DRE, and you can't do licensed work without one. Learn their systems, contracts and compliance rules.
Most agents join a local REALTOR association and its MLS to list and search homes. Ask your broker which ones they use.
Ask your broker whether errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is provided or required, and what it costs you.
Questions? Reach out to Ray.
Contact
Questions about getting licensed or picking a broker? Reach out to Ray.