How to Get Your Real Estate License in California (2026)
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Ready to start your real estate career in California? Whether you want to help buyers find their dream home or build a business in commercial real estate, getting licensed is your first step. Here is exactly what you need to do, step by step.
California requires 135 hours of pre-licensing education, and total government fees run approximately $499. The entire process typically takes 14 to 26 weeks from start to finish. For the complete requirements breakdown, see our California real estate license requirements page.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you invest time in coursework, confirm that you meet California's basic eligibility requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Residency: Not required
- Background check: Required
- Education: No general education requirement — Only the 3 real estate courses (135 hours) are required.
- Sponsoring Broker: Required to practice — License is issued but cannot perform licensed activity without a responsible broker.
Licensing is overseen by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
Step 2: Complete 135 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
California requires 135 hours of approved pre-licensing education before you can sit for the licensing exam. You can complete this entirely online through accredited providers, which allows you to study at your own pace.
Your coursework will cover:
- Real Estate Principles (45 hrs, required)
- Real Estate Practice (45 hrs, required — must include implicit bias training as of Jan 1, 2024)
- One elective course (45 hrs)
- Real Estate Principles (required)
- Real Estate Practice (required, must include implicit bias and fair housing with interactive role-play component as of Jan 1, 2024)
- plus one elective from a list of 12 options
Complete your 135 required hours online
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Step 3: Pass the California Real Estate Licensing Exam
After completing your education, you will need to pass the California real estate licensing exam, administered by CA DRE (administered directly).
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesperson Exam (combined) | 150 | 180 min | 70% |
Results given immediately. Exam locations: Sacramento, Fresno, La Palma, Oakland, San Diego. Some third-party sources cite 3 hours 15 minutes — DRE official says 3 hours. Exam reschedule fee: $40 (only if rescheduling after scheduling).
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Once you pass the exam, submit your license application to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). Here is what the process looks like:
Complete 135 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Complete three 45-hour DRE-approved courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective.
Estimated time: 8–16 weeks (minimum 54 calendar days)
Submit Combined Application
Create an eLicensing account at secure.dre.ca.gov. Submit form RE 435 (Combined Salesperson Exam/License Application) with transcripts. Pay $450 combo fee.
Estimated time: 30 minutes
Complete LiveScan Fingerprinting
Visit an authorized LiveScan provider. Pay $49. Fingerprints submitted to DOJ and FBI.
Estimated time: 1 day
Wait for DRE Processing
DRE reviews application, education transcripts, and background check.
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Schedule and Pass the Exam
Schedule via eLicensing portal. Take the 150-question exam (3 hours, 70% to pass). Results given immediately.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
License Issued
If combo application was filed and exam is passed, license is automatically issued.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Affiliate with a Broker
Find and affiliate with a licensed California real estate broker to begin practicing.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Key Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Original License Fee | $350 |
| Fingerprinting (LiveScan) | $49 |
| Total Government Fees | $499 |
Step 5: Complete Post-License Requirements
California requires newly licensed agents to complete additional education after receiving their license:
First renewal CE: five 3-hour courses (Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Risk Management, Fair Housing with interactive component), 2-hour Implicit Bias Training, minimum 18 hours Consumer Protection, and 10 remaining hours in Consumer Service or Consumer Protection courses (45 hours total per DRE form RE 251).
Get ahead on post-license requirements
Complete your California post-licensing education online. Start right after you get licensed so you don't fall behind.
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Step 6: Stay Licensed — Continuing Education
Once you are licensed, California requires ongoing continuing education (CE) to keep your license active.
- 45 hours of CE every 4 years
- Renewal fee: $350
- CE deadline: Due on license renewal date
Stay compliant with online CE courses
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California Real Estate License: Quick Reference
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 135 hours |
| Total Government Fees | $499 |
| Exam Provider | CA DRE (administered directly) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Estimated Timeline | 14–26 weeks |
| CE Requirement | 45 hours every 4 years |
| Renewal Fee | $350 |
| Licensing Authority | California Department of Real Estate (DRE) |
For the complete, detailed requirements, visit our California real estate license requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in California?▼
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in California?▼
Can I take California pre-licensing courses online?▼
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Start Your California Real Estate Education Today
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) before making decisions. Data last verified 2026-04-02.
Real Estate Agent Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $62,420 | $499 | 3 mo | View → |
| Texas | $50,150 | $276.25 | 8 wk | View → |
| Florida | $50,140 | $180.5 | 5 wk | View → |
| New York | $97,440 | $80 | 4 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $53,590 | $178 | 4 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $51,210 | $270 | 4 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $43,860 | $219 | 6 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $56,190 | $329.25 | 5 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $47,840 | $190 | 4 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $55,600 | $227 | 3 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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