Legal & FinancialLicense Required

Real Estate Agent License Requirements in California

Issued by: California Department of Real Estate (DRE)Verified: April 2026
License Required
Required
Application Fee
450.0
Renewal
4 years
Exam Required
Yes
Bond Required
No

Requirements

  1. 1Be 18 years of age or older
  2. 2Complete the Real Estate Principles course (45+ hours)
  3. 3Complete the Real Estate Practice course (45+ hours)
  4. 4Complete one additional DRE-approved qualifying course
  5. 5Pass the DRE salesperson written examination
  6. 6Submit Live Scan fingerprints for DOJ/FBI background check ($49 fee to Live Scan provider)
  7. 7Pay examination fee ($100) and license fee ($350) — total $450 when combined

How to Apply

Real estate salespersons in California must be licensed by the DRE. Applicants must be at least 18, complete three college-level real estate courses, pass the DRE salesperson exam, submit fingerprints, and pay the combined exam and license fee.
Apply at California Department of Real Estate (DRE)

Costs

Application Fee
450.0
Renewal Fee
350.0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a real estate license to sell property in California?
Yes. Anyone who wishes to represent buyers or sellers in real estate transactions for compensation must be licensed by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
What courses are required for a California real estate salesperson license?
You must complete three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective such as Real Estate Finance, Legal Aspects of Real Estate, or Real Estate Economics.
How much does a California real estate salesperson license cost?
The combined examination and license application fee is $450 ($100 exam + $350 license). A separate Live Scan fingerprint fee of approximately $49 is paid directly to the fingerprint provider.
How long is a California real estate salesperson license valid?
The initial license is valid for 4 years. Renewal costs $350 and requires completion of 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education.
How do I apply for a California real estate salesperson license?
Submit the Salesperson Exam/License Application (RE 435) to the DRE along with proof of completed courses, a Live Scan fingerprint form, and the $450 fee. Applications and forms are available at dre.ca.gov.

Related pages

Real Estate Agent in other states
Other licenses in California
Data sourced from official state government portal. Last verified April 2026.
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