How to get a real estate license in California
California requires 135 hours of college-level coursework, a Live Scan fingerprint check, and a passing score on the DRE salesperson exam. California does not accept licenses from other states, so everyone completes the same requirements.
Last checked October 2026. Official source: California Department of Real Estate
- License
- Real estate salesperson
- Pre-licensing education
- 135 hours
- State exam
- Given by the DRE. 150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, 70% to pass.
- Background check
- Live Scan fingerprints for a state and FBI background check.
- Broker
- The DRE can issue your license before you join a brokerage, but you can't do licensed work until a broker employs you.
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Steps to get licensed in California
- 1
Complete 135 hours of approved courses
Take Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one approved elective, each 45 hours, from a DRE-approved school.
- 2
Apply to the DRE
Most applicants file the combined exam and license application (RE 435), which pays both fees at once. You have two years from the date the DRE receives your application to pass the exam.
- 3
Get fingerprinted through Live Scan
Submit fingerprints at a Live Scan location for the state and FBI background check. Results usually reach the DRE within a few days.
- 4
Pass the salesperson exam
The DRE sends an exam schedule notice. The exam has 150 questions and you need 70% to pass. Each retake costs $100.
- 5
Join a sponsoring broker
Once licensed, affiliate with a California broker before you represent clients.
Required courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles | 45 |
| Real Estate Practice | 45 |
| One elective from the DRE-approved list | 45 |
| Total | 135 |
Three DRE-approved courses of 45 hours each. Members of the California State Bar are exempt from the coursework but must still pass the exam.
State fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam feePer attempt | $100 |
| Original license fee | $350 |
| Fingerprint processingPlus the Live Scan provider's fee | $49 |
Course tuition is set by each school and isn't included.
After you're licensed
- The salesperson license is valid for four years.
- Continuing education is required to renew. Check the DRE for current hours.
Licensed in another state?
California has no reciprocity. Licensed agents from other states complete the full education and exam.
California real estate license FAQ
Who issues real estate licenses in California?
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) issues the real estate salesperson license in California. Its official website is www.dre.ca.gov.
How many hours of pre-licensing education does California require?
California requires 135 hours of approved pre-licensing education. Three DRE-approved courses of 45 hours each. Members of the California State Bar are exempt from the coursework but must still pass the exam.
What courses do I need to take for a California real estate license?
The required coursework is Real Estate Principles (45 hours), Real Estate Practice (45 hours), and One elective from the DRE-approved list (45 hours).
What is the California real estate exam like?
Given by the DRE. 150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, 70% to pass.
Is a background check required in California?
Live Scan fingerprints for a state and FBI background check.
Do I need a sponsoring broker to get licensed in California?
The DRE can issue your license before you join a brokerage, but you can't do licensed work until a broker employs you.
How much does a California real estate license cost?
State fees include exam fee ($100), original license fee ($350), and fingerprint processing ($49). Course tuition is set by each school and is not included.
Can I transfer a real estate license from another state to California?
California has no reciprocity. Licensed agents from other states complete the full education and exam.
What do I need to do after getting my California real estate license?
The salesperson license is valid for four years. Continuing education is required to renew. Check the DRE for current hours.
Get course info for California
Tell us how to reach you and we'll connect you with an approved California real estate school.
Requirements and fees change. Confirm the current rules with the California Department of Real Estate before you enroll or apply.