How to become a real estate agent in California
California real estate agents are licensed by the California Department of Real Estate. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in California, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in California?
- At least 18 years old to be issued a license
- Honesty and truthfulness; a criminal conviction may lead to denial
- Fingerprints (Live Scan in California; FD-258 card for out-of-state residents)
- California residency is not required
California real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | California Department of Real Estate |
|---|---|
| License name | Real Estate Salesperson |
| Education or training | Three college-level courses (Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice and one approved elective), each 3 semester or 4 quarter units; DRE-approved courses are at least 45 hours each. |
| Exam | DRE administers the salesperson exam: 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, with 70% needed to pass. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. A license can be issued, but a salesperson without a responsible broker may not perform acts requiring a real estate license. |
| License term | Four years. |
| Continuing education | 45 clock hours of DRE-approved CE every renewal, including mandatory ethics, agency, trust fund, risk management, fair housing and implicit bias topics and at least 18 hours of consumer protection. |
| Reciprocity | California has no reciprocity with any other state; out-of-state applicants must meet all requirements. |
How much does it cost?
| Salesperson examination fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Salesperson license fee | $350 |
| Combined exam and license application (RE 435) | $450 |
| Fingerprint processing fee (paid to Live Scan provider, or to DRE if out of state) | $49 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in California
- Complete the three required college-level courses
- Apply for the exam (or file the combined exam/license application RE 435)
- Pass the DRE salesperson exam
- Get Live Scan fingerprints
- Submit the license application and fee
- Have a licensed broker take responsibility for you before doing licensed work
Apply on the official California site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in California?
- Search the name or license number on the official California real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.