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California Real Estate License Requirements

You’ve got everything you need to know about getting your California real estate license right here. We’ll cover licensing requirements, exam details, fees, and the documents you need for both salespersons and brokers.

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What you need to get your real estate license in California

Salesperson:

Must be 18 years of age or older.
If you are not a resident of California, refer to the Out-of-State Applicants section.
Applicants must be honest and truthful. A felony or any other criminal conviction may be grounds for denial of a license.
Complete and submit an application for a Salesperson Examination Application (400A) or a Combined Salesperson Examination and License Application.
Evidence of completion of the required college-level real estate courses and related degrees.
Submit a total payment of $305.00 (covering a $60 examination fee and a $245 license fee). Payments should be addressed to the Department of Real Estate by check or money order. If applying by mail or fax, you may also provide credit card details (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo). The DRE does not accept cash payments.
To request a disability-related accommodation, complete and include the Reasonable Accommodations Request for Examination form (RE 413).
All license applicants must undergo a background check.
Mail all the above documents to:
- Department of Real Estate.
- P.O. Box 137001.
- Sacramento, CA 95813-7001.

Broker:

Must be 18 years of age or older.
If you are not a resident of California, refer to the Out-of-State Applicants section.
Applicants must be honest and truthful. A felony or any other criminal conviction may be grounds for denial of a license.
Complete and submit an application for a Broker Examination Application (400B) or a Combined Broker Examination and License Application.
Evidence of completion of the required college-level real estate courses and related degrees.
Submit a total payment of $395.00 (covering a $95 examination fee and a $300 license fee). Payments should be addressed to the Department of Real Estate by check or money order. If applying by mail or fax, you may also provide credit card details (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo). The DRE does not accept cash payments.
To meet the experience requirements for the broker exam, applicants can provide the following:
- A transcript verifying a degree with a major or minor in real estate from an accredited four-year college or university.
- Completed Employment Verification (RE 226) forms to confirm experience as a Salesperson.
- Completed Equivalent Experience Verification (RE 227) forms to document relevant, non-licensed real estate experience.
- For further details on acceptable experience, refer to Experience Requirements for the Broker Examination.
To request a disability-related accommodation, complete and include the Reasonable Accommodations Request for Examination form (RE 413).
All license applicants are subject to a background check.
Mail all the above documents to:
- Department of Real Estate.
- P.O. Box 137001.
- Sacramento, CA 95813-7001.

What is the passing score for the California real estate license exam?

The Salesperson exam contains 150 questions, and you need to score at least 70% to pass it.

The Broker exam contains 200 questions, and you need to score at least 75% to pass it.

The exam is strictly qualifying, so those who pass will not receive their final score. Candidates who do not pass are informed of their exact score and percentage breakdown by category. Those who fail can reapply to take the exam through the eLicensing online system for faster processing or by using their Examination Result Notice (RE 418A for Salespersons or RE 418B for Brokers).

What is the time limit for the California real estate exam?

For the salesperson exam, you have three hours.

For the broker exam, you have four hours.

What to bring for the state of California real estate license exam?

A valid photo ID issued within the last 5 years is required, such as a current state driver’s license or DMV ID card, a U.S. Passport, a foreign government-issued passport, or a U.S. Military identification card.