California · CA
How to get your California real estate license
Everything you need to earn a California salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.
Requirements last verified July 6, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.
Quick answer · Verified July 6, 2026
How to get a California real estate license
- Hours required
- 135 hrs
- Total cost
- $600 – $1,200
- Typical timeline
- 12–26 weeks
- Minimum age
- 18+
Confirm you're eligible for a California real estate license
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a California real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.
Complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education
Note: Three 45-hour courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice (includes implicit bias + fair housing components), and one 45-hour elective. Online packages can't be completed in fewer than 54 days (DRE pacing rules).
- Complete 135 hours of DRE-approved education: Principles (45), Practice (45), and one elective (45)
- Pass each course's final exam through your school (online minimum: 54 days total)
- Collect course completion certificates for your exam application
Pass the California real estate exam
California uses California DRE (state-administered at DRE test centers — Fresno, La Palma, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego) to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 70% (105 of 150). The exam fee is $100. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours.
Apply for your California license
- Submit the Combined Exam + License Application (RE 435) — $450 total ($100 exam + $350 license), or exam-only first ($100)
- Complete Live Scan fingerprinting (~$49 DOJ/FBI processing + vendor rolling fee, typically $70–90 all-in)
- Schedule and pass the exam through DRE eLicensing
- License can be issued without a broker, but you must have a responsible (sponsoring) broker registered before performing any licensed activity
Find a sponsoring broker
Your California license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.
California real estate license cost breakdown
Here's a realistic estimate of everything you'll pay to earn your license. Course price is the largest variable — state fees are fixed.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $100 – $700 |
| Exam fee | $100 |
| License fee | $350 |
| Live Scan fingerprinting | $70 – $90 |
| Estimated total | $600 – $1,200 |
Free download
Free: The National Exam Study Guide
The 9 topics, 15 formulas, and 20 vocab terms you must know to pass. Includes your California licensing checklist as a bonus.
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Our top pick
The CE Shop — California Pre-Licensing
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Frequently asked questions
Renewal & continuing education
California: 4 years; 45 hours of CE per renewal (first renewal includes Ethics, Agency, Trust Funds, Risk Management, and Fair Housing courses).
Moving your license?
See how California handles out-of-state licenses — full reciprocity, partial agreements, recognition, or start-over — and how every other state stacks up.