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Can a convicted felon get a real estate license in California? Yes, you still may be able to obtain a real estate license if you have a prior conviction. It's important to note that you must disclose all past and pending criminal activity to the DRE as part of your license application. If you fail to do so, your application will most likely be denied. You should review the Avoid Potential Denial of Your License Application document prior to pursuing a California real estate license. The following actions may lead to a recommended denial of your license application: • Failure to disclose pending criminal charges, criminal convictions, or disciplinary action taken against a business, professional license, certificate or permit by an agency in California, another state or by the Federal government. • Conviction of a felony and the felony is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of a real estate licensee. • Conviction of a misdemeanor and the conviction is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of a real estate licensee. • Administrative action taken against a business, professional license, certificate or permit by an agency in California, another state or by the Federal government. • A determination that the facts of a particular case warrant denial, such as the nature or severity of the act or the presence of aggravating factors. The following convictions will disqualify you from obtaining a license: • Assault with intent to commit rape • Bribing public officer or employee • Burglary • Conviction that requires registration pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code • Criminal conspiracy • Embezzlement • Extortion • Filing a false police or fire report • Forgery • Fraud • Grand theft • Murder • Obtaining money by false pretenses • Perjury • Sexually related conduct affecting a person who is an observer or non consenting participant • Perjury • Petty theft • Possession of drugs for sale or transport • Soliciting a lewd act from a minor or non consenting adult. • Tax evasionSee the answer for every state

Do you need high school diploma for real estate license in California? No, you are not required to have a high school diploma or GED to obtain a California real estate license. The Department of Real Estate only requires you to be at least 18 years old when it comes time to apply for your real estate license.See the answer for every state

To become a California real estate broker, you must be at least 18 years old, complete eight statutorily required college-level courses (each a minimum of 45 hours), and satisfy an experience requirement of two years of full-time licensed salesperson experience within the last five years, two years of equivalent unlicensed experience, or a four-year degree with a major or minor in real estate. The eight required courses are Real Estate Practice, Legal Aspects of Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Economics or Accounting, and three additional courses from a specified elective list. Members of the California State Bar are exempt from the course requirements but must still satisfy the experience requirement. After completing the education and experience requirements, you must qualify for and pass the broker examination, which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours with a 75% passing score.See the answer for every state

You must be at least 18 years old, complete three college-level courses (Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective from a DRE-approved list), and pass the salesperson examination. Each course is a minimum of 45 hours, totaling 135 hours, and effective January 1, 2024 the Real Estate Practice course must include components on implicit bias and fair housing with an interactive role-play element. You can submit a combined exam and license application (RE 435) or apply for the exam only, either online through eLicensing or by mail, and you must complete Live Scan fingerprinting. The salesperson exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions in three hours, with a 70% passing score.See the answer for every state

To become a REALTOR®, you must first obtain a real estate license (or a licensed or certified appraiser credential), then join a local REALTOR® association, and pay membership dues. The principals of a real estate firm must join a REALTOR® association before any non-principal agents at the firm can join. NAR national dues are $156 per year plus a $45 annual special assessment for the Consumer Advertising Campaign, totaling $201 per member.See the answer for every state

A real estate career requires patience: NAR reports that a first sale can take four to six months or more. In 2025, the median gross income for REALTORS® was $58,100, but agents with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100 annually, while those with 16 or more years earned $78,900. REALTORS® spent a median of $8,010 on business expenses in 2024. Choosing the right sponsoring brokerage matters: factors to weigh include training and mentorship programs, commission split structure, lead generation resources, company culture, and technology tools. NAR recommends finding a mentor within your brokerage or area and using its resources for first-year agents, including skills strategies, branding guides, and marketing materials.See the answer for every state

How to get a copy of my real estate license in California? You can get a copy of your California real estate license by accessing your information on the DRE website. The facility for printing your license certificate is available once you login through eLicensing.See the answer for every state

To obtain a California real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number or ITIN, and complete three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective from a list of 12 options. Each course must be a minimum of 45 hours, totaling 135 hours, completed at a WASC-accredited institution or a DRE-approved private real estate school. Effective January 1, 2024, the Real Estate Practice course must include components on implicit bias and fair housing with an interactive role-play component. You must pass a written examination with a score of at least 70% and submit Live Scan fingerprints. Members of the California State Bar are exempt from the course requirements.See the answer for every state