Get your California Real Estate license for Just $99 — 100% online at your own pace

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

The total time to obtain a California real estate salesperson license ranges from approximately 2 to 6 months, depending on study pace and application type. The DRE requires a minimum of 2.5 weeks per 45-hour course, making 7.5 weeks the fastest possible completion for all three required courses. DRE application processing takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks for exam-only applications and 4 to 8 weeks for combined exam and license applications, though the DRE's live Current Processing Timeframes page often shows faster turnaround. Submitting the combined Salesperson Exam/License Application (RE 435) instead of separate applications can save several weeks.See the answer for every state

The total cost to obtain a California real estate salesperson license is approximately $598 to $1,400. Fixed DRE fees total $499: the examination fee is $100, the original license fee is $350, and the fingerprint processing fee is $49, all effective July 1, 2024. The combined exam and license application (RE 435) costs $450, bundling the $100 exam fee and $350 license fee. Pre-licensing education costs vary by provider, ranging from approximately $99 to $900 for the three required 45-hour courses.See the answer for every state

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

A sponsoring broker is a licensed real estate broker who supervises a salesperson's licensed activities and takes responsibility for the salesperson's conduct. California law allows a person to obtain a salesperson license without immediately being employed by a broker, but a salesperson without a responsible broker may not perform acts requiring a real estate license. The license remains inactive until a broker agrees to supervise the salesperson and activates the license.See the answer for every state

Can you get a real estate license in California if you dont live in the state? Yes, you are not required to be a California resident to obtain a California real estate license. The steps to obtain your California real estate license are the same as California residents, the only difference includes the following: • Out-of-state residents must complete a Consent to Service of Process form and submit a notarized copy along with their license application. • You will have to get your fingerprints taken with your local law enforcement agency, using the fingerprint card provided to you by the DRE. You can complete the required 3, 45-hour courses (135 hours in total) online from your home state; however, you must take the proctored state exam at one of the DRE's testing centers located within the State of California. If you plan on obtaining an active California real estate license, your sponsoring broker must hold a California broker's license. You may still obtain a California real estate salespersons license if you are a "qualified alien". See section 2718. Legal Presence Requirements of the Regulations of the Real Estate Commissioner for a more detailed definition of a qualified alien.See the answer for every state

Where to get fingerprinted for real estate license in California? You must have your fingerprints taken at a local Live Scan service provider. Here are the steps you should take to get your fingerprints taken: • Complete 'Part 2' of the Live Scan Service Request form. • Contact a local Live Scan service provider to schedule your fingerprints. • Get your fingerprints taken at the Live Scan office and pay the required fees. • Live Scan will complete 'Part 3' of the Live Scan Service Request form. • Submit a copy of the completed Live Scan Request form to the DRE along with your license application. You must also include payment of the $49 DRE fingerprint processing fee. The California Department of Justice website publishes a list of Live Scan fingerprinting locations. You first have to select your County, after which you will see a list of all Live Scan locations in that County. The list of Live Scan locations will include the name and address of each location, the contact information, the hours of operation, if they accept walk-ins and/or appointment only, the rolling fee amount, and acceptable forms of payment. Your fingerprints will be electronically sent to the California Department of Justice and the FBI. Both the DOJ and FBI will run a criminal background check and report their findings to the California Department of Real Estate. The DRE will use the criminal background check to verify that you meet their qualifications for "honesty". The DRE requires all applicants to be honest and truthful. For this reason, you should disclose any prior criminal activity to the DRE Most applicants get their fingerprints taken after they pass the State exam and before they submit their license application. After you pass the State exam, the DRE will send you a license application and an FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card. That being said, you can still get your fingerprints taken before the State exam. To do so, you will have to request a blank fingerprint card from the DRE by calling (877)373-4542. Once you receive your blank fingerprint card, you can complete a Live Scan Service Request form and schedule your fingerprints with a local Live Scan provider. Please note that you will not receive your real estate license until after you submit your fingerprints. Your fingerprints will be used to generate a background check, which the DRE uses to verify that you have disclosed all prior criminal activity on your license application (if any).See the answer for every state