Key Takeaways
- California real estate licenses are valid for 4 years and require 45 hours of continuing education for renewal
- First renewal requires a 45-hour renewal package including ethics, agency, fair housing, trust fund handling, and risk management
- Subsequent renewals require 45 hours with 18 hours in consumer protection topics and 27 hours in electives
- Licenses not renewed within 2 years after expiration require retaking the state exam
- License fees are $350 for a 4-year license; late renewal incurs a $50 penalty
License Maintenance and Renewal
California real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 4 years |
| Original license fee | $350 |
| Renewal fee | $350 |
| Late renewal penalty | Additional $50 |
| Exam eligibility | 2 years from application |
Continuing Education Requirements
First Renewal (45 hours required)
For the first license renewal, complete the 45-hour renewal package:
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Ethics | 3 |
| Agency | 3 |
| Fair Housing | 3 |
| Trust Fund Handling | 3 |
| Risk Management | 3 |
| Management and Supervision | 3 |
| Electives | 27 |
| Total | 45 |
Subsequent Renewals (45 hours required)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Consumer Protection Topics | 18 |
| - Ethics | 3 |
| - Agency | 3 |
| - Fair Housing | 3 |
| - Trust Fund Handling | 3 |
| - Risk Management | 3 |
| - Other consumer topics | 3 |
| Electives | 27 |
| Total | 45 |
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Submit renewal application (online through eLicensing)
- Pay renewal fee ($350)
- Receive renewed license
Important: You can renew up to 90 days before expiration. DRE sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 2 years of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 2 years:
- Pay late fee - $50 penalty in addition to $350 renewal
- Complete CE - Must complete all required hours
- Cannot practice - License is inactive until renewed
- No exam required - Can renew without retaking exam
Expired More Than 2 Years
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years:
- Must retake exam - State exam required
- May need additional education - Depending on how long expired
- Apply as new applicant - Essentially starting over
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current and valid | Yes |
| Inactive | Not working under broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | DRE disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A salesperson may place their license on inactive status if they:
- Are not currently working for a broker
- Want to maintain the license without practicing
- Must still renew and complete CE
To reactivate, the salesperson must affiliate with a broker and notify the DRE.
Address and Name Changes
Licensees must notify the DRE within 30 days of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
Failure to report changes is a violation of the Real Estate Law.
License Display Requirements
- Broker - Must display broker license at main office
- Branch offices - Must display branch office license
- Salesperson - License held by broker (not required to display)
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a California real estate license?
What happens if a California real estate license expires and is not renewed for more than 2 years?
How long is a California real estate license valid?