If you’re a licensed real estate professional in California and no longer wish to actively practice, deactivating your real estate license is the best way to keep it in good standing without fulfilling continuing education or brokerage requirements.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to deactivate a real estate license in California , including the process, reasons for deactivation, and how to reactivate your license in the future.
Why Deactivate Your License?
Deactivating your license is ideal if:
- You’re taking a break from real estate
- You’re relocating out of state temporarily
- You’re changing careers but want to return later
- You’re not currently affiliated with a sponsoring broker
Deactivation keeps your license in good standing so you can easily reactivate it later.
Types of License Status in California
Before proceeding, understand the different status options:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Active | Licensed and practicing real estate under a broker |
| Deactivated (Voluntary Inactive) | License is on hold; no renewal or CE required |
| Expired | License was not renewed and must be reinstated |
Only active licenses can legally engage in real estate activities.
Step 1: Determine If You’re Eligible
To voluntarily deactivate your license, you must:
- Have an active license
- Be in good standing (no disciplinary actions)
- Not owe any outstanding fines or fees
You do not need to complete continuing education or renew your license before deactivation.
Step 2: Log Into the DRE Online Licensing System
Go to the official California Department of Real Estate (DRE) website:
👉 https://www.dre.ca.gov
Log into your account using your license number and date of birth .
If you don’t have an account, create one first.
Step 3: Submit the Voluntary Inactive Request
Once logged in:
- Click on “My License”
- Select “Change License Status”
- Choose “Request to Change to Voluntary Inactive Status”
- Confirm your request
No fee is required to submit this request.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
The DRE typically processes requests within 7–10 business days . Once approved, your license status will change to “Voluntary Inactive” .
You’ll receive a confirmation email or letter from the DRE.
What Happens After Deactivation?
Once deactivated:
- You cannot engage in real estate activity
- You are not required to complete continuing education
- You are not required to renew your license while inactive
- You may reactivate your license at any time (see below)
How to Reactivate Your License Later
When you’re ready to return to real estate, follow these steps:
Step 1: Ensure Your License Is Still in “Voluntary Inactive” Status
If your license has expired, you’ll need to go through reinstatement instead.
Step 2: Complete Required Continuing Education
If your license has been inactive for more than two years , you may need to complete:
- 45 hours of continuing education , including:
- Ethics (8 hrs)
- Consumer Protection (3 hrs)
- Agency Law (3 hrs)
- Trust Fund Handling (3 hrs)
- Fair Housing (3 hrs)
Check with the DRE for exact requirements based on how long your license has been inactive.
Step 3: Submit a Reactivation Request
Through the DRE Online Licensing System :
- Go to “My License”
- Select “Reactivate License”
- Pay the applicable reactivation and renewal fee
Step 4: Return to Active Broker Affiliation
You must be sponsored by a California-licensed broker before your license can be reactivated.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Deactivating a Real Estate License in California
Q: Can I deactivate my license online?
A: Yes, through the DRE Online Licensing System.
Q: Do I have to pay a fee to deactivate my license?
A: No, there is no fee to deactivate your license.
Q: How long can I keep my license in voluntary inactive status?
A: There is no time limit —you can keep your license inactive indefinitely.
Q: Can I reactivate my license anytime?
A: Yes, as long as it’s still in Voluntary Inactive status.
Q: Will I lose my license if I don’t deactivate it?
A: If you fail to renew, your license will expire. You’ll need to reinstate it, which involves additional fees and requirements.
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