Renewing your real estate license in California is essential to keep it active and legally practice real estate. Whether you’re a salesperson or broker , the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires you to complete continuing education , submit renewal documents, and pay applicable fees every four years .
Step 1: Know Your Renewal Deadline
California real estate licenses expire every four years on your birthday. You must renew by:
- The last day of your birth month , based on the year you were licensed
📌 Example: If your birthday is March 15 and your license was issued in 2021, your next renewal is due March 31, 2025 .
You’ll receive a renewal notice from the DRE about 90 days before expiration .
Step 2: Complete Required Continuing Education (CE)
To be eligible for renewal, you must complete 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education .
Required CE Courses:
- Ethics and Standards of Conduct – 8 hours
- Consumer Protection – 3 hours
- Agency Law – 3 hours
- Fair Housing – 3 hours
- Trust Fund Handling – 3 hours
- Elective Hours – 25 hours (can include additional ethics, legal topics, or approved electives)
✅ All courses must be completed by DRE-approved providers .
Step 3: Choose a DRE-Approved CE Provider
Top-rated platforms for completing continuing education include:
- AceableAgent
- Kaplan Real Estate Education
- Real Estate Express
- Colibri Real Estate
- Vista College Online
Make sure the school is listed in the DRE’s Approved Course Providers database.
Step 4: 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 yet, create one.
Step 5: Submit Your Continuing Education Completion
Once logged in:
- Click on “My License”
- Under “Continuing Education” , upload or confirm your course completions
- Make sure all required CE hours are reflected
Some providers auto-report your completion to the DRE, while others require manual upload.
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee
After confirming your CE is complete:
- Go to “My License” > “Renew License”
- Review your information
- Pay the renewal fee :
- Salesperson License : $245
- Broker License : $305
Payments can be made via credit card or electronic check.
Step 7: Maintain Active Broker Affiliation
As a salesperson, you must be affiliated with a licensed California real estate broker at the time of renewal.
If you’ve changed brokerages:
- Update your affiliation in the DRE system
- Ensure your new broker approves your change
Brokers must also renew their licenses, but they do so separately.
Step 8: Keep Your License in Good Standing
After renewal:
- Keep a copy of your new license
- Continue taking CE courses throughout the cycle
- Stay informed about DRE rule changes
- Maintain good standing with the DRE (no disciplinary actions)
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you fail to renew by the deadline:
- Your license becomes expired
- You can no longer legally engage in real estate activity
- You must apply for license reinstatement , which includes:
- Completing CE requirements again
- Paying late fees and penalties
- Possibly retaking the exam if expired more than 2 years
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Renewing a California Real Estate License
Q: How often do I renew my CA real estate license?
A: Every four years , on your birthday.
Q: How much does it cost to renew a real estate license in California?
A:
- Salesperson : $245
- Broker : $305
Q: Can I renew online?
A: Yes, through the DRE Online Licensing System .
Q: Do I need to complete the National USPAP course for renewal?
A: No, USPAP is only required for appraisers—not real estate agents or brokers.
Q: Can I carry over extra CE credits to the next cycle?
A: No, CE credits cannot be carried over beyond the current renewal period.
Q: What if I want to go inactive instead of renewing?
A: You can request Voluntary Inactive status through the DRE—no CE or renewal needed while inactive.
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