Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in California

To get a California real estate license you must be 18+, complete 135 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the State exam (DRE) salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $1,005–$2,010 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).

DABy Diego Alvarez-Cruz
Rental Market Analyst

LVReviewed by Lena Voss
Housing Market Editor

Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026

Pre-license hours

135

State-approved

Licensing exam

State exam (DRE)

Salesperson

Est. all-in cost

$1,005+

Course + fees

Typical timeline

2–5 mo

To activation

The California path, step by step

1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in California also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 135 hours of approved pre-license education

California requires 135 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the California licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (State exam (DRE)). It covers national real estate principles plus California-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new California salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

California Department of Real Estate (DRE)

Visit →

A California real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in California agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).

California markets

California real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in California?

California requires 135 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus California-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.

How much does a California real estate license cost?

Budget roughly $1,005–$2,010 all-in for California. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) and vary by school.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in California?

Most people finish the 135-hour California coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.

Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in California?

No. California does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 135 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.

Who regulates real estate agents in California?

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) issues licenses and sets the rules for California real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current California licensing rules.

Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for California are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) before enrolling.

Lena Voss Housing Market Editor

Lena Voss is a housing market editor who fact-checks WealthyBud's market and housing-policy coverage against primary government sources before publication. She focuses on keeping metro-level statistics current as new data releases land.