How to renew your real estate license in California
California real estate licenses must be renewed every four years through the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). To renew an active license, real estate salespersons and brokers must complete continuing education, submit a renewal application, and pay the required renewal fee before the license expiration date.
California real estate license renewal steps
California real estate licenses expire four years from the date of issuance. Renew your license before the expiration date to avoid interruptions to your ability to practice real estate in California.
Step 1
Complete your continuing education requirements
Before renewing your license, complete all required continuing education.
California limits licensees to completing a maximum of 8 hours of continuing education coursework per day.
First-time salesperson renewal requirements: 45 hours
The current first-time salesperson CE requirements include courses on the following subjects:
- Ethics
- Agency
- Trust Fund Handling
- Risk Management
- Fair Housing
- Implicit Bias Training
- Consumer Protection courses
- Consumer Service or Consumer Protection electives
The Fair Housing course must include interactive role-playing components as required by the California DRE.
First-time broker renewal requirements: 45 hours
California brokers renewing for the first time must complete courses on the following subjects:
- Ethics
- Agency
- Trust Fund Handling
- Risk Management
- Management and Supervision
- Fair Housing
- Implicit Bias Training
- Consumer Protection courses
- Consumer Service or Consumer Protection electives
Second and subsequent renewal requirements: 45 hours
For second and subsequent renewals, California licensees must complete continuing education that includes mandatory subject areas covering:
- Ethics
- Agency
- Trust Fund Handling
- Risk Management
- Management and Supervision
- Fair Housing
- Implicit Bias Training
- Consumer Protection
Continuing education courses must be approved by the California DRE.
Be sure to save your course completion certificates and maintain copies for your records.
Pro Tip: Complete your continuing education at least 60 days before your expiration date to avoid last-minute reporting or renewal delays.
Step 2
Submit your renewal application
California real estate license renewals may be submitted online through the DRE eLicensing portal, by mail, or in person at a DRE district office.
The fastest renewal method is online through eLicensing.
To renew online:
- Log into your DRE eLicensing account
- Locate your license renewal option
- Complete the renewal application
- Confirm your continuing education completion
- Review all information carefully before submission
Renewal reminder notices are generally sent 60–90 days before license expiration, but licensees remain responsible for renewing on time even if a reminder is not received.
The DRE recommends submitting your renewal application approximately 60 days before your expiration date.
Step 3
Pay your renewal fee and confirm approval
Before submitting your renewal:
- Confirm all required continuing education has been completed
- Verify your renewal information is accurate
Current renewal fees include:
- Salesperson renewal fee: $245
- Broker renewal fee: $300
After submitting payment:
- Save your payment confirmation
- Monitor your renewal status through DRE eLicensing
- Verify your updated expiration date after processing
Keep copies of your renewal application, payment confirmation, and continuing education certificates for your records.
Quick renewal facts
Here are a few additional renewal details to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- Renewal cycle: Every 4 years
- License expiration: 4 years from date of issuance
- First-time salesperson renewal requirement: 45 hours
- First-time broker renewal requirement: 45 hours
- Second and subsequent renewal requirement: 45 hours
- Daily CE completion limit: 8 hours per day
- Renewal methods: Online, mail, or in person
- Salesperson renewal fee: $245
- Broker renewal fee: $300
- Grace period after expiration: None
- Late renewal period allowed: 2 years after expiration
Continue growing beyond renewal requirements
A Colibri Real Estate CE Membership gives you access to continuing education, career development resources, and professional growth opportunities designed to support you beyond your next renewal.
Depending on your membership level, benefits may include:
- Unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses in California
- Learning Snacks with short trainings, templates, checklists, and business resources
- Discounts on certifications like Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Buyer Agent Expert, and Real Estate AI Specialist (Included FREE in a Pro or Premier package)
- AI MasterTracks training focused on using AI for lead generation, client communication, marketing workflows, and repeat business strategies
Whether you’re focused on staying compliant, building expertise, or growing your business, a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership helps you continue building momentum throughout your real estate career.
Are you licensed in multiple states? Multi-state membership options are available!
Colibri Real Estate also offers CE packages and individual courses for California real estate professionals.
FAQs
California real estate licenses must be renewed every four years from the date of issuance.
If you miss your California real estate license renewal deadline, your license becomes inactive and you may no longer legally conduct activities requiring a real estate license.
California does not provide a grace period after license expiration.
However, California allows late renewal for up to two years after expiration if all continuing education and renewal requirements are completed.
Yes. California allows licensees to renew within two years after expiration by completing continuing education requirements and paying the required late renewal fees.
If a license remains expired for more than two years, the licensee must requalify for licensure, including examination requirements.
Yes. California real estate licenses may be renewed online through the DRE eLicensing portal.
Online renewal is generally the fastest processing method.
First-time renewals have different mandatory course requirements than second and subsequent renewals.
First-time renewals require specific standalone mandatory courses including ethics, agency, trust fund handling, risk management, fair housing, and implicit bias training.
Subsequent renewals allow licensees to satisfy mandatory subject requirements through either separate courses or a combined survey-style course.
California requires continuing education to be completed before submitting your renewal application.
If continuing education is incomplete, your license cannot be renewed on active status.
No. California continuing education credits do not carry over into future renewal cycles.
Note: This license renewal information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change at any time. It’s ultimately the responsibility of the licensee to be sure they are meeting all requirements for each license and corresponding renewal period.