CE Sponsor Number 6404
Questions? +949 271 8748
CE Sponsor Number 6404

Top 10 FAQs About Renewing Your California Real Estate License

Renewrelicense Exam Tips

by Kartik Subramaniam

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

www

That four-year mark is approaching faster than you think. Failing to meet the California real estate license renewal requirements can put your entire business on pause. We've compiled the top 10 questions agents ask to make your real estate license renewal process as smooth as possible. Consider this your go-to guide for renewing your California real estate license quickly and accurately.

Whether you have a salesperson or a broker license, you need 45 hours of DRE-approved CE courses.

  • Salesperson First-Time Renewals: This includes five 3-hour mandatory courses (Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Fair Housing, Risk Management), a 2-hour course in Implicit Bias, and at least 18 hours of Consumer Protection courses. The remaining hours can be Consumer Protection or Customer Service.
  • First Time Broker and all Subsequent Renewals: Requires a survey course (or individual classes) covering seven mandatory topics (Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Fair Housing, Risk Management, Management & Supervision, and that same two-hour course in Implicit Bias), plus at least 18 hours of Consumer Protection credits. The remaining courses can be either Consumer Protection or Customer Service.

Your first renewal is the initial period after receiving your license (within four years). Every renewal after that is considered a subsequent renewal, requiring slightly different CE topics, as mentioned above.

Renew online through the DRE's eLicensing portal. You can input your course completion numbers and pay the fee in one easy session. To simplify further, our DRE-approved renewal package picks the course stack for you so that you know you are going to be able to renew with no hassle.

You can submit your renewal application to the DRE within the 90-day window before your license expires.

Your 45 hours of continuing education, however, can be completed anytime within your entire four-year license period. It's a smart strategy to finish your courses early so you're ready to submit the moment your renewal window opens.

You have a two-year grace period to renew late. However, your real estate license is considered expired, and you cannot legally conduct real estate business until it's renewed. You will also pay a significant late fee.

As of the latest DRE update for 2025, renewal fees are:

  • Salesperson: $350 on-time / $525 late
  • Broker: $450 on-time / $675 late

Renewing on time saves you money and hassle.

Yes. Keep all your course completion certificates for at least four years. The DRE may request proof of your CE courses during an audit.

Yes. under the 70/30 exemption rule. You're exempt from general CE requirements if you are 70 or older and have at least 30 continuous years of license in good standing.

An active license is a license that is either a valid not-expired real estate broker license or a valid real estate salesperson license that is hung with a broker. Either of these statuses allows you to conduct real estate activities. An inactive license does not, but you must renew it every four years to avoid expiration.

DRE-approved courses are available from multiple providers, but not all offer the same convenience. Our DRE-approved 45-hour renewal package is specifically tailored for busy California agents. It's comprehensive, mobile-friendly, and ensures you're fully compliant in one easy step.

renew_real_estate_strategies

Ready to Renew Your License?

Stop scrambling and renew your license the smart way. Our DRE-approved 45-hour package is the all-in-one solution designed for busy California agents. Get every mandatory and elective course you need—100% online and mobile-friendly—with all your completion certificates in one place. No more piecing things together.

Renewing your California real estate license doesn't have to be a headache. By following these steps and completing your CE on time, you ensure compliance and continuous service for your clients.

Don't get caught off guard. Share this guide with a colleague in your office and be the agent with the answers!

Kartik Subramaniam

Founder, Adhi Schools

Kartik Subramaniam is the Founder and CEO of ADHI Real Estate Schools, a leader in real estate education throughout California. Holding a degree from Cal Poly University, Subramaniam brings a wealth of experience in real estate sales, property management, and investment transactions. He is the author of nine books on real estate and countless real estate articles. With a track record of successfully completing hundreds of real estate transactions, he has equipped countless professionals to thrive in the industry.

Sign up for our newsletter

Recieve direct mail marketing insights to help grow your business.

Please wait..