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

Complete Guide to Real Estate License Renewal in California (2025)

Renewrelicense Exam Tips

by Kartik Subramaniam

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

real estate renewal guide

Completing your real estate license renewal in California is a critical process for every salesperson and broker, ensuring uninterrupted business operations, compliance, and income flow. Letting your license lapse—even by a day—can trigger lost commissions, costly late fees, and extra coursework. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use the DRE’s eLicensing portal to renew your salesperson or broker license online, satisfy Continuing Education (CE) requirements, meet all deadlines, and avoid common pitfalls. Follow these steps to maintain continuous authority to represent clients across California.

California Real Estate License Basics

Get clear on these fundamentals before you renew your California real estate license.

How to Renew Your Real Estate License Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a planner, here’s a suggested plan to get your real estate license renewed:

A. Renewal Timeline

Time Before Expiration Suggested Action
6 months Enroll in CE courses
90 days Complete all CE hours
30 days Start eLicensing application
Expiration day Submit application & payment

B. Detailed Steps

  1. Log in to eLicensing
    • Go to the DRE eLicensing portal and sign in with your credentials.
  2. Complete the Renewal Application
    • In eLicensing, select “Renew License” next to your active record.
    • Confirm personal and license details (type, expiration, CE).
    • Upload any missing CE proof if prompted.
  3. Review CE Completion
  4. Upload these into eLicensing

  5. Pay Renewal Fees
    • Salesperson: $350 | Broker: $450.
    • Late renewal adds $200 (total: $550/$650).
    • Submit via credit/debit card—no checks accepted.
  6. Receive Confirmation
    • Save the on-screen confirmation and confirmation email.
    • Download your new PDF license and note the new expiration date.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Salespersons Renewing for the First Time

45 hours of DRE-approved CE must include:

  • Four separate 3-hour courses: Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Risk Management
  • One 3-hour Fair Housing course (with interactive role-play)
  • One 2-hour Implicit Bias course
  • Minimum 18 hours of Consumer Protection courses
  • Remaining hours in Consumer Service or Consumer Protection courses

Brokers/Officers Renewing for the First Time

45 hours of DRE-approved CE must include:

  • Five separate 3-hour courses: Ethics, Agency, Trust Fund Handling, Risk Management, Management & Supervision
  • One 3-hour Fair Housing course (with interactive role-play)
  • One 2-hour Implicit Bias course
  • Minimum 18 hours of Consumer Protection courses
  • Remaining hours in Consumer Service or Consumer Protection courses

All Licensees, Second and Subsequent Renewals

(Expiration date on or after January 1, 2023)

45 hours of DRE-approved CE must include:

  • Either:
    • One 9-hour CE Survey Course covering all 7 mandatory subjects (Ethics, Agency, Trust Funds, Risk Management, Management & Supervision, Fair Housing, Implicit Bias),
    • OR individual courses in all 7 mandatory subjects.
  • Minimum 18 hours of Consumer Protection courses.
  • Remaining hours in Consumer Service or Consumer Protection courses.
  • Provider Tip:

5. California Real Estate License Renewal Fees & Deadlines

Plan ahead to avoid extra costs:

  • Standard Renewal:
    • Salesperson: $350
    • Broker: $450
  • Late Renewal (Within 2-Year Grace):
    • 150% late fee on each license.
    • Total: Salesperson $525, Broker $675.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Minimize risk by steering clear of these errors:

  1. Missed Renewal Window
    • Solution: Set calendar alerts at 90 and 30 days pre-expiration.
  2. Insufficient CE Hours completed
    • Solution:Make sure that you selected the correct package on the ADHI Schools renewal site based on whether this is your first or subsequent renewal.
  3. Non-Approved Courses
    • Solution: Verify each course’s DRE approval number. ADHI Schools DRE course provider number is 6404.
  4. Wrong Payment Amount
    • Solution: Check if you’re in the grace period to include late fees.
  5. Name/SSN Mismatch
    • Solution: Match names exactly between DRE record and CE certificates.
  6. Failure to Save Confirmations
    • Solution: Create an email folder for DRE and ADHI Schools communications.
renew_real_estate_strategies

7. What Happens If Your License Expires?

Expired licenses carry serious downsides:

  • Legal Impact: You cannot practice—doing so risks fines or discipline.
  • Financial Impact: Lost commissions and higher fees.
  • Reinstatement (Within 2-Year Grace):
    • Complete any missing CE.
    • Pay standard fee + 150% late fee.
    • Submit via eLicensing.
  • After Grace Period:Must reapply, retake exams, and complete all required pre-license education.

8. FAQs

9. Real-Life Examples & Case Studies

Proactive Planner (Broker)

Alex, a broker in Sacramento, started CE in January and finished by April. He logged into eLicensing in May, paid the standard fee, and got immediate confirmation—no stress, no fees.

Last-Minute Salesperson

Sarah, a salesperson in Orange County, forgot until three days before expiry. She tried to finish everything over one weekend, but DRE rules prohibit this. She paid a big late fee and sat out a week—losing deals.

  • Your California Real Estate License Renewal Plan
    • Step 1: Check Your Deadline Use the DRE Public License Lookup to find your exact expiration date.
    • Step 2: Complete Your CE Courses Finish all 45 hours of required Continuing Education from a DRE-approved provider like ADHI Schools.
    • Step 3: Gather Your Documents Have your payment method and course completion info ready before you start the online application.
    • Step 4: Apply Online via eLicensing Log in to the DRE eLicensing portal within 90 days of expiration, review your info, and submit the renewal application.
    • Step 5: Pay Your Renewal Fee Submit your payment securely through the eLicensing portal. ($350 for Salespersons, $450 for Brokers).
    • Step 6: Confirm Your Renewal is Processed After a few days, re-check the DRE Public License Lookup to ensure your expiration date has been updated.
    • Step 7: Save Your New License Download the digital copy of your renewed license for your records.

12. Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Don’t let administrative details derail your career. At ADHI Schools, we simplify your Continuing Education requirements with fully DRE-approved online courses. Start your California real estate license renewal CE today—complete your 45 hours on your schedule, report directly to the eLicensing portal, and submit your renewal application with confidence. Enroll with ADHI Schools now to enroll and ensure your license never lapses.

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..