CE Sponsor Number 6404
Questions? +888 768 5285
CE Sponsor Number 6404

How to Renew an Expired California Real Estate License: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renewrelicense Exam Tips

by Kartik Subramaniam

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

real estate license expired

Letting your California real estate license expire doesn’t have to mean the end of your career—if you act quickly. The state (quite generously) offers a two-year grace period to renew an expired license without having to retake the entire real estate exam, but there are critical rules, fees, and steps to follow.

Here’s how to get back on track and avoid starting over.

You Can’t Work With an Expired License

First, the bad news: Practicing real estate with an expired license is illegal. You cannot represent clients, list properties, or earn commissions until your license is actively renewed. The good news? California gives you a two-year window to fix the problem. Here’s what you need to know.

California’s 2-Year Late Renewal Grace Period

If your license expired within the last two years, you’re in luck. You can still renew it by:

  1. Completing 45 hours of approved Continuing Education (CE) courses.
  2. Paying higher late renewal fees (see fee table below).
  3. Submitting your renewal application online through the California Department of Real Estate (DRE).

Warning: The clock starts ticking on your expiration date. Delaying renewal risks missing the two-year cutoff, which means basically reapplying as a new licensee.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing an Expired License

  1. Complete Your CE Courses
    • Enroll in DRE-approved courses like those offered through ADHI Schools.
    • Ensure your 45 hours include mandatory topics:
    • 18 hours of consumer protection.
    • 3 hours of ethics, agency,trust fund handling, fair housing and the like.
  2. Submit CE Proof to the DRE
    • ADHI Schools will give you downloadable certificates that should be kept for your records.
  3. Log Into the DRE Online Portal
  4. Complete the Late Renewal Application
    • Follow prompts to confirm CE compliance and update personal details.
  5. Pay the Late Renewal Fee
    • Fees are significantly higher than on-time renewal (see below).
  6. Wait for Confirmation
    • Your license status will update online once approved - typically fast as it is done online.
Late Renewal Fees: What to Expect
License Type On-Time Fee Late Fee (Within 2 Years)
Salesperson $350 $525
Broker $450 $675
Expired_License

What If Your License Expired Over 2 Years Ago?

If it’s been more than two years since your expiration date, you must requalify for and retake the real estate exam all over again. You’ll need to:

  1. Make sure you meet the pre-license course requirements.
  2. Pass the state exam (again).
  3. Submit fingerprints and background checks.
  4. Pay all initial application fees.

This means retaking pre-licensing courses and starting from scratch—a costly and time-consuming process.

Here are a couple of examples of how delaying the license renewal could cause big problems later.

Sarah: The Shifting Sands of Qualification

Sarah, a long-time broker, allowed her license to lapse during the 2009 recession, planning to reactivate it when the market recovered. However, the 2013 implementation of AB 1718 introduced new qualification standards. Her previous experience, once sufficient, no longer met the updated requirements. Without a recent track record or a qualifying degree, her path to renewal was unexpectedly blocked. This illustrates how regulatory changes can significantly impact license eligibility, emphasizing the importance of timely renewals.

Mark: The Evolving Landscape of Education

Mark's real estate license expired in 2021 amidst the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, upon seeking renewal, he discovered a new requirement: a Real Estate Practice course with an interactive implicit bias component. While his foundational pre-licensing courses remained valid, the specific practice course he had completed earlier was no longer recognized. This scenario underscores the dynamic nature of educational requirements within the real estate profession, and how seemingly minor updates can necessitate additional coursework for license reactivation.

Act Now: Renew ASAP to Protect Your Career

Every day you wait risks missing the two-year deadline or losing clients. Follow these steps immediately:

  1. Start your CE courses today.
  2. Gather funds for late fees.
  3. Submit your renewal online to minimize processing delays.

By renewing promptly, you’ll avoid penalties, be able to work legally, and keep your hard-earned career alive.

Sign up for our newsletter

Recieve direct mail marketing insights to help grow your business.

Please wait..