LicenseCompass

Property Broker-Agent License in California

Quick Answer

To become a real estate broker in California, you need 2 years of salesperson experience (or equivalent education), pass the DRE broker exam ($95), and pay a $300 license fee — approximately $495 total. Renewal is $300 every 4 years. Exams are held weekly in 5 cities.

Exam
California Real Estate Broker Exam (DRE)
Total Cost
$495 (est.)
Timeline
4-8 months
Renewal
Every 4 years

Requirements

Property Broker-Agent license in California

gold
Veterans Benefits
Expedited processing is available for military and spouses

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$300
Exam Fee
$95
Renewal Fee
$300
Total Estimated Cost
$495

Licensing Agency

Department of Industrial Relations~Producer Licensing Bureau

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Property Broker-Agent license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$300
Exam FeeEst.$95
Total Estimated Cost$395

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.

Property Broker-Agent Salary in California

Entry Level

$45,480

Median

$82,050

Experienced

$199,010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Property Broker-Agent in California.

  1. 1

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$300.

  2. 2

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-8 months.

Property Broker-Agent Licensing in California: What to Know

California explicitly lists fees: Exam $95, License $300, Fingerprint processing $49, Renewal $300 every 4 years. Requires 2 years of full-time licensed salesperson experience within the last 5 years, OR a college degree with a real estate major/minor plus 8 college-level courses. Exams held weekly in Sacramento, Fresno, Oakland, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Application processing takes approximately 4 weeks. Brokers must complete 45 hours of CE before renewal. Brokers conducting residential mortgage activities need an additional MLO endorsement. California is the largest real estate market in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Property Broker-Agent license cost in California?
The estimated total cost is $495, including application fees, exam fees ($95), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Property Broker-Agent license in California?
The process typically takes 4-8 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Property Broker-Agent license in California?
You need to pass the California Real Estate Broker Exam (DRE). N/A

Considering another state?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.