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
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $300
- Exam Fee
- $95
- Renewal Fee
- $300
- Total Estimated Cost
- $495
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
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
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$300.
- 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?
Compare Property Broker-Agent requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.