Get Your Real Estate License

How to Get a Real Estate License

Are you ready for a new real estate career?  If so, here are the five basic steps you need to obtain your real estate license and start working as a REALTOR®.

Minimum Requirements to Apply for the Salesperson Examination and License

To obtain a real estate salesperson license, you must qualify for and pass a written examination. Those who pass the examination are provided a license application which must be returned to and approved by the DRE.  For the Instructions to License Applicants, click here.

Step 1. Take the Real Estate Pre-licensing Course Required in California

To get your license, you must take three (3) real estate pre-licensing courses before taking the state's real estate exam: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practices, and an Elective Course. To find out more information about the requirements of applying for a Real Estate Salesperson License with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), click here.

Sign up with our OnCourse Online Education Partner to receive special discounts on pre-licensing courses.

Step 2. Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam

Once you’ve taken pre-licensing courses and passed the course final exam, you can then sign up to take the state real estate licensing exam. To prepare for your real estate licensing exam, please click here.  NOTE: Exam prep tools to help you become a California real estate agent.  Click here to apply for the Salesperson Exam. 

Step 3. Submit Your Real Estate License Application

Once you pass the exam, do the following:

  1. You will be sent a Salesperson License Application (RE 202). This form must be completed and returned along with the appropriate fee within one year after passing the examination.
  2. A completed Live Scan Service Request (RE 237) Denotes a PDF document must be submitted with the application. A license cannot be issued until DRE receives fingerprint response information. See Fingerprint Requirements for further information.
  3. Evidence of completion of Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one additional course from the course requirements list must be on file before your license is issued.

Step 4. Find a Sponsoring Real Estate Broker to Work For

Even if you’ve passed your real estate exam and submitted your license application to DRE, you need to associate your license with a licensed real estate broker in order to start working as a real estate agent.

Step 5. Join an Organized Real Estate 

To join as a REALTOR® Member of the West San Gabriel Valley Association of REALTORS®, click here.  You may contact us at 626-288-6212 or email to info@wsgvar.com for more information.