Licensing Guidelines

 

 

 

Who Must Obtain a Real Estate License?

 

A Real Estate License is required of individuals who are to be employed as salespersons under the control and supervision of a licensed broker. A person who does not immediately intend to be employed by a broker may obtain a license. However, in this instance, no real estate activity may be performed. The license authorizes real estate activity only if the salesperson is in the employ of a licensed broker.  It does not authorize the salesperson to act as an independent agent.

 

Minimum Requirements to Apply for the Salesperson Examination:

 

1. Age: No maximum age restrictions. However, to apply for a license, you must be 18 years of age.
2. Residence: Each applicant must qualify in the appropriate written examination in California and meet all other requirements.  Residency in the state is not a requirement to become licensed.
3. Honesty: License applicants must be honest and truthful. Conviction of a crime which is either a felony or involves moral turpitude may result in the denial of a license. The failure to reveal a criminal conviction on an original license application may also result in the denial of a license.
4. Education: Evidence of successful completion of a college-level course in California Real Estate Principles is required.
5. Experience: None required.
6. Legal Residence In United States

 

Salesperson License: Overview

 

If you pass the state exam and submit your license paperwork prior to October 1, 2007, you will only need California Real Estate Principles to qualify for a conditional salesperson license.  This is the only course required to qualify for the real estate salesperson license.

 

Starting on October 1, 2007, an applicant for the real estate salesperson examination must show proof of completion of  three (3) college-level real estate courses prior to taking the state exam.  Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one other course from a designated list will be required.

 

License Fees - Salesperson

 

There is a $25 test fee required when you apply for the state examination. The license fee, if you have only completed Real Estate Principles, is $145. If, at the time of submitting your license application, you have completed Real Estate Principles PLUS the two additional broker level courses (one of which MUST be Real Estate Practice), the fee is $120. There is no additional fee required when you submit the two additional courses within 18 months.

 

Fingerprints

 

One set of classifiable electronic fingerprints and a fingerprint processing fee are required from every license applicant unless:

• Applicant is currently licensed by the DRE or
• Applicant was licensed by DRE during the past two years

Effective July 1, 2001 original license applicants who reside in California will pay a $56 fingerprint processing fee directly to the live scan fingerprint service provider.  Original license applicants who reside out of state should submit the $56 fingerprint processing fee with their application and license fee.

 

Proof of Citizenship Questions:

 

Q: Do I need to prove legal presence (citizenship) in the United States to apply for a salesperson or broker's license?

A: Yes. On and after August 1, 1998, evidence of legal presence must be received before an original license will be issued by the Department of Real Estate, regardless of when the application is mailed or received.

Q: Do I need to prove legal presence (citizenship) in the United States to renew my real estate license?

A: Yes. All renewal applicants, including applicants for renewal of restricted licenses, who licenses expire on July 31, 1998 or later will be required to submit evidence of legal presence, regardless of when the renewal application is mailed or received.

Q: If I submit my renewal application prior to August 1, 1998 even though my license expires after August 1st, do I still need to submit proof of legal presence to renew?

A:  Yes.  All renewal applicants whose licenses expire on or after July 31, 1998 must submit evidence of legal presence, regardless of when the renewal application is mailed or received.

Q: What legal documents do I use to establish proof of legal presence?

A: The most common document that can be used for establishing proof of U. S. citizenship is a birth certificate. There are a variety of other documents which can be used to establish proof of legal presence. A complete list of acceptable documents is contained on the State Public Benefits Form (RE 205B) which may be obtained by contacting any DRE office.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my birth certificate?

A: In most cases, individuals can obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate from either the county recorder's office in the county where they were born, or from the state office of vital statistics for the state where whey were born.

Q:  If I am renewing late, do I still need to submit proof of legal presence to renew?

A:  Yes.  On and after August 1, 1998, the Department of Real Estate will not be able to issue a license to an individual who is renewing late until proof of legal presence is established and documentation evidencing that status is submitted to the Department, regardless of when the application is mailed or received.


Cashin Company can assist you in getting through the California Real Estate courses. Contact Layne Kulwin, Director, Training and Recruiting for additional information - lkulwin@cashin.com or (650) 473-6999.