Can I get a CA real estate license if I don't work for broker?

In order to apply for a California real estate license, you must satisfy the DRE's general and course requirements, and pass the state licensing exam. Once you complete all of these requirements, the DRE will notify you to complete the license application in the eLicensing System.

If you have a sponsoring broker, you can submit a Combined Exam/License Application when you apply for the state exam using the eLicensing System. If you submit a Salesperson Examination Application, go online to submit the Salesperson License Application after you pass the state exam.

The DRE offers an online application with its Real Estate eLicensing System. First create an eLicensing Account. Once created, you can apply for an exam or the exam and license option.You can also mail your license application back to the DRE at: Department of Real Estate, P.O. Box 137001, Sacramento, CA 95813-7001.

The California real estate salespersons license application fee is $245.​ Acceptable payment methods include credit card, cashiers' check, money order, or check. The application fee is non-refundable.

If you have a sponsoring broker, you can submit the Combined Exam/License Application right after you complete the 3, 45-hour pre-license courses. If you previously submitted a Salesperson Examination Application, the DRE will email or mail you a Salesperson License Application after you pass the state licensing exam.

​It takes the DRE several weeks to process your Salesperson License Application. The processing times vary depending on the volume of applications. You can see the current application processing time frames here: http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/CurrentTimeframes.html

If you do not have a sponsoring broker when you submit your license application, the DRE will send you an inactive real estate license once your license application is approved.​ If you have an inactive real estate license, you will not be able to perform any duties that require an active real estate license.

​Honorably discharged Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for expedited processing. In order to receive an expedited processing time, you must submit a copy of your U.S. DD Form 214, NGB-22 form, or Honorable Discharge certificate to confirm your condition of discharge, along with your license application.

If you submitted a Combined Exam/License Application, you have two years to pass the state exam and submit the required documentation. If you​ received a Salesperson License Application from the DRE or applied in the eLicensing system, you have one year from the date you passed the state exam to submit the application.

The DRE is not permitted to issue or renew a full-time license if you are on a list of persons who have not complied with a court order to provide child support payments. ​The DRE will issue a 150-day license, during which time you must be cleared from the Department of Child Support Services' list of obligors.