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California · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your California Real Estate Agent License

California real estate agents must complete 45 hours of board-approved continuing education every 4 years, as required by California Department of Real Estate (DRE).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) rule on September 10, 2026.

CE hours
45 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 4 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Required

Who has to renew

This guide covers California real estate agents holding a All Licensees — Second and Subsequent Renewals license. Requirements are set by California Department of Real Estate (DRE).

When to renew

California real estate agents licenses renew every 4 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (California Business and Professions Code §10156.2; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10 §3007 (licenses issued for a four-year period, each expiring on the individual licensee's own expiration date))

The continuing education California requires

California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires 45 hours of approved continuing education every 4 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Ethics — at least 9 hours
  • Consumer protection — at least 18 hours
  • Seven Mandatory Subjects — Survey Course OR Individual Courses — at least 9 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    California sets real estate agents requirements by license class (All Licensees — Second and Subsequent Renewals). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 45 hours of board-approved continuing education

    California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires 45 hours every 4 years, including Ethics, Consumer protection, Seven Mandatory Subjects — Survey Course OR Individual Courses. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the California real estate agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In California, you keep your certificate and attest to completion when you renew; the board may audit.

  5. 5

    Renew with California Department of Real Estate (DRE)

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. This renewal also requires passing an exam. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to California Department of Real Estate (DRE)

California real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do California real estate agents need?
California real estate agents must complete 45 hours of board-approved continuing education every 4 years, as set by California Department of Real Estate (DRE).
Which license classes does the California real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
The 45 hours requirement applies to: All Licensees — Second and Subsequent Renewals.
What topics are required for California real estate agents continuing education?
California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires coverage of: Ethics (9 hours); Consumer protection (18 hours); Seven Mandatory Subjects — Survey Course OR Individual Courses (9 hours).
Is an exam required to renew a California real estate agents license?
Yes — California Department of Real Estate (DRE) requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
Can California real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the California requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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