California Real Estate Sales Agent License Cost
Every fee the state charges, what training adds on top, and what the same licence costs in other states.
The fees, itemised
These are the state's own charges. Training is the big variable and is listed separately where the state sets a requirement.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $100 | |
| License / certification fee | $350 | |
| Background check / fingerprint | $49 | |
| Renewal fee | $350 | |
| Total | $499 | before exam retakes |
The state fees are fixed. Training is the part that moves: community college, private trade school and employer-sponsored apprenticeship can differ by thousands of dollars for the same licence.
Renewal
Renewal costs $350 every 4 years. Over ten years that is about $875 in renewals alone.
Cost in other states
| State | State fees | Time | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $499 | 0.8 mo | $72,870 |
| Florida | $63 | 0.4 mo | $68,100 |
| Texas | $208 | 1 mo | $78,390 |
Cheapest route we found: Florida at $63. Highest median pay: Texas at $78,390 — the two are rarely the same state, which is the whole decision.
Sources
- https://www.dre.ca.gov/Examinees/RequirementsSales.html“Successful completion of three college-level courses is required to qualify for a real estate salesperson examination”
- https://www.dre.ca.gov/Examinees/RequirementsSales.html“Each course approved by the Department of Real Estate is a minimum of 45 hours in length.”
- https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Fees.html“Salesperson Examination Fee $100 License Fee $350 ... On Time Renewal $350 $450”
- https://www.dre.ca.gov/licensees/renewlicense.html“Licenses are issued for a four-year period and should be renewed prior to the expiration date listed on the license.”
- https://www.dre.ca.gov/Examinees/OutOfState.html“California has no reciprocity with any other state”
- https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Fees.html“Original license or examination applicants who reside in California will pay a $49 fingerprint processing fee directly to the live scan fingerprint service provider.”