How to Apply for Your California Real Estate License After Passing the Exam

You’ve seen the word "PASS" on the screen at the exam center. It is a massive milestone, but it is important to understand one thing immediately:

Passing the real estate exam is not the same as having a license issued.

Until the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) processes your formal application and issues a license number, you cannot legally perform acts requiring a license or collect a commission. This is the final administrative step between passing and practicing, and navigating it correctly prevents administrative delays that can push back your start date in the market.

ADHI Schools typically recommends the DRE Exam/License Combo application for speed. While it requires paying both the exam and license fees upfront, it often reduces the back-and-forth after you pass and helps you move from ‘passed’ to ‘license issued’ faster. That said, many applicants don’t choose the combo (or aren’t sure which path they’re on), so this guide walks you through exactly what to do after passing—step by step.

Quick Summary

• Determine your path: Confirm if you filed a "Combo" or "Exam Only" application via eLicensing.
• Background clearance: Ensure your Live Scan fingerprints are submitted; issuance is gated by the DRE's receipt and screening of DOJ/FBI reports.
• Documentation: Submit the appropriate application and the required $350 fee (if not already paid).
• Activation: Decide whether you’ll issue as "Inactive" or "Active" with an employing broker.
• Verification: Check your status and Current Processing Timeframes on the official DRE website.

The 60-Second Post-Pass Checklist

• Verify Exam Status: Confirm "Pass" reflects in your eLicensing account.
• Check Application Type: If you filed the Combo, track your status—do not submit a second application.
• Live Scan: Have you performed your fingerprints?
• Broker Info: Do you have your employing broker’s license number? (Optional for issuance, required for "Active" status).
• Form Accuracy: Ensure your name matches your government ID exactly to avoid identity mismatches.

Step 1: Identify Which Path You’re On

Before you fill out new forms, you must know if the DRE already has your license application.

If you are unsure which path you followed, review your initial How to Apply for the California Real Estate Exam steps or check your payment history in eLicensing.

Operator Tip: If you’re unsure, check your eLicensing payment and application history before submitting anything new—duplicate filings can slow the review process.

Step 2: Complete the Application Correctly

If you are on the "Post-Pass" path, you must submit the Salesperson License Application (RE 202).

• Name Consistency: Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID.
• Disclosure Accuracy: Be thorough regarding past criminal convictions or disciplinary actions. Inconsistencies here commonly trigger follow-up requests and delay issuance.

Avoid This Delay: Check the Common Mistakes Applicants Make on DRE Forms to ensure your paperwork doesn't get kicked back for a simple oversight.

Step 3: Live Scan & Background Clearance

The DRE will not issue an original license until DOJ and FBI reports are received and screened. This is often the "pending trap" where applications sit for weeks while background checks process.

• The Form: Use the official Live Scan Service Request (RE 237).
• The Process: Review the DRE’s Fingerprint Requirements to ensure you are using a certified provider.
• Tracking: Keep your ATI number (found on the bottom of your Live Scan form) in case the DRE asks you to reference your submission.

Step 4: Fees and Document Hygiene

Fees must be exact. According to the official DRE Fee Schedule:

• Salesperson Original License: $350
• Salesperson Exam & License (Combo): $450

Operator Tip: Confirm the payment processed successfully and save the confirmation/receipt from eLicensing. If filing by mail, ensure you haven't missed a signature or a page. Unreadable uploads or incomplete paper packets are common "paper cuts" that add weeks to the process.

Step 5: Understanding Broker Affiliation

You can get your license number issued even if you haven't picked a company yet.

• Active Status: Your employing broker provides their license number and signs your application (manually or via eLicensing).
• Inactive Status: You submit the application without broker info. You will receive a license number, but you cannot legally perform real estate activities until you affiliate with an employing broker and activate your status.

What Delays Licenses (Operator Warnings)

• Name Mismatch: Ensure your name on your Live Scan matches your DRE application exactly.
• Missing Signatures: A single missing signature on a mail-in RE 202 will result in a deficiency letter.
• Failed Payments: Always verify your transaction status in eLicensing before closing your browser.
• Unreadable Uploads: Avoid blurry phone photos; use a proper scanner for all document uploads to the portal.

Real Scenarios from 20+ Years of Experience

• The "Identity Mismatch" Delay: A student passed and mailed their RE 202 using a nickname. The DRE couldn't match the application to the Live Scan results (filed under a legal name), resulting in the application being set aside.
  
  The Fix: Check your Live Scan receipt against your application before hitting "submit."
• The "Sponsorship" Wait: A candidate believed they couldn't apply for their license until they were hired. They waited three weeks to even start the paperwork.
  
  The Fix: Submit your license application immediately after passing; you can update your "employing broker" status in minutes once you make a hiring decision.

FAQ

How long after I pass does it take to get my license?

There is no "standard" time, but you can track progress via the DRE Current Timeframes page.

Do I need fingerprints if I already did Live Scan for the exam?

If the DRE already has your fingerprints on file for this application cycle, you typically don’t need to redo them.

What happens if my application is incomplete?

The DRE will notify you of the "deficiency." You will have to correct the error, which essentially puts your application at the back of the processing queue.

Can I work immediately after passing?

No. You must wait until your status shows as "Active" on the DRE Public License Lookup.

Your Next Step

Navigating the final steps of California licensing is about precision. By following this sequence, you reduce the risk of your application sitting on a desk for the wrong reasons.ADHI Schools typically recommends the DRE Exam/License Combo application for speed, but this guide ensures you can reach the finish line regardless of which path you chose.

Ready to ensure your paperwork is perfect?
Explore our California Real Estate License Guide for a complete roadmap.