California Real Estate License Renewal Requirements (2026)

Fast Answer: Your 2026 Renewal Snapshot

If you are staring at a real estate license renewal notice (or dreading its arrival), here is the bottom line. Most (there’s an exception I will discuss in a bit) licensees cannot renew their California real estate license without checking these boxes.

• Total CE Hours: 45 hours (generally required, unless you qualify for the 70/30 exemption).
• Renewal Cycle: Typically every 4 years.
• The "New" Standards: If your license expires on or after Jan 1, 2023, you must have the 2-hour Implicit Bias course and the Interactive Fair Housing course. (Older certificates without these specific components will not satisfy current renewal requirements).
• Submission Method: DRE eLicensing system (recommended and fastest) or mail (slower).
• Earliest You Can Renew: Often about 90 days before expiration (check your eLicensing account for your specific window).
• Absolute Minimum Time to Complete CE: ADHI Schools’ renewal program can be completed in about 8 days from the time of registration to completion. CE providers enforce a limit of 15 credit hours per 24-hour period to prevent "speed clicking" under DRE rules. This means you cannot cram 45 hours of course completion into a single weekend.

Who This Applies To (Read This First)

Before you buy a package, verify your status. The California real estate license renewal requirements for 2026 differ depending on where you are in your career.

First-Time Renewal vs. Subsequent Renewal

• First-Time Salesperson: You cannot take the shortcut "Survey" course. You must take five separate 3-hour courses (Agency, Ethics, Trust Fund Handling, Risk Management, Fair Housing) plus the 2-hour Implicit Bias course, and at least 18 hours of Consumer Protection.
• Subsequent Renewal (2nd, 3rd, etc.): You are eligible for the 9-hour Survey Course. Per DRE rules, this single course covers all 7 mandatory topics (the five above, plus Implicit Bias and Management & Supervision). It is streamlined, but you still must enter the completion details for the remaining hours.

Broker vs. Salesperson

• Brokers: You must include "Management & Supervision" in the required subject set on your first renewal.
• Salespersons: For subsequent renewals, Management & Supervision is effectively required because it is included in the standard 9-hour Survey Course.

Kartik’s Insider Note: "I’ve seen veteran agents assume they know the rules because they’ve renewed five times. Then they get flagged because they missed the Implicit Bias requirement or took a Fair Housing course that lacked the 'interactive' component. Don't coast on autopilot."

For a complete breakdown of the entire process from start to finish, bookmark our master California Real Estate License Renewal Guide.

The 2026 Renewal Requirements (Detailed Breakdown)

The DRE (Department of Real Estate) is strict about course validity. If your course completion dates or course numbers don't match the current requirements, your renewal may be flagged.

1. The 45-Hour CE Requirement

Most licensees must complete 45 hours of DRE-approved Continuing Education. These hours are broken down into Mandatory Subjects and Consumer Protection (with a limit on Consumer Service hours).

How Many CE Hours Are Required for CA License Renewal?

• First-Time Salespersons: 5 separate 3-hour courses (Ethics, Agency, Fair Housing, Trust Funds, Risk Management) + 2-hour Implicit Bias + 18 hours Consumer Protection + remaining hours (Consumer Service max 27 hrs).
• First-Time Brokers: 6 separate 3-hour courses (Adds Management & Supervision) + 2-hour Implicit Bias + 18 hours Consumer Protection + remaining hours.
• Subsequent Renewals (All): 9-hour Survey Course or individual courses (covering mandatory topics) + 18 hours Consumer Protection + remaining hours.

2. The "Must-Have" Courses (Current Standard)

Two specific requirements trip people up the most:

• Implicit Bias Training (2 Hours): This is non-negotiable. Does California Require Implicit Bias Training for Renewal? Yes, effective Jan 1, 2023.
• Interactive Fair Housing: You cannot just read a PDF. The course must include an "interactive participatory component." While DRE mandates role-play, in online on-demand courses, this is typically built in as scenario-based interactions (you generally aren't performing live, but you must actively engage with the module).

3. Broker-Specific Rules

If you hold a broker license, you must ensure you are covered on "Management & Supervision."

• Do Brokers Have Different CE Requirements in CA? Yes, specifically on the first renewal. Brokers must take "Management & Supervision" as a standalone 3-hour course. (On subsequent renewals, it is included in the 9-hour survey for everyone).

Timeline: When to Start (Don't Ignore This)

Real estate is stressful enough without losing your license because you forgot a deadline.

• 60 Days Out: Check your eLicensing account. Is your email address current? Do you have any citation fines outstanding?
• 45 Days Out: Purchase your CE package. Give yourself a buffer.
• 14 Days Out (The "Safe Zone"): Finish your exams. DRE systems can go down for maintenance. Certificates can get misplaced. Do not be the person finishing their exam at 11:30 PM on your expiration date.
• Expiration Date: If you submit your renewal on time (before midnight), you can typically continue operating even if the processing takes a few days (under B&P Code 10156.2). However, if you miss the deadline, you are late. Once late, you cannot legally perform licensed activities until the renewal is fully processed.

Common Mistakes That Delay Renewal

After helping thousands of students, here are the real-world scenarios where I see agents get stuck.

Scenario A: The "Fast Reader" Trap

• The Situation: Agent Mike waits until 3 days before his license expires. He buys a 45-hour package and tries to power through it in one weekend.
• The Result: The renewal will be late. DRE rules require CE platforms to enforce a limit of 15 credit hours per 24-hour period once the exams are unlocked to prevent "speed clicking." Mike’s license expired because the platform physically wouldn't let him take the final exam in time.

Scenario B: The "Wrong Course" Disaster

• The Situation: Broker Sarah takes a generic "Fair Housing" course from a cheap provider that wasn't updated for California's interactive requirement.
• The Result: She submits her renewal. A week later, the DRE flags it: "Missing Interactive Component." She has to find a new course, pay again, and re-submit. What Courses Count Toward CE in California? Only those with specific DRE approval numbers that meet current legislative standards.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Without Drama

1. Verify Your Expiration Date: Log into DRE eLicensing.
2. Complete Your 45 Hours: Ensure your provider gives you course completion certificates for each course. You will need the 8-digit Course Number for the next step.
3. Log in to eLicensing: Select "Renew License."
4. Enter Course Numbers: Use the 8-digit number printed on your CE completion certificate (the one eLicensing asks for) and the completion date exactly as they appear on your documents. Don’t share these secret codes with anyone.
5. Pay the On-Time Fee:

• Salesperson: Check DRE fee schedule (approx. $350).
• Broker: Check DRE fee schedule (approx. $450).

6. Print Your Receipt: If your application is on time and clean (no background issues), your status should update to "Licensed" with a new 4-year expiration date often immediately.

FAQ: Quick Renewal Answers

Q: Can I renew my license after it expires? A: Yes. You have a two-year "grace period" (Late Renewal). You must pay a higher late fee and you cannot practice real estate during this gap until the renewal is fully processed and your status shows "Licensed" again.

Q: Do I need to submit my printed certificates to the DRE? A: Usually, no. You enter the course numbers into eLicensing under penalty of perjury. However, the DRE can audit you. Keep your PDF certificates for at least 4 years.

Q: I am over 70 years old. Do I still need CE? A: Maybe not. If you are 70+ and have been licensed in good standing for 30 continuous years, you can apply for the "70/30 Exemption."

Q: How much does the renewal cost in 2026? A: Fees are subject to change. Always check the DRE fee schedule directly before paying.

Q: What is the difference between Consumer Protection and Consumer Service? A: Consumer Protection courses cover topics that directly protect the public (like laws and disclosures). Consumer Service courses focus on professional skills (like marketing). You must have at least 18 hours of Consumer Protection, meaning you are limited to a maximum of 27 hours of Consumer Service.

Don't Let a Paperwork Error Cost You a Commission

Renewal shouldn't be a guessing game. If you are approaching your deadline, get your CE done with a trusted provider like ADHI Schools, and get your application in early.

Need a deeper dive on the forms, fees, and reinstating a lapsed license? Read the full California Real Estate License Renewal Guide next.