Can You Get Your California Real Estate License Completely Online?

If you are researching your next career move at 11:00 PM after a long shift or while the kids are finally asleep, you probably have one burning question:

Can you get a California real estate license online?

The short answer is: Mostly, but not entirely.

While the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has embraced digital transformation—allowing you to complete your education and submit your paperwork from your couch—there are still physical "gatekeepers" that require you to show up in person.

The Reality Check: Online vs. In-Person

The Bottom Line: You can complete 100% of your required education online, but the State of California requires you to physically appear for your exam and your background check. It is important to check the fine print: while the "schooling" is digital, the "licensing" still has a few real-world milestones.

Defining "Online" in the California Licensing Process

When people ask about getting a California real estate license online, they are usually referring to the flexibility of the curriculum. In California, you are required to complete three college-level courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective.

At ADHI Schools, we’ve spent over 20 years helping students navigate this. We know that for a busy professional, the ability to take online real estate courses in California is the difference between starting a career and just dreaming about one.

However, the "license" itself isn't a digital download. It is a credential granted by the state after you prove your knowledge in a proctored, high-security environment.

The 18-Day Regulatory Rule For Coursework

In California, DRE regulations specify that a student must spend a minimum amount of time with their course materials before they are eligible to take a final exam. This is typically implemented as a seat-time requirement of 18 days per course. Because you must take three courses, your total minimum education time is 54 days—a timeline that applies even if you are the fastest reader in the state.

Step-by-Step: What Parts Can Be Done Online?

To help you plan, here is the numbered flow of the licensing process, showing exactly where the "online" part ends and the "real world" begins.

• Pre-Licensing Education (Online): Complete your three courses (Real Estate Principles, Practice, and an elective). This takes a minimum of 54 days due to mandated study timers.
• Application Submission (Online): Use the DRE eLicensing system to submit your combined Exam/License application.
• Live Scan Fingerprints (In Person): You must visit a Live Scan provider to have your fingerprints electronically transmitted to the DOJ and FBI.
• The State Exam (In Person): Once your application is processed, you will schedule a date to visit one of the five DRE testing centers (Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno, La Palma, or San Diego).
• License Issuance (Digital/Mail): Once you pass, the DRE processes your results. You can often see your license number online before the paper certificate even arrives.

What Must Be Done In Person (And Why)

The DRE takes the integrity of the real estate profession seriously. The reasons you can't do it all from a laptop come down to two things:

• Security and Compliance.
• Exam Integrity: To prevent cheating and ensure that the person taking the test is actually the applicant, exams are held in monitored facilities where phones and notes are prohibited.
• Identity Verification: Live Scan fingerprinting ensures that your criminal background check is tied to your actual identity, which requires a physical "chain of custody" at a licensed provider.

Expert Tip: If you’re in a rush, you’ll want to look into the fastest way to get a real estate license in California.

Timeline Planning

If you are trying to map out your calendar, your "online" progress is the most predictable part of the journey. Once you move into the "in-person" phase, you are at the mercy of DRE processing times and exam seat availability.

For most students, a realistic schedule involves finishing the online coursework while simultaneously preparing their paperwork. For a detailed breakdown of these phases, check out our California real estate license timeline. If you're wondering how those months look on a week-to-week basis, read our deep dive on how long it takes to become a real estate agent in CA.

Cost & Convenience Reality Check

While you save time and gas money by choosing to get a real estate license online in California, you still need to budget for the state-mandated fees.

As of 2026, the DRE fee for a salesperson exam is $100, and the original license fee is $350, totaling $450 paid directly to the state. Additionally, you will need to account for Live Scan fingerprinting. This involves a $49 state processing fee, plus a "rolling fee" charged by the private provider (typically $30–$45).

For a full breakdown of every nickel and dime, see our guide on how much it costs to get a real estate license in California.

Common Misconceptions

• "I can take the state exam from home." No. You must travel to a DRE-approved testing site.
• "Online courses are instant." No. California law requires you to spend a minimum amount of time with the material (typically 18 days per course).
• "Once I finish courses, my license is automatic." No. Finishing courses only makes you eligible to apply for the state exam.
• "Online = instant approval." Even if you submit online, the DRE may take several weeks to review your file and authorize you to test.

FAQ Section

Can I take the California real estate exam online from home?

No. The California State Exam must be taken in person at one of the Department of Real Estate’s designated testing centers to ensure exam security.

Can I complete the required real estate courses online?

Yes. You can complete all 135 hours of required pre-licensing education (Principles, Practice, and an elective) through an approved online provider like ADHI Schools.

Do I have to do Live Scan in person?

Yes. Live Scan requires a physical scan of your fingerprints by a certified technician at a licensed provider. This cannot be done via a smartphone or home scanner.

How long does it take if I do everything possible online?

Most students finish in 3 to 5 months. This accounts for the 54-day mandatory study period and current DRE administrative processing times.

What is the fastest way to get licensed in California?

The fastest route is to submit a "Combined" Exam and License application and complete your Live Scan immediately after finishing your online courses to avoid "dead time" while waiting for your test date.

How much does it cost to get licensed in California?

You should budget roughly $600 to $1,100 total. This includes your online course tuition, the $450 in DRE exam and license fees, and your Live Scan fingerprinting costs.

What is the most common reason people get delayed?

The most common delay is waiting to schedule the state exam. If you wait until after your courses are finished to start your DRE application, you may find yourself in a weeks-long queue for a testing seat.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

The road to a new career starts with the right map. While you can't do everything online, choosing a flexible, high-quality online education provider is the best way to maintain your current lifestyle while building a new one.

For a comprehensive look at the entire process, visit our California Real Estate License Guide.