How Much Does It Cost to Renew a CA Real Estate License?

You’ve worked hard to build your business, but nothing halts momentum like a DRE deficiency notice—or worse, a license that slips into expired status. I’ve spent over 20 years helping California agents and brokers at ADHI Schools navigate this process, and I’ve watched too many professionals pay an unnecessary "tax": late fees, avoidable delays, and lost commission because they didn’t budget for time and money.

If you plan ahead, the cost to renew a California real estate license is predictable. If you wait until the last minute, the price goes up—not just in dollars, but in stress.

The Quick Answer: CA Renewal Cost Snapshot

Below are the renewal fees set by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). These figures reflect the official DRE fee schedule (fees effective July 1, 2024, and current as of March 2026).

Important: These are DRE filing fees only. Your total cost also includes continuing education (CE), which is provider-dependent. A realistic "total budget" for an on-time renewal is typically:

• Salesperson: ~$400–$480 (DRE fee + CE range)
• Broker: ~$550–$625 (DRE fee + CE range)

The Fee You Can’t Avoid: DRE Renewal Fees

The DRE renewal fee is non-negotiable. The cleanest way to pay is through the DRE eLicensing system, because it creates a clear electronic transaction record and supports the DRE’s standard online renewal workflow.

The on-time renewal nuance most agents miss

If you renew on time, California Business & Professions Code Section 10156.2 permits you to continue operating under your existing license after its expiration date unless the DRE notifies you of a deficiency. Your renewal is considered "on-time" if your eLicensing transaction is completed—or your mailed application is postmarked—by midnight on your expiration date.

Why the late fee is a trap

Miss the deadline and a Salesperson renewal jumps from $350 to $525—a $175 penalty (a 50% increase). Most importantly, if your license is expired and you haven’t submitted the complete renewal application, you cannot perform any activities requiring a license until your renewal is officially processed.

Plan your submission: Check our guide on How to Submit Your CA License Renewal Application for the smoothest filing flow.

The Second Big Cost: Continuing Education (CE) Tuition

Renewing a real estate license in California requires 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education. The cost depends on the provider and delivery method.

• Typical CE cost range: ~$99–$199.
• First renewal vs. Subsequent renewal: First-time renewals require individual courses in specific mandatory topics. For subsequent renewals, licensees whose licenses expire on or after January 1, 2023, have the option to complete a 9-hour CE survey course that covers the seven mandatory subjects.
• Provider Tip: Bundled 45-hour packages are almost always the best value. Buying courses "à la carte" often leads to missing a required component and paying twice.

Hidden Costs That Blindside People (The "Late Tax")

Beyond standard fees, these cost multipliers can inflate your real total:

• Deficiency delays: Typos or incorrect course numbers trigger DRE follow-up. While there is no "fine," the cost is measured in weeks of business disruption while you wait for manual processing.
• Multiple licenses: If you maintain a corporation license or an additional officer license, each carries its own renewal fee under the DRE fee schedule.
• Rush premiums: Waiting until the last minute for CE often results in less time to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal on CE.

To stay organized, use our Checklist for Renewing a California Real Estate License.

3 Budget Scenarios: What Will You Actually Pay?

1) Proactive Salesperson (Clean & On-Time)

• DRE fee: $350
• CE package: $50–$120
• Total: ~$400–$470

3) "Scramble" Renewal (Late Salesperson)

• Late DRE fee: $525
• Last-minute CE: Cost doesn’t change but you are less likely to cross shop if under time pressure.
• Total: ~$625+ (Plus the risk of commission loss during the gap).

How to Avoid Paying More Than You Need To

1. Finish CE early: Build at least a 30-day buffer for any certificate issues.
2. Submit early: eLicensing accepts applications up to 90 days before expiration.
3. Save proof: Save or print the confirmation page as a PDF and screenshot the transaction/confirmation number immediately after paying.
4. Audit your application: Double-check your 8-digit CE course numbers to avoid the common renewal mistakes agents make.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the late renewal fee in California for a real estate license?

The late renewal cost is $525 for Salespersons and $675 for Brokers. This applies if you renew within two years after your license expires.

If I renew on time, can I keep working after my expiration date?

In many cases, yes. If your renewal is submitted on time, California law (B&P 10156.2) may allow you to continue operating unless the DRE notifies you of a deficiency and instructs you to stop. That’s why submitting early and saving proof of your transaction is critical.

Is the CE cost included in the DRE fee?

No. The DRE fee covers state processing; CE is paid separately to your chosen education provider.

Can I renew early?

Yes—renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before expiration.

Do brokers pay more than salespersons?

Yes. An on-time Broker renewal is $450, while a Salesperson renewal is $350.

Your Next Steps

Budgeting is just step one. Timing is step two.

• First: Read How Long Does It Take to Process a CA Renewal? so you submit early enough to avoid a gap.
• Then: Follow the clean filing workflow in How to Submit Your CA License Renewal Application (and save your confirmation as proof).
• Finally: Anchor your entire renewal strategy with the full field manual: California Real Estate License Renewal Guide.