Search CA.gov

Welcome to the Department of Real Estate

Right Column

Combined Broker Examination and License Application Process

Individuals may apply and pay for their real estate broker examination and license at the same time by submitting one application form Broker Exam/License Application (RE 436) and both the exam and license fees. Broker examination applicants must submit all education and experience requirements with their application. See Real Estate Broker License.

Once submitted, the fee may not be refunded or transferred to another application. The applicant must successfully pass the examination within two years of the date the application is filed. If those steps are not completed within the two-year time limit, the application and fee will lapse.

Examination candidates who currently have a valid examination application on file can submit the appropriate combined form and the license fee to initiate the review of their license application.

Applicants who do not hold a salesperson license must submit:

  1. A completed State Public Benefits Statement (RE205) and,
  2. Proof of Legal Presence, such as a copy of a birth certificate or passport, with their application.
  3. Be fingerprinted using a Live Scan Service Request Form (RE 237) and Live Scan service provider http://caag.state.ca.us/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm.
  4. Applicants may get their fingerprints taken at the time they submit their Examination/License application or any time thereafter, however, results from the fingerprint process must still be received before a real estate license can be issued.
  5. Fingerprint processing fees are not refundable under any circumstances, including failure to qualify by examination for a license.

Missing requirements may be submitted anytime within a two year period following DRE receipt of a combination application and fee. Additionally, if a significant period of time elapses between the time the examination/license application is filed and the date the examinee passes the test, the Department will require a written update of pertinent information before the license can be issued.