The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has recently changed their application process. Applicants can now apply to take the state exam electronically via the Department of Real Estate's eLicensing system. Below are the steps to apply.
There are two ways that you can apply for the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam.
You can apply electronically by following the steps below or by referring to the documentation, here. We also recommend that you watch this short video from the DRE that explains the electronic application process and the documents you will need to have available to apply for the state exam, here.
or
You can apply via postal mail. The steps to apply via postal mail can be found in the course syllabus that coincides with the package you purchased. Look for the drop-down link titled Applying for the California Salesperson Exam for instructions.
Please review the helpful Steps to Get Licensed PDF provided by the Department of Real Estate, here
Make sure that you have three of your certificates of completion (Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and Legal Aspects of Real Estate) from Kaplan Real Estate Education readily available. You will be required to input information from your certificates of completion and upload your documents to the Department of Real Estate (DRE) website as part of the electronic application process.
If you have already submitted a paper application by mail DO NOT submit your application again electronically. Doing so will slow down the processing of your application and may delay acceptance and approval of your application.
Log on to the Department of Real Estate website, here
Locate the eLicensing online system link on the right-hand side of the DRE homepage and click Apply for Your Exam/License.
If this is the first time using the DRE eLicensing system, select the far right option- Applying for an exam/license and don't have an eLicensing account? - Register/Apply
You must read the Electronic Update Access Agreement Terms & Conditions page and select "I Accept" at the very bottom of the page.
You will be required to enter your social security number and birthdate then hit Continue.
Enter your full legal name as it appears on your government issued ID and your certificates of completion. IMPORTANT - Your certificates of completion should match the name on your government issued ID and the information you enter when creating your eLicensing account. If your certificates of completion do not include your full legal name please contact Customer Support at 800.660.8105 for assistance with updating your certificates.
Follow the instructions for creating your eLicensing username and password. Make sure that you write your username and password down for safekeeping and future use.
Select the option for Online Exam/License Application (OLEA). Once you select this option it will direct you to a new page and you will be required to enter your password again.
Please re-enter your eLicensing password to log in.
The next step requires you to determine how you wish to apply for the exam. Please read this page carefully. Kaplan recommends that you select the combination -Sales Exam and License RE 435C option. This will enable you to apply and pay for the salesperson exam and license at once. To ensure you are able to complete the suggested application, make sure that you have the following:
Certificates of Completion (RE Principles, RE Practice, and Legal Aspects of Real Estate)
Completed Live Scan (fingerprinting) Form, here
A valid credit/debit card.
Once you determine which option you would like to use click on Start New Application.
The next step requires you to begin filling out your online application. Because of the detailed instructions, Kaplan is including the DRE informational handbook to help our customers complete this process, here. Please refer to this booklet for helpful instructions on completing and submitting your electronic application. The information begins on Page 10 (Create a New Application). Proceed with completing all necessary electronic paperwork and submitting it.
If you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
