Why this matters: Your license renewal doesn’t have to be complicated. Our step-by-step video and text tutorial takes you behind the scenes of the Department of Real Estate (DRE) eLicensing portal so you know exactly what to expect — and can clear your next 45-hour renewal quickly, correctly and without the hassle.
Making your renewal easier
No matter where you are in the renewal cycle, it will always be “that time again” eventually.
You may take your mandated 45-hours of continuing education (CE) anytime during your four-year renewal window. You are eligible to process your renewal with the Department of Real Estate (DRE) when you are within 90 days of your license expiration date.
Before you may process your renewal with the DRE, you need to complete your state-mandated education, unless exempt.
When deciding what renewal course to take, you will likely prioritize numerous things, such as:
- quality;
- ease;
- cost;
- flexibility; and
- entertainment value.
Of course, when you renew your license with firsttuesday, all these expectations are met — and more.
Our courses are DRE-approved, California-specific and delightfully engaging. Starting at just $44.50, we offer competitive prices for licensees who are price conscious. For the premium Hollywood experience, we have fully-acted video-based courses that make your renewal easier — and more entertaining — than ever.
Related article:
Video Renewal Course: Real Estate Matters™ — the 2026 cinematic CE release for your DRE renewal
Compatible with the seamless ease that comes with completing your 45-hours of education with firsttuesday, the DRE has an easy online system for instantly renewing your broker or salesperson license — no paperwork or wait required.
The DRE’s online renewal system is called eLicensing, as many of you have likely experienced.
In this article and video feature, we fully depict the steps of renewing your California salesperson or broker license using the DRE’s eLicensing system.
The first video and set of instructions are for salesperson renewals.
The second video and set of instructions are for broker renewals.
Watch (and/or read) below.
Salesperson renewal
Step 1
Go to the Department of Real Estate website at dre.ca.gov. Click the eLicensing button on the right.
After logging in, you will be taken to the Your Menu Options page. Click the “Renewal” link at the top under “License Options.”
Click “renew license.”
Step 2
Read the license renewal instructions and click “Continue.”
Step 3
Answer the yes or no questions relating to your background information. You’ll need to read these questions carefully, though the answer will be “No” to most questions for the majority of licensees. Pay particular attention to the question towards the end concerning whether you’ll be engaged in real estate activity requiring your license to be hung under a broker.
When you answer “No,” your license will be renewed as licensed NBA — Non-Broker Affiliated — meaning you will not be conducting licensed real estate activities. This is for salespeople who want to maintain their license but aren’t actively practicing.
When you answer “Yes,” your license will be renewed under a Licensed Status, enabling you to practice. Your employing broker will certify your employment at a later step.
Click “Continue” at the bottom.
Step 4
Press “No” to confirm your mailing address on record or “Yes” to change it. Mailing addresses are public information.
Step 5
Enter your phone number and email address.
Step 6
When you previously indicated you are engaged in real estate activities, enter the license number of your employing broker.
When you are not practicing, you will not see this screen.
When your employing broker is available to certify your employment, click “Yes.” Your employing broker will enter their eLicensing username and password and follow the instructions to certify you.
When your employing broker is not available to certify your employment, click “No.” Then, provide your employing broker’s email address. Your broker will be emailed a reminder to certify your employment within seven days.
Step 7
On the Continuing Education Requirement page, click “Add Course.”
Step 8
Enter the eight-digit certification number, registration date and date of completion from your firsttuesday Certificate of Completion for each of your courses. Note that you will enter each course individually. Click “Save” after each individual course is entered, and it will be added to the total.
Step 9
After all courses totaling 45 hours have been entered, click “Validate.”
On the Continuing Education Validation page, click “Continue.”
Step 10
Next is the Salesperson Declaration page, which is completed whether you are active or inactive. Answer the questions concerning business activity and volume, mortgage loan activity and property management. Once you are done, click “Continue.” And don’t worry — you’re almost to the end.
Step 11
Click “Pay and Submit” to pay for your license renewal with a credit card.
Provide the requested data on the payment information page.
The on-time renewal fee is $350.
The late renewal fee is $525.
Enter your email address to receive a confirmation.
Click “Pay.”
Step 12
Click the “Finished” button to confirm your payment has been approved. Your renewal takes effect immediately.
Broker renewal
Step 1
Go to the Department of Real Estate website at dre.ca.gov. Click the eLicensing button on the right.
After logging in, you will be taken to the Your Menu Options page. Click the “Renewal” link at the top under “License Options.”
Click “renew license.”
Step 2
Read the license renewal instructions and click “Continue.”
Step 3
Answer the yes/no questions relating to your background information. You’ll need to read these questions carefully, though the answer will be “No” to most questions for the majority of licensees. Pay particular attention to the question towards the end concerning whether you’ll be engaged in real estate activities.
When you answer “Yes,” your license will be renewed under a Licensed Status, enabling you to practice.
When you answer “No,” your license will be renewed and issued as Inactive, and all affiliated licenses and branches will be removed. This is for brokers who want to maintain their license but aren’t actively practicing.
Click “Continue” at the bottom.
Step 4
Press “No” to confirm your mailing address on record or “Yes” to change it. Mailing addresses are public information.
Step 5
Enter your phone number and email address.
Step 6
When you previously indicated you will be engaged in real estate activities, you will be given the option of adding, changing or updating your main office address.
When you have an existing fictitious business name on file with the DRE, you will be given the option to cancel it.
Further, you will have the option of adding or canceling a branch office.
Step 7
On the Continuing Education Requirement page, click “Add Course.”
Step 8
Enter the eight-digit certification number, registration date and date of completion from your firsttuesday Certificate of Completion for each of your courses.
Note that you will enter each course individually.
Click “Save” after each individual course is entered, and it will be added to the total.
Step 9
After all courses totaling 45 hours have been entered, click “Validate.”
On the Continuing Education Validation page, click “Continue.”
Step 10
Next is the Broker Declaration page, which is completed whether you are active or inactive. Answer the questions concerning the nature of your brokerage practice, including such things as any business activity and volume, trust account handling and employee supervision. Once you are done, click “Continue.” And don’t worry — you’re almost done.
Step 11
Click “Pay and Submit” to pay for your license renewal with a credit card.
Provide the requested data on the Payment Information page.
The on-time renewal fee is $450.
The late renewal fee is $675.
Enter your email address to receive a confirmation.
Click “Pay.”
Step 12
Click the “Finished” button to confirm your payment has been approved. Your renewal takes effect immediately.
