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How to check California real estate license processing times: Complete guide (2025)

Learn how to check California Department of Real Estate (DRE) processing times for license applications, renewals, changes, certified histories, and mortgage loan originator endorsements. Stay updated with the latest timelines across all five categories.

Pat Sharyon profile image
by Pat Sharyon
How to Check California Real Estate License Processing Times.
From applications to renewals, learn where to find the latest processing timelines for every type of California real estate license request.

If you're navigating the licensing process with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), staying informed about current processing times can help you plan accordingly. Whether you're applying for a new license, renewing an existing one, making a change, or requesting certified records, each category is tracked separately on the DRE’s website—and each one lives on its own webpage.

This guide breaks down the five key categories and shows you where and how to check current timelines for each.

Quick Guide to California Real Estate Processing Times

Category Processing Times
Exam & New License Applications Check here
License Renewals Check here
License Changes Check here
Certified Histories Check here
Mortgage Loan Originator Endorsements Check here

Exam and New License Application Processing Times

If you're applying to take the real estate exam or submitting a new license application, processing times vary depending on the form you use. Each type of application is tracked separately, including:

  • Sales Exam Only (RE 400A)
  • Sales License Only (RE 202)
  • Sales Combo Exam/License (RE 435)
  • Broker Exam Only (RE 400B)
  • Broker License Only (RE 200)
  • Broker Combo Exam/License (RE 436)
  • Corporation/Designated Officer License (RE 201)

Each of these applications has its own processing queue, and current timelines are updated frequently.

Current Processing Timeframes - DRE

To check the most up-to-date processing times for exam and license applications, visit this DRE’s License Exam Application page.


License Renewal Processing Times

Renewal processing times are tracked separately depending on license type and whether the renewal was filed on time or late. Categories include:

  • Sales License Renewal (Filed on time or late)
  • Broker License Renewal (Filed on time or late)
  • Officer License Renewal (Filed on time or late)

Renewals are handled in the order received, and you can submit them up to 90 days before your license expiration date. As long as your paperwork is postmarked by midnight on the expiration date, it's considered on time. If submitted properly, your license remains active during processing, as outlined in B&P Code section 10156.2.

Current Processing Timeframes - DRE

Check current timelines on this California Real Estate License Renewal Processing page.


License Change Requests

If you're updating your license details, the processing time depends on the type of change being made. The state tracks each request separately, including:

  • Sales License Changes
  • Fictitious Business Name (DBA) Requests
  • Broker License Changes
  • Broker Associate Affiliations
  • Branch or Division Manager Appointments
  • Corporation License Changes
  • Corporation/Officer Substitutions

Each category has its own processing queue, and timelines are updated regularly.

Current Processing Timeframes - DRE

To find the latest updates, visit this License Change Request Processing page.


Certified Histories for Out-of-State Licensure

If you're applying for a license in another state and need to request a certified license history, you can submit a request through the California Department of Real Estate.

📄 These requests are tracked separately and processed in the order received.

Current Processing Timeframes - DRE

Visit this Certified History Request page to check the current timeline or submit your documentation.


Mortgage Loan Originator License Endorsement

If you're seeking or updating a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license endorsement, the Department processes two key request types:

  • New Filings
  • Sponsorship Requests

Both are typically reviewed within a few weeks of submission, though actual timelines may vary slightly based on volume.

Current Processing Timeframes - DRE

See the most up-to-date timeframes at this MLO License Endorsement Processing page.


Final Tip: Bookmark the Pages You Need

Each category lives on a different page of the DRE website. If you're managing multiple applications, renewals, or changes, it’s a good idea to bookmark the relevant pages to avoid confusion and keep track of your status.

Once you add the correct links, this article can serve as a go-to reference for anyone trying to understand where their real estate paperwork stands. Let me know if you'd like a version of this formatted for print or email distribution.

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by Pat Sharyon

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