California Real Estate License Late Renewal & Expired Renewal — Complete Guide (2025)

If your California real estate license is about to expire or has already lapsed, don’t worry.

This guide breaks down exactly what to do next.

We’ll walk you through important deadlines, continuing education (CE) requirements, fees, what “late renewal” really means, and even what to expect if it has been more than two years since your license expired.

Late renewal: within the 2-year grace period (expired but renewable)

In California, you get a two-year “right to renew” period. That means you can bring your license back to active status 2 years after expiration, but keep in mind: you cannot practice real estate until your renewal is fully processed and posted.

Here’s what you’ll need to submit:

• Application:
  
  • Salesperson: Form RE 209 (or submit online through eLicensing)
  • Broker: Form RE 208 (or submit online through eLicensing)
• Continuing Education: Form RE 251 confirming 45 hours of approved CE.
• Fees: Late renewals cost more than on-time renewals:
  
  • Salesperson: $525 (vs. $350 on time)
  • Broker: $675 (vs. $450 on time)

Filing online:‍

eLicensing makes it easy to file your late renewal, as long as you’re still within the two-year window. (Note: some corporation/officer renewals must be mailed once expired.)

CE timing rules (easy to miss)

Staying on top of your continuing education (CE) is key to keeping your license active. The rules are pretty straightforward, but they change slightly depending on whether you renew on time or late.

• On-time renewal: Your CE must be finished within the four years leading up to your renewal effective date (usually the day after your license expires).
• Late renewal: Your CE must be current within four years of the date you actually file your late renewal. If your CE is older than that, you’ll need to retake the courses.

Need extra time for CE?‍

In some cases, yes. If you filed on time but the DRE later finds that part of your CE doesn’t qualify, you can request a 90-day extension with Form RE 213. 

Keep in mind:

• The request must be mailed (not filed online).
• It must be sent in with your renewal application and fee.
• The DRE must receive it within 90 days of your license’s expiration date.

Can you work with an expired license?

No. Even though you have a two-year grace period to renew, you cannot do anything that requires a real estate license until your late renewal is processed and your status is officially current again

Expired for more than two years: renewal rights are forfeited

If your license has been expired for more than two years, the window to renew officially closes. At that point, the DRE will not accept a late renewal. To get back into real estate, you will need to start fresh by meeting the current education requirements and passing the state exam again.

Fees at a glance (as of August, 2025)

• Salesperson: $350 if you renew on time, $525 if you renew within two years after expiration
• Broker: $450 if you renew on time, $675 if you renew within two years after expiration

Before you submit, be sure to double-check the current fee schedule with the DRE so you know exactly what to pay.

Step-by-step checklists

If you are renewing on time

• Complete 45 hours of DRE-approved continuing education, be sure the course mix matches your renewal cycle.
• Renew through the eLicensing portal or mail your package so it is postmarked by midnight on your expiration date.
• Pay the renewal fee.
• You can continue practicing after the printed expiration date while the DRE processes your renewal, unless they tell you otherwise.

If you are late (within two years after expiration)

• Stop all licensed activity until your status is officially renewed.
• Complete the 45 hours of continuing education that falls within four years of your late filing date and gather your RE 251 form.
• Submit RE 209 for salespersons or RE 208 for brokers via eLicensing or mail, along with the late renewal fee.
• If you filed on time but some of your CE was later disallowed, you may be eligible for a 90-day CE extension. This must be mailed, and timing rules apply.

If you are more than two years past expiration

• Your right to renew is lost, and the DRE will not accept a renewal application.
• To return to practice, you must apply as a new applicant—meeting the current education and experience requirements and passing the state exam.

Special situations

CE exemption for 70/30 licensees‍

If you’re 70 or older and have held your California real estate license in good standing for 30 continuous years, you may qualify for a continuing education exemption. To claim it, file Form RE 213 with your renewal, following the timing rules. 

Keep in mind, even if you’re exempt from CE, you still need to submit your renewal and pay the required fee.

Corporation or officer renewals‍

If an officer or corporation license has expired, late renewals must be submitted by mail. 

Practical timing tips

• Mark your calendar early. Give yourself at least 120 days before your license expires. This gives you plenty of time to finish your CE and handle any delays with course providers before the 90-day early filing window opens.
• Double-check your CE dates. If you’re renewing late, make sure all your CE was completed within four years of your filing date—not your original expiration date.
• Take advantage of eLicensing. Filing online is faster, confirms receipt immediately, and lets you verify your public record after submission.
  

Final Thoughts 

Renewing on time is by far the easiest and most cost-effective route. Complete your 45 hours of continuing education, submit your renewal before your expiration date, pay the standard fee, and you can keep working while the DRE processes your renewal.

California gives you a second chance with its two-year right-to-renew. You’ll need to finish your 45 hours of CE (completed within four years of your filing date), pay the late fee, and wait until your license status shows as current before doing any licensed work.

If it’s been more than two years, the right to renew is gone. You’ll have to start over, meeting current education requirements and passing the state exam again.

To avoid any surprises, start your CE early, make sure you’re taking the right course mix for your renewal cycle, file through eLicensing when possible, and keep good records of all certificates and submissions. When in doubt, filing on time is the safest move—it keeps your license active, your business running smoothly, and your clients served without interruption.