Understanding SB 143: Expanding Licensing Resources for Military Servicemembers

Published: May 14, 2025

In an effort to provide greater support for our military servicemembers and their families, Senate Bill (SB) 143 was signed into law in September 2023. The new law allows in some cases the portability of a real estate license from another state, district, or territory. The new law aims to improve the lives of military families by supporting increased access to real estate licensing and overall greater job opportunities. Who SB 143 Applies To Current active-duty servicemembers of the military Spouses/domestic partners of active-duty military servicemembers

What You Need to Know

SB 143 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, Chapter 196, Statutes of 2023) required the Department of Real Estate (DRE) to create a registration system that conforms with federal law permitting military servicemembers and their spouses who are in California on military orders to practice with a license from another state, territory, or district, if they meet certain requirements.

These requirements include:

(a) having actively used their license during the two years immediately preceding the relocation required by the military orders;

(b) providing DRE with a copy of the military orders showing the relocation to California;

(c) remaining in good standing with the licensing authority of each state, district or territory that issued a license; and

(d) submitting to DRE's authority for the purposes of standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements.

For more information on DRE license portability or to learn about more DRE military assistance/resources, visit: https://dre.ca.gov/Examinees/Military.html.