COVID-19 FAQs for Licensing/Exam Processes
Updated May 11, 2021
1. Are Department of Real Estate (DRE) offices and exam centers open?
Yes, all DRE exam centers are open.
2. Am I required to wear a mask at the exam center?
Masks may be required in the examination centers per state, county, and local guidelines. Masks will
be removed briefly to validate the identity of the examinee. All masks will be visually inspected.
3. How can I schedule my license exam?
The best way to schedule or reschedule your licensing exam is online, through
DRE's eLicensing service. If you are not registered,
you should use your Examinee ID number to create a free account now.
You should also make sure DRE has your most up-to-date contact information. Update yours through your
eLicensing account.
4. How have COVID-19 restrictions effected DRE exam center capacity?
Because of physical distancing requirements, DRE exam centers are limited to 50% capacity.
5. If I have a COVID-19 related issue, can I reschedule my exam date?
Yes, if you have contracted COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19, have COVID-19 symptoms, or have
other COVID-19 related issues, you can reschedule your examination without a fee by sending an email to
Ask.DRELicensing@dre.gov. Please put "COVID - Exam Reschedule
Request" in your subject line and include your Examinee ID number and current test date, time, and location.
You can also call the DRE Virtual Call Center Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. at 877-373-4542.
However, due to staffing restrictions, wait times may be excessive.
6. Some license renewal deadlines were extended because of COVID-19. When do those deadlines expire?
The executive orders issued by Governor Gavin Newsom that extended some deadlines for certain DRE
licensees and pending applicants expired on June 30, 2021.
Four groups were affected by the order. Here's what the June 30, 2021 deadline meant to each:
- Those whose DRE four-year license expired on or after April 16, 2020
You had until June 30, 2021 to submit your renewal application, renewal fee, and continuing education (CE) requirements. - Those whose DRE license rights expired on or after April 16, 2020
Licensees have two years after expiration to renew their license. In cases where that two-year period ended on April 16, 2020 or after, you had until June 30, 2021 to submit your renewal application, late fee, and CE requirements. - Those who are in the two-year window to pass the license exam
For examinees whose two-year window to pass the exam ended on April 16, 2020 or after, you had until June 30, 2021 to schedule your license exam. - Those who have passed their exam, but have not applied for their license
For those who passed the exam and whose one-year deadline to apply for a license expired on April 16, 2020 or after, you had until June 30, 2021 to apply for licensure.
Licensees are strongly encouraged to use DRE's eLicensing system. The secure system offers expedited processing of salesperson, broker, and officer license renewals 24/7. eLicensing is easy to use, paperless, and interactive. Learn more about the deadlines.
7. If my exam was cancelled by DRE and I don't want to reschedule, can I get my exam fee refunded?
Yes, DRE will refund exam fees to any applicant who had an exam cancelled by DRE, has not yet taken the
exam and who requests a refund.
Requests can be made by email to Ask.DRELicensing@dre.ca.gov.
Please put "Exam Fee Refund Request" in your subject line and include your Examinee ID number.
8. Is DRE's Virtual Call Center open?
Yes, DRE staff are on-duty, with the majority teleworking. DRE's Virtual Call Center is
open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. at 877-373-4542. However, due to staffing
restrictions, wait times may be excessive.
You should direct your general licensing and exam questions by email to:
Ask.DRELicensing@dre.ca.gov.
9. Why can't I take my exam online?
It's critical for the value of a real estate license that DRE protects the integrity of all
licensing exams. Current technology does not provide sufficient security to protect exam questions.
We're keeping a close eye on various testing platforms and will re-evaluate available technology
on an ongoing basis.
10. My real estate license will be expiring soon. What is the best way for me to complete my renewal?
The secure eLicensing online system
offers expedited processing of salesperson, broker, and officer license renewals any time or day of the week.
eLicensing is easy to use, paperless and interactive. Licensees enter information needed for license renewal
into eLicensing, including the course number and completion date of continuing education taken. If continuing
education is required, then continuing education requirements must be completely satisfied in order to renew
through eLicensing. Acceptable methods of payment include VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards
or debit cards bearing a VISA or MasterCard logo.
Unfortunately, officers renewing after the license expiration date and all restricted licensees
cannot use eLicensing. Those renewal applications must be submitted by mail to the Department of
Real Estate, P.O. Box 137003, Sacramento, CA 95813-7003.
11. Will DRE accept electronic signatures on licensing documents during this time?
DRE will accept licensing/examination documents with electronic signatures if
the documents cannot be submitted through our eLicensing system.
Electronic signatures are acceptable provided there is a means to authenticate that the digital signature belongs
to the individual, complying with California's Uniform Electronic Transactions Act
(
California Civil Code §1633.1, et seq.)
Any document delivered to DRE in this manner shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be effective
for all purposes.
