How to check a real estate license in California

Look up the license

Open the DRE Public License Lookup

What the search shows

According to the regulator’s own description, the search shows:

• The status of the license
• Information on suspensions, revocations and accusations
• Comments that in most cases describe a pending or final action against the licensee. A number beginning with H generally marks a formal administrative action, and one beginning with R a recovery claim.
• Documents for a disciplinary action, where available

DRE's status codes page explains each status. For example, Licensed NBA means the license is in a non-working status and the licensee may not perform acts that require a real estate license. Source

For a broker or corporation, the lookup lists affiliated salespersons. Brokers employed by other brokers or corporations do not appear on that list, so search for them individually. Source

DRE says discipline information may have been removed from a licensee's record under Business and Professions Code section 10083.2(c), but may be available from DRE on request or through its public information line at 1-877-373-4542. Source

DRE says an accusation is the pleading that starts a formal disciplinary case, and that the licensee should be presumed innocent of the alleged wrongdoing until the case is concluded by an order after a hearing or by a stipulation. Source

Match the license number as well as the name. Different people can share a name.

Check for disciplinary actions

DRE posts monthly summaries of its enforcement actions, including disciplinary actions initiated against real estate licensees.

File a complaint

1. Complete the Licensee/Subdivider Complaint Information and form RE 519, then mail or hand deliver it with your attachments to any DRE district office.
2. Or file through DRE's Enforcement Online Complaint System.

Deadline for the regulator to act: DRE's complaint form instructions say formal disciplinary action generally must be filed within three years of the alleged grounds. When fraud, misrepresentation or a false promise is charged, it can also be filed within one year after the harmed person discovers it. In no case can it be filed more than ten years after the alleged grounds.

Limits on what the regulator can do

• DRE says it cannot act as a court, so it cannot order refunds, cancel contracts or award damages.

Consumer Recovery Account

DRE says the requirements generally include a final civil judgment, arbitration award or criminal restitution order against a licensee, based on intentional fraud or conversion of trust funds in a transaction requiring a real estate license. You must make a reasonable search for the licensee's assets and, if you find any, a reasonable effort to collect from them. You must also name as defendants, and make a reasonable effort to collect from, all other parties to the transaction who may be liable to you and able to pay. The application must be submitted to DRE within one year after the judgment, award or order becomes final. If it is granted, the account pays your actual and direct out-of-pocket loss, up to $50,000 per transaction, with a possible total of $250,000 per licensee.

This page summarizes official state sources. It is not legal advice.

What a license check cannot tell you

• A current, active license shows that the state allows the person to practice. It does not show sales results, skill or client satisfaction.
• A lookup shows the record as of the regulator’s last update. Check again close to when you sign an agreement.
• DRE warns that unlicensed people have tried to use the names and information of real licensees.