You do not have to show proof of legal presence in the United States to be a real estate agent in California. Nor do you need to be a state resident to apply for or obtain a real estate license. Here’s what you need to know about getting a non-citizen real estate license in California.
Key Takeaways
- Non-citizens can obtain a real estate license in California without proof of legal presence in the U.S. or state residency.
- Applicants must be honest and truthful, at least 18 years old, complete three college-level real estate courses totaling 135 hours, and pass the California real estate salesperson exam.
- The application requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency is not mandatory.
- Fingerprints must be submitted electronically for a background check through the Department of Justice Live Scan Program. The Department of Real Estate may deny a license if the applicant has a criminal record related to real estate qualifications.
Can You Get Your Real Estate License as a Non-Citizen In California?
Yes, you can get your real estate license as a non-citizen in California.
Each state has its own real estate licensing requirements. In California, non-citizens can earn a license to help clients buy and sell real estate. This was not always the case. However, Senate Bill 1159, which became effective in 2016, removed the legal presence requirement from the real estate application process.
California Real Estate Licensing Requirements
Now that you understand that California residency and U.S. citizenship are not requirements to become a real estate agent in CA, you may wonder about the steps required to earn a license. Here’s a brief overview of the California real estate licensing process.
Related article: Get Your California Real Estate License
Pre-licensing requirements
Before taking real estate classes, ensure you meet the basic qualifications of earning a license.
- At least 18 years old
- Must be honest and truthful (Conviction of a crime may result in the denial of a license.)
California pre-licensing education requirements overview
If you can meet those two basic requirements, you have the green light to enroll in real estate pre-licensing classes.
Applicants must complete three college-level courses to qualify for a real estate salesperson examination. The courses take 135 hours to complete and consist of the following:
- Real Estate Principles
- Real Estate Practice
- One course from the following list:
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Property Management
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Economics
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Real Estate Office Administration
- General Accounting
- Business Law
- Escrows
- Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
- Computer Applications in Real Estate
- Common Interest Developments
After you complete your courses, you apply for a license, submit fingerprints for a background check, and pass the California real estate salesperson exam. The final step is to obtain sponsorship from a sponsoring broker.
You do not need a college degree to become a real estate agent in California.
California citizenship and visa requirements overview
Who is eligible to earn a real estate license in California? Here’s a summary of the citizenship and visa requirements.
Legal permanent residency vs. citizenship requirements
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen (by birth or through naturalization) to earn your real estate license in California. Nor do you need to be a legal permanent resident with a green card. However, you need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for your license.
FAQ: Can you use an ITIN number to apply for a California real estate license?
Yes, you can use your ITIN to apply for your California real estate license.
FAQ: Do all states have the same citizenship requirements to obtain a real estate license?
No, the citizenship requirements to become a real estate agent vary by state. Most states require applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal aliens, and some require a Social Security number. Additionally, some have state residency requirements.
Background check requirements overview
An applicant for a real estate license may be fingerprinted after applying for or passing the examination. Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through the Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan Program, which takes and transmits fingerprints to the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Applicants must pay a $49 fee for fingerprint processing.
The Department of Real Estate may deny issuing a license to an applicant if they have committed a crime that is “substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a real estate licensee.”
We’re sure you have other questions about California’s real estate licensing process. Allied Schools is available to answer your questions. We are California’s leading real estate school and have been providing quality education for over 30 years.
Enroll in your California real estate classes today, and within just a few months, you can show studio apartments in San Francisco or luxury real estate in LA.
