What happens when your California appraisal license lapses
A California appraisal license lapses when you let your renewal expire without submitting the renewal fee and continuing education hours before the important date. Once it lapses, you cannot legally perform appraisals in California until you reinstate it. The reinstatement process depends on how long ago your license expired — the longer the gap, the more steps you may need to take.
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) handles appraisal licenses and sets the rules for reinstatement. If your license has been expired for less than two years, reinstatement is usually straightforward. If it has been expired for two years or longer, you may need to retake the state exam or complete additional education requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired less than two years can usually be reinstated by paying the renewal fee and submitting proof of continuing education completed before the expiration date.
- Licenses expired two years or longer require you to retake the state appraisal exam and may require additional continuing education hours beyond the standard renewal requirement.
- You must contact the DRE directly or check their website to confirm your specific reinstatement requirements based on your license type and expiration date.
- The DRE processes reinstatement requests and will notify you in writing whether your license has been restored to active status.
Reinstatement for licenses expired less than two years
If your license expired within the last two years, you can reinstate it without retaking the exam. You will need to submit a renewal process to the DRE along with the current renewal fee. Check the DRE website or call their appraisal unit to confirm the exact fee amount, as it varies by license type (residential, commercial, or trainee).
You must also provide proof that you completed the continuing education hours required for that renewal period. If you completed the hours before your license expired, you can submit documentation of that completion. If you have not yet completed the hours, you will need to finish them before the DRE will process your reinstatement.
Submit your renewal process, fee, and proof of education to the DRE by mail or through their online system if available. The DRE will review your submission and send you written confirmation once your license is reinstated.
Reinstatement for licenses expired two years or longer
If your license has been expired for two years or more, reinstatement requires additional steps. You will need to retake the California state appraisal exam. This is the same exam you took to obtain your original license, and you must pass it again before the DRE will reinstate your license.
Before you can sit for the exam, you may also need to complete a certain number of continuing education hours. The DRE sets these requirements, and they may differ from the standard renewal hours. Contact the DRE to find out exactly how many hours you need and which courses satisfy the requirement.
Once you have completed the required education and passed the exam, submit your reinstatement process with proof of exam passage and education completion, along with the renewal fee. The DRE will process your process and restore your license to active status.
How to contact the California Department of Real Estate
The DRE appraisal unit handles all license reinstatement requests. You can reach them by phone, mail, or through their website at dre.ca.gov. When you contact them, have your license number ready and be prepared to tell them your license expiration date so they can tell you which reinstatement path applies to you.
The DRE can also tell you whether your license is currently in active, inactive, or expired status, and they can clarify which continuing education courses meet their requirements. If you are unsure about any step in the reinstatement process, calling the DRE directly is the fastest way to get an accurate answer.
Exam registration and scheduling
If you need to retake the state exam, you will register through the testing vendor that administers the California appraisal exam. The DRE website lists the current testing vendor and provides a link to their registration system. You will need to pay an exam fee at the time of registration.
After you register, the testing vendor will send you information about exam dates and locations. You can usually schedule your exam within a few weeks of registration. Bring a valid government-issued ID to the exam site on the day of your test.
What to do while waiting for reinstatement
Once you have submitted your reinstatement process, the DRE will review it and send you written notice of their decision. This process typically takes several weeks. During this time, you cannot legally perform appraisals in California, even if you have submitted your process.
If the DRE needs additional information from you, they will contact you by mail or phone. Respond promptly to any requests so your process does not get delayed. Once your license is reinstated, the DRE will send you written confirmation, and you can resume appraisal work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my process?
The DRE typically processes reinstatement applications within four to eight weeks, though the timeline can vary depending on how busy the office is and whether they need additional information from you. If you have not heard back after eight weeks, contact the DRE to check the status of your process.
Do I have to retake the exam if my license expired just over two years ago?
Yes. The DRE requires exam retakes for any license expired two years or longer, regardless of whether it expired by one month or several years. Contact the DRE to confirm your exact expiration date and whether you fall into the retake category.
Can I perform appraisals while my reinstatement process is pending?
No. You cannot legally perform appraisals in California until your license is reinstated and the DRE has sent you written confirmation. Performing appraisals with an expired license is a violation of California law.
What if I cannot find my continuing education certificates?
Contact the course provider or the continuing education vendor directly and request a transcript or certificate of completion. Many providers can email or mail you proof of completion. The DRE may also accept a letter from the provider confirming that you completed the required hours.
Is there a fee to reinstate my license?
Yes. You must pay the renewal fee for your license type when you submit your reinstatement process. The fee amount varies by whether you hold a trainee, residential, or commercial appraisal license. Check the DRE website or call them to confirm the current fee.