What you need to do to get your California appraisal license back
If your California appraisal license has expired or been inactive, you can reinstate it through the Department of Real Estate (DRE). The path depends on how long it has been inactive and whether you let it lapse voluntarily or it was suspended for another reason. Most reinstatements require you to pay a fee, complete continuing education hours, and submit paperwork to the DRE — but the exact requirements shift based on your situation.
The DRE handles all appraisal license reinstatements in California. You cannot reinstate through a third party or online service; you must work directly with the department. The process typically takes four to six weeks from the time the DRE receives your complete process.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement requirements depend on how long your license has been inactive — licenses lapsed less than two years have different rules than those inactive longer.
- You must complete continuing education hours before reinstatement, with the number of hours determined by how long your license was inactive.
- The reinstatement fee is separate from the continuing education cost, and both must be paid before the DRE will process your process.
- If your license was suspended for a violation or disciplinary action, you may face additional requirements beyond the standard reinstatement process.
Reinstatement timelines and what they mean for your requirements
California divides reinstatement into two categories based on how long your license has been inactive. A license that expired less than two years ago follows one set of rules, while a license inactive for two years or longer follows another. This distinction matters because it determines how many continuing education hours you must complete.
If your license lapsed within the last two years, you will need to complete 24 hours of continuing education before reinstatement. These hours must cover specific topics set by the DRE, and you must take them through an approved provider. You will also pay the reinstatement fee, which the DRE sets annually — contact the department directly for the current amount.
If your license has been inactive for more than two years, the requirement jumps to 48 hours of continuing education. This longer requirement reflects the additional time you have been away from active appraisal work. You will still pay the same reinstatement fee as someone reinstating after a shorter lapse.
Continuing education requirements and where to find approved courses
All reinstatement applicants must complete continuing education through a provider approved by the DRE. The department maintains a list of approved providers on its website. Courses must cover topics the DRE specifies — typically including ethics, appraisal standards, and California real estate law — and you will receive a certificate of completion when you finish.
You can take these courses online or in person, depending on what the provider offers. Many providers offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend classes. The cost of courses varies by provider; budget between $300 and $600 for the full continuing education requirement, though this is separate from the reinstatement fee itself.
Keep your certificate of completion. You will need to submit it with your reinstatement process to prove you have met the education requirement. The DRE will not process your process without this documentation.
Documents and information you will need to submit
Your reinstatement process to the DRE requires several pieces of documentation. You will need your certificate of completion from your continuing education courses, proof that you have paid the reinstatement fee, and your original license number or the process number from your initial license. If you have moved since your license expired, have your current address ready.
If your license was suspended for a violation or disciplinary action — rather than straightforward expiring — you may need additional documentation. This could include proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, letters of reference, or a written explanation of what happened. The DRE will tell you what is required when you contact them about your specific situation.
You can submit your process by mail to the DRE's appraisal unit or in person at their office. The mailing address and office locations are on the DRE website. Processing times are typically four to six weeks, though this can vary depending on how busy the department is.
Fees and payment methods
Reinstatement involves two separate costs: the continuing education courses and the reinstatement fee charged by the DRE. The continuing education cost depends on which provider you choose and ranges widely. The reinstatement fee is set by the DRE and does not vary — you pay the same amount whether you are reinstating after one year or five years of inactivity.
The DRE accepts payment by check or money order, made payable to the Department of Real Estate. Some offices may accept credit card or electronic payment; call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local DRE office takes. Include your payment with your process materials.
What happens if your license was suspended for a violation
If your license was suspended because of a disciplinary action — such as a complaint about your work, a violation of appraisal standards, or failure to meet continuing education requirements while licensed — reinstatement is more complex. You cannot straightforward pay the fee and complete the hours; you must first address the reason for the suspension.
Contact the DRE directly to understand what you must do to become may be able to access for reinstatement. This might include taking additional training, providing documentation that you have corrected the problem, or waiting a specified period of time. In some cases, you may need to request a hearing or submit a formal petition to the DRE. The department will explain your options when you reach out.
After your reinstatement is approved
Once the DRE approves your reinstatement process, you will receive a new license certificate or confirmation of reinstatement. Your license will be active again, and you can resume appraisal work in California. The DRE will send this confirmation by mail to the address you provided on your process.
Your reinstated license will have a new expiration date. In California, appraisal licenses are typically valid for four years from the date of reinstatement. You will need to renew before that date expires, which involves paying a renewal fee and completing continuing education hours again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an appraiser while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot work under an expired or inactive license. You must wait until the DRE approves your reinstatement and you receive your new license certificate. Working without an active license is illegal in California and can result in fines or other penalties.
What if I cannot find my original license number?
Contact the DRE directly with your name and date of birth. They can look up your license history and provide your original license number. Include this information in your reinstatement process. You can reach the DRE's appraisal unit by phone or through their website.
Do I have to take continuing education courses from a specific provider?
No, but the provider must be approved by the DRE. You can choose any provider on the department's approved list. Different providers may offer different course schedules, formats, and pricing, so it is worth comparing options before enrolling.
How long does reinstatement usually take from start to finish?
If you already have your continuing education completed, the DRE typically processes your process in four to six weeks. If you still need to take courses, add the time it takes to complete them — usually two to four weeks depending on the provider's schedule. Plan for a total of two to three months from the time you decide to reinstate.
What if my reinstatement process is denied?
The DRE will explain why your process was denied in writing. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to complete all required continuing education, or an unresolved disciplinary issue. You can reapply once you have addressed the reason for denial, or you can request a hearing to appeal the decision.