What does the extended California renewal deadline mean for me?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 and early 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a series of Executive Orders (N-52-20, N-69-20, and N-71-20) pertaining to California state applicant and licensees by extending some deadlines to June 30, 2021. 

The first Executive order pertained to those whose DRE four-year license expired on or after April 16, 2020. Those who wish to submit their renewal application, Continuing education requirement and renewal fee can do that before until June 30, 2021.

The second order pertained to those whose DRE license rights expired on or after April 16, 2020. License applicants have two years to renew their license after expiration. In cases where that two-year period ended on April 16, 2020 or after, you have until June 30, 2021 to submit your renewal application, late fee, and Continuing Education requirements. 

The third Executive order he gave was concerning those who were in the two-year window to pass the license exam. For licensees whose two-year window to pass the licensing exam ended on April 16, 2020 or after, you have until June 30, 2021 to schedule and take your license exam. 

The fourth Executive order was concerning those who have passed their exam, but not applied for their license. If you passed the exam and your one-year deadline to apply for a license expired on April 16, 2020, or after, you have until June 30, 2021 to apply for license. 

Here are some FAQ’s and their answers, provided by the California Department of Real Estate to help you further understand how these orders may affect you. 

1. What are the four groups affected by Governor Newsom's Executive Orders and what must be done before the June 30, 2021 deadline.  

• The first group affected is those whose DRE four-year license expired on or after April 16, 2020. You have until June 30, 2021 to submit your renewal application, renewal fee, and continuing education (CE) requirements. 
• The second group is 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 have until June 30, 2021 to submit your renewal application, late fee, and CE requirements. 
• The third group affected is those who are in the two-year window to pass the license exam. For examinees whose two-year window to pass the licensing exam ended on April 16, 2020 or after, you have until June 30, 2021 to schedule your license exam. 
• The fourth group is those who have passed their exam, but 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 have until June 30, 2021 to apply for licensure. 

Any affected licensee or examinee can make fee payments on time but will not be penalized if they miss their original deadline, so long as the payment is made by June 30, 2021.  

2. What's the best way to renew my license?  

• 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.  

3. Is there anyone who cannot use the eLicensing system?  

• Yes, eLicensing is not available for either officers renewing after the four-year license expiration date or any restricted licensees. These renewal applications must be submitted by mail to:  
  Department of Real Estate  
  P.O. Box 137003   
  Sacramento, CA 95813-7003  

4. What else do I need to know about the June 30, 2021 deadline? 

• Your renewal is considered on-time if your eLicensing transaction is completed or your mailed application is postmarked before midnight on June 30, 2021. If you mail your renewal on time, Business and Professions Code Section 10156.2 permits you to continue operating under your existing license after its expiration date, unless notified otherwise by the DRE. 

5. Will this extension change my expiration date going forward?  

• No. This will not change your future expiration date. For example, if your license expired on December 31, 2020 and you wait until June 30, 2021 to renew, your next expiration date will still be December 31, 2024. The extension simply applied to the most recent renewal or application period and not the term of your license. 

6. Will this extension change my expiration date going forward? 

• This will not change your future expiration date. For example, if your license expired on December 31, 2020, and you wait until June 30, 2021 to renew, your next expiration date will still be December 31, 2024. The extension simply applied to the most recent renewal or application period and not the term of your license. 

For more information, visit the California Department of Real Estate’s website.