How to get a real estate license in San Diego, CA
There is no separate San Diego real estate license. Agents in San Diego hold a California salesperson license from the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), the same as everywhere else in the state. Here is what that means locally, with the full steps in the California guide.
The California steps at a glance
- Meet the basics
- Finish three college-level courses
- Pass the state exam
- Apply for the license
- Work under a responsible broker
Full California guide · Renewal and CE rules
San Diego by the numbers
- Active licensees
- 14,387
- Brokers
- 3,814
- Salespersons
- 10,573
- Brokerages they work with
- 1,655
- First licensed in the last 12 months
- 695
Source: California Department of Real Estate public license file (public record), as of October 23, 2026. Counted by the mailing address on file with the state. Active means Licensed or Licensed NBA (licensed, not currently working under a broker).
Picking a brokerage in San Diego
The California guide explains when you need to work under a broker. Many new agents talk to a few local offices before they decide. These franchise offices list an address in San Diego.
Offices in San Diego
16 real estate franchise offices list an address in San Diego: 13 Coldwell Banker and 3 Century 21.
- CENTURY 21 Affiliated 2020 Camino del Rio North, 92108 (619) 471-2000 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 Affiliated 6112 Regents Road, 92122 (858) 450-2100 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 Masters 3091 Clairemont Drive, 92117 (888) 862-1194 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Realty 12531 High Bluff Dr Ste 100, 92130 (858) 755-0075 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Realty 1615 Murray Canyon Rd Ste 110, 92108 (619) 296-9055 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Realty 16787 Bernardo Center Dr Ste 6, 92128 (858) 487-3333 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Realty 1851 Cable St, 92107 (619) 225-0800 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Realty 5055 N Harbor Dr Ste 300, 92106 (619) 224-5111 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Tierrasanta 5950 Santo Rd Ste I, 92124 (858) 565-1301 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker West 17135 Camino del Sur Ste 115, 92127 (619) 737-2126 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker West 1851 Cable St, 92107 (619) 737-2126 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker West 2468 Historic Decatur Rd Ste 150, 92106 (619) 737-2126 · Office site
Source: All The Places (CC-0), from each brand's public office locator, as of October 18, 2026. Not affiliated and not a recommendation; confirm details with the office.
Agents and offices in San Diego
Questions
Do I need a separate license to sell real estate in San Diego?
Not for the real estate license itself: the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) issues it and it covers all of California. The city may have its own business license rules, so check with the city.
Where do I take the course if I live in San Diego?
Any school approved by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) works, in a classroom or online where the state allows it. Check the approval before you pay.
Nearby city guides: Chula Vista · Carlsbad · Encinitas · La Mesa · Rancho Santa Fe · Ramona · La Jolla · El Cajon
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source.
Licensed already?
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