Together, the California Department of Real Estate, the Office of Real Estate Appraisers, the Department of Corporations and the Department of Financial Institutions regulate most of the real estate and mortgage services in California. This web page is provided as a one-stop resource for California real estate and mortgage services license information, laws and regulations.
California Department of Real Estate (DRE) www.dre.ca.gov
The DRE is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Real Estate Law and Subdivided Lands Law. Licensees include real estate brokers and salespersons, prepaid rental listing services and mineral, oil and gas brokers. Real estate brokers may also act as mortgage brokers.
Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA) www.orea.ca.gov
OREA licenses real estate appraisers and ensures adherence to the national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the California Real Estate Appraisers Licensing and Certification Law and Regulations.
California Department of Corporations (CORP) www.corp.ca.gov
CORP licenses and regulates Residential Mortgage Lenders (RMLs); California Finance Lenders (CFLs); independent escrow companies; deferred deposit originators (payday lenders); check sellers, bill payers and proraters; securities brokers and dealers; investment advisers; and financial planners. The Department also regulates the offer and sales of securities, franchises, and off-exchange commodities.
California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) www.dfi.ca.gov
DFI is responsible for administering state laws regulating state-licensed financial institutions: banks, credit unions, industrial banks, trust companies, offices of foreign banks, issuers of travelers checks and payment instruments (money orders), and transmitters of money abroad pursuant to the Financial Code and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.
Consumer Links
Check the status of real estate salesperson, broker, and corporate licensees online.
