California Form RE 204 is the Branch Office License Application that every California real estate broker must file with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) before operating a real estate business at any location other than the broker’s main licensed office. The form is authorized under Business and Professions Code § 10163, which makes it unlawful to conduct licensed activity at an unlicensed branch.
Filing this form correctly the first time matters because the DRE processes more than 4,000 branch office applications each year, and the agency reports that roughly 1 in 5 are returned for missing signatures, wrong fees, or mismatched broker license IDs, adding 4 to 8 weeks to the wait. Brokers who skip the filing risk citation, fines up to $2,500 per violation, and license discipline under 10 CCR § 2715.
Here is what this guide will give you:
- 📝 A line-by-line walkthrough of every box on the current RE 204 (Rev. 1/24)
- 🏢 Three real broker scenarios showing exactly what to write in each field
- 💵 The current $71 branch fee, where to send it, and accepted payment methods
- ⚠️ The 10 most common RE 204 mistakes and the direct consequence of each
- ❓ 14 FAQs covering field-level confusion, timing, and post-filing questions
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
California Form RE 204 is the official application a licensed real estate broker uses to obtain a branch office license from the DRE. The form is built on the authority of Business and Professions Code § 10162, which requires every place of business other than the broker’s main office to be separately licensed. The current revision date printed at the bottom of the form is RE 204 (Rev. 1/24), and you should confirm you have that version before filing.
Any individual broker, broker-officer of a corporation, or designated broker for a partnership that conducts licensed real estate activity at a second location must file. This includes brokers who hold listing meetings, take client signatures, or store transaction files at the second site. A broker who only has a home office and no public-facing second location does not need RE 204, but the moment a sign goes up or clients are met somewhere else, the form is required.
The form interacts with several other DRE filings. If a broker is changing the main office, the broker uses RE 204 is not the right form — instead the broker files RE 203 Broker Change Application. When closing a branch, the broker submits RE 213 Branch Office Closure. When a salesperson moves to the new branch, the broker also files an RE 214 Salesperson Change Application for each affected agent.
A separate RE 204 must be filed for each branch. A broker with five locations beyond the main office files five RE 204s, pays five fees, and receives five branch certificates. Mary Chen, a Bay Area broker with offices in San Jose, Oakland, and Fremont, files three RE 204s and pays $213 total. The DRE never combines branches on one form, even when they are in the same county.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gathering paperwork before you open the form prevents the most common cause of rejection — incomplete fields. The DRE will not call you for missing data; it will return the entire packet by mail with a deficiency notice, costing 4 to 8 weeks. Below is the pre-filing checklist every broker should complete first.
- Your eight-digit broker license ID number — printed on your wall license; without it the form cannot be matched to your file and will be returned.
- Exact legal name as licensed with DRE — must match the name on your current broker license; any variation (middle initial, married name) triggers a manual review hold.
- Branch office street address — must be a physical street address, not a P.O. Box, because the DRE inspects branch locations under 10 CCR § 2715.
- Branch mailing address (if different) — used for mailing the wall certificate; if missing, the certificate goes to the main office.
- Branch telephone number — required so the DRE can verify the branch is operational.
- Designated branch manager information (if any) — name and license ID of the salesperson or broker-associate who will supervise daily operations.
- Fictitious business name (DBA), if used — must already be approved on form RE 282 Fictitious Business Name before RE 204 references it.
- $71 filing fee — payable by check, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card via DRE eLicensing; the fee schedule is published on the DRE Fee Schedule page.
- Corporate broker information (if applicable) — corporate license ID, designated officer name, and corporate seal placement.
- Date the branch will open or did open — used to confirm whether the broker operated unlicensed before filing.
Aisha is a solo broker opening her first branch in Fresno; she gathers her broker ID, the new lease showing the street address, and a $71 check before opening the form. Marcus, a corporate broker-officer with Pacific Realty Inc., also pulls his corporate license number and the resolution naming him designated officer.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official RE 204 lives on the DRE Forms Library under the “Broker” section. Always download the form directly from dre.ca.gov rather than a third-party site because outdated versions get rejected — DRE only accepts the revision currently posted on its own server. The direct link to the PDF is RE 204 (Rev. 1/24).
The form is a single-page, fillable PDF. You can type directly into the fields using Adobe Acrobat Reader or print it blank and complete it by hand in black ink. The DRE accepts both, but typed entries reduce data-entry errors and speed processing. If you handwrite the form, use block capital letters and stay inside the boxes — anything spilling outside the field is treated as illegible and triggers a return.
You can also pick up a paper copy at any DRE district office. The four district offices are located in Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno, and San Diego, and addresses are listed on the DRE Contact Us page. Walk-in pickup is useful when the broker has no printer access, but the form must still be mailed or filed online — counter staff cannot accept the completed application at most offices.
The form must be the current revision. If you are reading this and the DRE has posted a newer revision than 1/24, download that one instead. The revision date is printed in the lower-left corner of the form, and the agency rejects any version more than two revisions old. Janet, a broker who saved a 2019 RE 204 to her desktop, had her 2026 filing returned because the field layout had changed twice since then.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out RE 204 Line by Line
The RE 204 has eleven distinct sections. Each one matters, and skipping or guessing on any single field is the most common cause of rejection. Walk through each H3 below in order, matching the box numbers printed on the form itself.
Box 1 — Type of Application (New Branch / Change of Address / Change of Manager)
This box asks what kind of branch action you are taking. Three checkboxes appear: New Branch Office, Change of Branch Address, and Change of Branch Manager. Check exactly one — the DRE treats multiple checks as ambiguous and routes the file to manual review.
To answer, mark the box that matches your situation with a clean black “X.” For a brand-new branch never licensed before, check New Branch Office. For an existing branch moving across town, check Change of Branch Address and reference the prior branch license number in Box 6.
Aisha, opening her first branch in Fresno, marks X next to New Branch Office. Marcus, who is moving Pacific Realty’s Sacramento branch from K Street to J Street, instead marks X next to Change of Branch Address.
A common edge case: if you are both relocating and changing managers at the same time, file two separate RE 204s — one for each action — because a single form cannot process two different changes at once.
The most common mistake here is leaving Box 1 blank because the broker thinks the form’s purpose is “obvious.” The DRE clerk will not assume; the form is returned with a deficiency notice, restarting the 4-to-8-week clock.
A misconception some brokers hold is that Change of Branch Address covers a move from the main office to a branch — it does not. That move requires RE 203, not RE 204.
Box 2 — Broker Name (Last, First, Middle)
This field asks for the licensed name of the broker exactly as it appears on the broker’s wall license. The DRE uses this name to match the application to the broker’s existing file in its CalDRE database.
Enter the name in Last, First, Middle order using all capital letters, with a comma after the last name. If the broker has no middle name, leave the middle slot blank — do not write “NMN” or “N/A,” because automated readers tag those as data.
Aisha Patel writes PATEL, AISHA in Box 2. Marcus, filing for a corporate broker, writes the corporation’s licensed name — PACIFIC REALTY INC — not his own personal name, because the corporate license is the licensee.
A nuance: if the broker recently changed names (marriage, divorce, court order) but has not yet filed RE 248 Name Change, use the old name on RE 204. The DRE matches to its current database, not to the new legal name.
The most common mistake is using a DBA in Box 2. The DBA goes in Box 7, not Box 2. Putting the DBA here causes the entire form to fail the licensee match and triggers an outright rejection.
A misconception is that “Broker Name” means the branch manager’s name. It does not — the branch manager goes in Box 9. Box 2 is always the licensee whose license the branch attaches to.
Box 3 — Broker License Identification Number
This field captures the eight-digit DRE license ID assigned to the broker. It is the single most important number on the form, because it is the unique key the DRE uses to attach the branch to your existing file.
Write the eight digits with no dashes, no spaces, and no leading letters. If your number is shorter than eight digits, left-pad with zeros until it reaches eight — for example, license 123456 becomes 00123456.
Aisha enters 01998877 in Box 3. Marcus, filing for the corporation, enters the corporate broker license ID 02055443, not his individual broker-officer ID.
An edge case: if the broker holds both an individual license and is broker-officer of a corporation, the license ID in Box 3 must match the licensee named in Box 2. Mixing the two is the single biggest cause of misrouted applications.
The common mistake is transposing two digits, which the DRE catches when its system fails to find a matching file. The packet is returned within 10 days with a deficiency notice, and you must refile from scratch.
A misconception is that the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) number can substitute. It cannot — the DRE only recognizes its eight-digit CalDRE ID for this form.
Box 4 — Main Office Address (As Currently Licensed)
This field asks for the broker’s currently licensed main office address. The DRE compares the entry to its records to verify continuity between the main office and the new branch.
Enter the street address, city, state, and ZIP exactly as currently on file. If you do not remember, look it up free on CalDRE Public License Lookup and copy it character-for-character.
Aisha’s main office is at 100 N. Main Street, Fresno, CA 93701, so she writes that address verbatim. Marcus enters Pacific Realty’s main office at 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814.
A nuance: if the main office has moved but the broker has not yet filed RE 203, file RE 203 first, wait for confirmation, and only then file RE 204. Filing RE 204 against a stale main address creates a mismatch that flags both files.
The common mistake is using the new branch address here by accident. The result is the DRE concluding the broker has no main office at all, which puts the entire license at risk under B&P § 10162.
A misconception: brokers sometimes think Box 4 is “where to mail my certificate.” It is not — that is Box 8.
Box 5 — Branch Office Street Address
This field asks for the physical street address of the new (or relocated) branch. The DRE inspects branch locations and will not license a virtual or P.O. Box site.
Write the full street number, street name, suite or unit, city, county, state, and ZIP. The county field matters because branch fees are sometimes audited against county filings, and a missing county can stall the file.
Aisha enters 2200 E. Shaw Avenue, Suite 105, Fresno, Fresno County, CA 93710. Marcus enters 900 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, Sacramento County, CA 95814.
A nuance: if the branch operates inside a shared workspace (WeWork, Regus), include the suite or desk number because the DRE treats unmarked floors as incomplete addresses. Co-working brokers must also confirm the agreement allows posting a DRE wall certificate.
The common mistake is listing a P.O. Box. The DRE rejects the form on sight because 10 CCR § 2715 requires a physical site that can be inspected.
A misconception is that a residential address cannot be used. It can — many sole-broker branches are home offices — but the broker must comply with local zoning and post the branch certificate visibly inside the home office.
Box 6 — Prior Branch License Number (Address/Manager Changes Only)
This field is used only when Box 1 is Change of Address or Change of Manager. The DRE uses it to retire the old branch certificate while issuing the new one, avoiding duplicate live licenses.
Enter the eight-digit branch license ID printed on the certificate currently hanging at the branch. Format with no dashes, just like Box 3.
Marcus, who is relocating Pacific Realty’s Sacramento branch, enters the existing branch ID 03044221. Aisha, opening a brand-new branch, leaves Box 6 blank because Box 1 is New Branch Office.
A nuance: if the prior branch certificate was lost, the broker should still write the number from DRE records (look it up on CalDRE Public License Lookup) and note “certificate lost” in the margin so the DRE knows to issue a duplicate.
The common mistake is filling in Box 6 for a brand-new branch. The DRE then searches for a non-existent prior license and returns the form for clarification.
A misconception is that Box 6 should hold the broker’s own license number again. It should not — Box 6 is the branch license, which differs from the broker license in Box 3.
Box 7 — Fictitious Business Name (DBA), If Any
This field is for any DBA the branch will operate under. A DBA must already be on file with the DRE via RE 282 before it can appear here.
Enter the exact DBA wording approved by the DRE in all capitals. If no DBA is used, leave the box blank — do not write “N/A” or “none.”
Aisha’s branch operates as VALLEY HOMES BY AISHA PATEL, which she previously registered on RE 282, so she writes that string in Box 7. Marcus’s branch uses no DBA and the corporation’s name only, so he leaves Box 7 blank.
A nuance: each DBA is tied to a specific licensee. If the corporation has three DBAs approved, only the one to be used at this branch goes in Box 7. Listing all three causes the application to be returned for clarification.
The common mistake is putting a DBA in Box 7 that has not yet been approved on RE 282. The DRE cross-checks DBAs and returns any unmatched name, even if a county fictitious-name filing exists.
A misconception: a county-level fictitious business name statement does not satisfy the DRE — the broker must also file RE 282 with the DRE itself.
Box 8 — Branch Mailing Address (If Different from Box 5)
This field captures where the DRE should send the branch wall certificate and renewal notices. It is optional but strongly recommended when mail delivery at the physical site is unreliable.
Write the full mailing address with city, state, and ZIP. A P.O. Box is allowed here even though it is not allowed in Box 5.
Aisha’s branch shares a building with three other tenants and mail gets misrouted, so she enters P.O. BOX 4455, FRESNO, CA 93744 in Box 8. Marcus has secure mail at the J Street address and leaves Box 8 blank, which tells the DRE to mail to Box 5.
A nuance: if the mailing address is the broker’s home, that is acceptable. The DRE keeps mailing addresses confidential from the public license lookup.
The common mistake is leaving Box 8 blank when the physical site has unreliable mail, then losing the wall certificate. The branch then operates without a posted certificate, a citable offense under 10 CCR § 2715.
A misconception: the mailing address is not the same as the broker’s main office mailing address. It is specific to this branch.
Box 9 — Designated Branch Manager (Optional Unless Required)
This field names the licensed individual who supervises daily operations at the branch. A designated manager is required when the broker is not physically present at the branch on a regular basis.
Enter the manager’s full licensed name in Last, First, Middle order and the manager’s eight-digit DRE license ID. The manager must already be licensed under the same broker via RE 214.
Aisha, who plans to be at her new branch four days a week, leaves Box 9 blank because no separate manager is needed. Marcus designates RIVERA, CARLOS / 02077665 because he runs Pacific Realty’s main office and cannot be at the J Street branch daily.
A nuance: the designated manager must be either a broker-associate or a salesperson with at least two years of full-time experience in the past five years, per B&P § 10164. Naming an inexperienced agent triggers a denial.
The common mistake is listing a manager who is not yet licensed under the filing broker. The DRE checks the supervising-broker field on the manager’s license, and a mismatch fails the application.
A misconception: brokers think the designated manager assumes liability for branch acts. The supervising broker remains fully responsible regardless of who is named in Box 9.
Box 10 — Date Branch Opens (or Opened)
This field captures the date the branch began or will begin operating. The DRE uses it to determine whether the broker operated an unlicensed branch before filing.
Enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format with leading zeros (e.g., 03/05/2026). Use the date of first client meeting, sign posting, or transaction work — not the lease signing date.
Aisha plans to open on 06/01/2026, the date her first listing appointment is scheduled. Marcus is relocating an existing branch to 07/15/2026 when the lease at K Street ends.
A nuance: if the branch is already open when you file, write the actual open date. The DRE may follow up about the gap, but full disclosure prevents a citation under B&P § 10163, which carries fines up to $2,500.
The common mistake is writing the filing date instead of the opening date. That misstates the timeline and may trigger an audit.
A misconception: brokers assume they can predate the open date to make a late filing look timely. The DRE cross-references lease records and MLS activity, and falsifying a date is grounds for license revocation.
Box 11 — Broker Signature, Date, and Title
The final box is the broker’s certification that the information is true under penalty of perjury, signed under California law. An unsigned RE 204 is treated as a non-filing.
Sign in black ink, date in MM/DD/YYYY, and write your title (e.g., Broker, Designated Officer, Broker-Officer). For corporations, the designated officer must sign — no other officer’s signature is accepted.
Aisha signs as Broker and dates 05/12/2026. Marcus signs as Designated Officer on behalf of Pacific Realty Inc.
A nuance: electronic signatures are accepted on RE 204 only when the form is submitted through DRE eLicensing. Mailed paper forms require a wet ink signature.
The common mistake is having an office manager or assistant sign for the broker. The DRE rejects any signature that does not match the licensed broker on file, and forging a broker’s signature is a separate crime under B&P § 10185.
A misconception: brokers think a signed cover letter substitutes for the Box 11 signature. It does not — the certification language sits inside Box 11, and only a signature in that box satisfies the perjury requirement.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three scenarios below cover the most common RE 204 fact patterns. Each follows one named broker through the full form so you can see exactly what gets entered.
Scenario 1 — Aisha Patel: Sole Broker Opening First Branch in Fresno
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Type of Application | X in New Branch Office |
| Box 2 — Broker Name | PATEL, AISHA |
| Box 3 — Broker License ID | 01998877 |
| Box 4 — Main Office Address | 100 N. Main Street, Fresno, CA 93701 |
| Box 5 — Branch Street Address | 2200 E. Shaw Avenue, Suite 105, Fresno, Fresno County, CA 93710 |
| Box 7 — DBA | VALLEY HOMES BY AISHA PATEL |
| Box 9 — Branch Manager | (blank — broker on site) |
| Box 10 — Open Date | 06/01/2026 |
| Box 11 — Signature & Title | Aisha Patel / Broker / 05/12/2026 |
| Fee Enclosed | $71 check to Department of Real Estate |
Scenario 2 — Marcus Lee, Designated Officer of Pacific Realty Inc.: Adding a Fifth Branch
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Type of Application | X in New Branch Office |
| Box 2 — Broker Name | PACIFIC REALTY INC |
| Box 3 — Broker License ID | 02055443 |
| Box 4 — Main Office Address | 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814 |
| Box 5 — Branch Street Address | 1750 Main Street, Suite 12, Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, CA 94596 |
| Box 8 — Mailing Address | P.O. BOX 9911, SACRAMENTO, CA 95812 |
| Box 9 — Branch Manager | RIVERA, CARLOS / 02077665 |
| Box 10 — Open Date | 08/01/2026 |
| Box 11 — Signature & Title | Marcus Lee / Designated Officer / 06/15/2026 |
| Fee Enclosed | $71 cashier’s check to Department of Real Estate |
Scenario 3 — Janet Wu: Relocating an Existing Branch Across Town
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Type of Application | X in Change of Branch Address |
| Box 2 — Broker Name | WU, JANET LIN |
| Box 3 — Broker License ID | 01776655 |
| Box 4 — Main Office Address | 333 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 |
| Box 5 — New Branch Address | 1200 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 800, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA 90017 |
| Box 6 — Prior Branch License | 03088991 |
| Box 7 — DBA | (blank) |
| Box 10 — Open Date | 09/01/2026 |
| Box 11 — Signature & Title | Janet Wu / Broker / 07/20/2026 |
| Fee Enclosed | $71 credit card via eLicensing |
How to File the Completed Form
RE 204 can be filed by mail, in person at a DRE district office that accepts filings, or electronically through eLicensing. Each channel has different fees, processing times, and proof-of-filing requirements.
By Mail (most common). Send the signed form and a $71 check or money order payable to Department of Real Estate to the DRE Licensing Headquarters at P.O. Box 137001, Sacramento, CA 95813-7001. Use certified mail with return receipt as proof of filing. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks under normal volume, per the DRE Processing Times page.
Online via eLicensing. Log in at DRE eLicensing, select Branch Office Application, upload the signed PDF, and pay the $71 fee with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Processing is faster — typically 2 to 4 weeks — and you receive an instant electronic confirmation, which serves as proof of filing.
In person. Walk-in filings are accepted at the Sacramento DRE office at 1651 Exposition Blvd. Bring the signed form, a check or money order (counter staff cannot accept cash or credit cards), and your driver’s license. The clerk date-stamps a copy as your proof of filing, but processing still takes 4 to 6 weeks because the file is forwarded to the licensing unit.
Whichever channel you use, keep a complete photocopy of the signed form, the fee instrument, and the proof-of-filing receipt for at least three years. The DRE’s records retention policy on branch applications follows the DRE Records Schedule, and brokers occasionally need to prove filing dates during audits.
What Happens After You File
Once the DRE receives your RE 204, the licensing unit performs three checks: it confirms your broker license is active and in good standing, it validates the branch street address against geocoding records, and it verifies the $71 fee cleared. If all three pass, the file is approved and routed to certificate printing.
A wall certificate is mailed to the address in Box 8 (or Box 5 if Box 8 is blank) within 10 business days of approval. The certificate must be posted in a conspicuous place at the branch under 10 CCR § 2715. Operating without a posted certificate is a citable violation even when the license has been issued.
If the file fails any check, the DRE mails a deficiency notice describing the problem and giving the broker 30 days to respond. The original filing fee is held but the application is paused. If the broker does not respond within 30 days, the file is closed and the fee is forfeited — the broker must start over with a new RE 204 and a new $71 fee.
You can track your application’s status by logging into eLicensing and selecting Application Status. The system updates within 24 hours of any movement, including approval, deficiency, or denial.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
The DRE’s internal rejection logs show the same handful of errors causing the bulk of returned RE 204s. Avoiding these ten mistakes will get your application through on the first pass.
- Using the wrong revision of the form. Older revisions have different field layouts, and the DRE rejects anything older than two revisions.
- Leaving Box 1 blank. The clerk will not guess what kind of action you are filing, and the form returns within 10 days.
- Putting a DBA in Box 2 instead of Box 7. This causes the licensee match to fail and the application to be flagged as belonging to no licensee.
- Transposing digits in the broker license ID (Box 3). The system fails to find a matching file and returns the packet.
- Listing a P.O. Box in Box 5. Branch sites must be physically inspectable, so the DRE rejects on sight.
- Naming a designated manager (Box 9) who is not licensed under the filing broker. The DRE cross-checks supervising-broker fields and denies the application.
- Forgetting to sign Box 11. An unsigned RE 204 is treated as never filed, and the fee is held until you respond.
- Sending the wrong fee amount. Fees other than the current $71 (per the DRE Fee Schedule) cause the entire file to be returned.
- Combining multiple branches on one form. Each branch needs its own RE 204 and its own fee, or none of them are processed.
- Backdating the open date in Box 10. The DRE cross-references MLS and lease records and treats falsification as grounds for revocation under B&P § 10177.
Do’s and Don’ts
These quick rules summarize the behaviors that drive RE 204 approvals — and the ones that sink them.
Do’s
- Do download the form fresh from dre.ca.gov every time, because the agency revises field layouts without notice.
- Do file RE 282 first if a DBA will appear in Box 7, since unmatched DBAs trigger automatic returns.
- Do use certified mail or eLicensing, because both create timestamped proof of filing.
- Do keep a complete photocopy of the signed form for three years, in case of audit.
- Do match Box 4 letter-for-letter to your current main office on file, since any variation is read as a discrepancy.
- Do file separate RE 204s for each branch, because the DRE never batches branches.
Don’ts
- Don’t sign with anything other than your wet ink signature on a mailed form, since DRE rejects digital signatures on paper filings.
- Don’t let an assistant sign for you, because forging a broker’s signature is a separate crime under B&P § 10185.
- Don’t operate the branch before the certificate arrives, because pre-license operation is a $2,500 violation.
- Don’t use a P.O. Box in Box 5, since the branch must be physically inspectable.
- Don’t leave a designated manager named when the broker is on site daily, because it adds a layer of supervision the DRE will audit.
- Don’t mix individual and corporate license IDs, because the licensee in Box 2 must match the ID in Box 3.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Most California brokers file RE 204 themselves because the form is short, but a transaction coordinator or licensing service can handle volume filings for multi-branch firms.
Pros of Filing Pro Se
- Saves the $50–$150 service fee charged by licensing companies, because the form itself is straightforward.
- Gives the broker direct visibility into the filing timeline and any deficiency notice received.
- Avoids data-entry errors introduced by a third party who may not know the broker’s exact licensed name.
- Builds the broker’s familiarity with DRE processes, which helps with later renewals and audits.
- Lets the broker file the moment the branch lease is signed, with no service-provider lag.
Cons of Filing Pro Se
- The broker bears all risk if a field is wrong, including the 4-to-8-week refile delay.
- Multi-branch filings (5+ at once) become time-consuming without a service.
- Brokers unfamiliar with the form often miss subtle requirements like the county field in Box 5.
- No redundant review catches typos in the license ID before mailing.
- Tracking deficiency-notice deadlines falls entirely on the broker, who may miss the 30-day response window during a busy season.
RE 204 vs. Related DRE Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| RE 204 | Apply for a new branch office license, change branch address, or change branch manager |
| RE 203 | Change the broker’s main office address or main office details |
| RE 213 | Close a branch office and surrender the branch certificate |
| RE 214 | Move a salesperson to a new supervising broker or branch |
| RE 282 | Register a fictitious business name (DBA) with the DRE |
FAQs
Do I need to file RE 204 if my second office is a home office with no sign and no client meetings?
No. A truly private home office with no public-facing activity is not a branch under B&P § 10162. The moment you post a sign, list the address publicly, or meet clients there, you must file.
Can I file RE 204 for multiple branches on one form?
No. Each branch requires its own RE 204 and its own $71 fee. Combining branches on one form causes the DRE to return all of them as unprocessable.
How much is the filing fee for RE 204 in 2026?
Yes, $71 per branch is the current fee on the DRE Fee Schedule. The fee applies whether the action is a new branch, an address change, or a manager change.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Box 2?
Yes, write whichever name is currently on your DRE broker license. If you have changed names but not yet filed RE 248, use the old name on RE 204 to match the agency’s database.
Should the broker license ID in Box 3 be my CalDRE number or my NMLS number?
Yes, Box 3 always takes the eight-digit CalDRE broker ID. The NMLS number is a separate mortgage licensing identifier and is not recognized by the DRE.
Can I leave Box 9 (designated branch manager) blank?
Yes, if you as the broker will be on site regularly. A manager is required only when the broker is not physically present at the branch on a regular basis under B&P § 10164.
Can I write a P.O. Box in Box 5 for the branch street address?
No. Branch addresses must be physical locations subject to inspection under 10 CCR § 2715. A P.O. Box belongs only in Box 8.
Is electronic signature accepted on Box 11?
Yes, but only when the form is submitted through eLicensing. Mailed paper RE 204s require a wet ink signature.
How long does the DRE take to process RE 204?
Yes, typically 6 to 8 weeks by mail and 2 to 4 weeks via eLicensing, per the DRE Processing Times page. Volume spikes in January and July can extend timelines.
Can I open the branch before the certificate arrives?
No. Operating an unlicensed branch is a violation of B&P § 10163, with fines up to $2,500 per violation and possible license discipline.
Do I need to file RE 204 again every year?
No. The branch license stays attached to the broker’s main license and renews with it. You only refile RE 204 when address, manager, or status changes.
What if I make a mistake after mailing — can I correct it?
Yes, call the DRE Licensing Unit immediately at the number on the DRE Contact Us page. Minor corrections can sometimes be made by letter; major errors require a refiling.
Does Box 6 apply to a brand-new branch?
No. Box 6 is only for Change of Address or Change of Manager. Leave it blank for a new branch or the form will be flagged as inconsistent.
Will my branch address show up on the public license lookup?
Yes, the branch street address (Box 5) appears on CalDRE Public License Lookup. The mailing address in Box 8 stays private.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 226 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 4022 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 882 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 422A (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 252 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 308 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form 100 (w/Examples) + FAQs