California Form RE 226 is the Branch Office Application that real estate brokers file with the California Department of Real Estate to license a physical location, other than the main office, where they conduct licensed real estate activity. Every California broker who opens, moves, or closes a location beyond their main office must file this form, and failure to do so before any licensed activity happens at that location can trigger discipline under Business and Professions Code §10163.
The current version of the form is the Rev. 1/24 edition, and using an older version is the single fastest way to get your application returned. According to the DRE’s most recent Annual Report, the agency processes more than 18,000 licensee maintenance filings each year, and roughly 1 in 7 are kicked back for a missing signature, wrong fee, or outdated form revision.
- 📋 How to complete every box on RE 226 line by line, with sample entries
- 🏢 When you need a separate branch license vs. when a team office is enough
- 💵 Exact fees, payment methods, and where to mail the packet
- ⏱️ Processing times for paper filing and the eLicensing portal
- ⚠️ The most common rejection reasons and how to avoid them
What Form RE 226 Is and Who Must File It
Form RE 226 is a one-page application that authorizes a California real estate broker to operate from a branch office, defined under Business and Professions Code §10163 as any place of business other than the main office where the broker negotiates, lists, or closes real estate transactions. The form is filed with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) in Sacramento, and once approved, the DRE issues a separate branch office license that must be displayed at that location.
Every individual broker, broker-officer of a corporate broker, and broker-associate who supervises a second physical location must file RE 226. A real estate salesperson cannot file this form because salespersons are not licensed to hold an office; only the responsible broker can. Corporate brokers file one RE 226 per branch, and the designated officer signs as the responsible broker.
You do not file RE 226 if you only host occasional open houses, work from a home that is not held out to the public, or share desk space without a sign. You do file it if a sign, business card, or website lists that address as a place where the public can transact real estate business with your firm. Misreading this line is the most common mistake brokers make under Commissioner’s Regulation 2715.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Filing RE 226 goes faster when you gather every document before opening the PDF. The DRE’s Licensing Forms page lists supporting items, but the practical checklist below covers what brokers actually need on their desk.
- Your eight-digit broker license ID number. Without it, the DRE cannot match the application to your record, and the packet sits in the unmatched mail bin until staff hand-research it.
- The branch street address with suite number. A P.O. Box is not allowed under B&P §10162 because the DRE must be able to inspect the location.
- A phone number that rings at the branch. Forwarding to the main office is allowed, but the line must be answered in the firm’s name.
- The branch manager’s full legal name and license ID if the manager is not the responsible broker.
- The fictitious business name (DBA) statement filed with the county clerk, if the branch operates under a name other than the broker’s licensed name. Lacking this triggers a Notice of Deficiency and a 30-day cure window.
- A check or money order for $129 payable to the Department of Real Estate. Cash is not accepted by mail.
- The corporate broker’s RE 204 on file, if you are a corporation. The branch cannot be added until the corporate license itself is current.
- A copy of the lease or proof of right to occupy. The DRE rarely requests it, but auditors will, and keeping it in the file saves a scramble later.
- Your email address registered with eLicensing. Even if you file by paper, the DRE sends approval notices to the email on record.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official RE 226 lives on the DRE’s forms library as a fillable PDF. Always download a fresh copy each filing year because the DRE quietly updates the revision date and rejects packets submitted on a superseded edition. The current revision stamp reads RE 226 (Rev. 1/24) in the lower-left corner.
Brokers with an active eLicensing account can complete the same transaction online without printing. The portal pre-fills the broker’s name and license number, calculates the fee, and accepts Visa, Mastercard, or e-check. Online filing posts to the licensee record in roughly 5 business days, compared to 6 to 8 weeks for mail.
The form is also available at the DRE’s two public counters in Sacramento and Los Angeles. Walking it in does not speed up processing because counter staff route everything to the same intake unit, but it does provide a date-stamped receipt that protects the filer if the DRE later questions when notice was given.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form RE 226 Line by Line
Every field on RE 226 has a purpose, and every blank that gets left empty is a reason for the DRE to return the packet. Work top to bottom, in blue or black ink if filing by paper, and never use white-out. The walkthrough below mirrors the order on the Rev. 1/24 form.
Box 1 – Type of Application
This box asks whether you are applying to add a new branch, change the address of an existing branch, or close a branch. Mark only one box; marking two creates an internal conflict that forces staff to call you for clarification.
To answer it, read the three checkboxes carefully and pick the one that matches your real situation. Marcus Chen is opening his first satellite office in Pasadena, so he checks New Branch Office. If he were instead moving the Pasadena branch to a larger suite next door, he would check Change of Address.
A common edge case is the broker who is moving the main office rather than a branch; that filer should not use RE 226 at all and should instead submit Form RE 204. Brokers who confuse the two waste the $129 fee because main-office address changes are free.
The most common mistake here is checking New Branch Office when the broker has previously held a license at the same address. The consequence is a duplicate license number in the system, which the DRE then has to manually merge, adding two to three weeks. A widespread misconception is that you can use RE 226 to transfer a branch from one broker to another; you cannot, because the branch license is tied to the broker’s license number and dies when the broker leaves.
Box 2 – Broker License Information
This box collects the responsible broker’s full legal name, mailing address on file with the DRE, and eight-digit license ID number. The data must match what is currently on the DRE record exactly.
Enter the name as it appears on your wall license, in CAPITAL LETTERS, last name first. Patel, Priya A. writes her name as PATEL, PRIYA A. and her license ID as 01987654. Use only the eight-digit number, no leading zeros beyond what is printed on your license, and no dashes.
The nuance most brokers miss is that a legal name change must be processed first using Form RE 207 before RE 226 can be approved under the new name. Filing RE 226 in a married name when the DRE record still shows a maiden name causes an automatic mismatch.
The most common mistake on this field is writing the DBA in the broker name slot. The DBA belongs in Box 4, and putting it here makes the DRE think you are trying to license a different broker. The misconception is that the broker’s home address goes here; the DRE wants the address of record, which is the address where the agency mails official correspondence.
Box 3 – Branch Office Address
This box asks for the physical street address of the branch you are licensing. The DRE inspects this location, so the address must be a real, occupiable space.
Write the street number, street name, suite or unit number, city, county, and ZIP code on the lines provided. Janet Alvarez’s corporate broker, Alvarez Realty Group, Inc., enters 4501 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 320, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA 90010. The county field is mandatory because branch licenses are indexed by county for the DRE’s audit calendar.
A frequent edge case is the virtual office or co-working space. The DRE accepts these as long as the broker has a dedicated, lockable area for client files and signage that identifies the firm. Pure mailbox-only addresses such as a UPS Store are rejected.
The most common mistake is using a P.O. Box, which violates B&P §10162 and forces an immediate return. Some brokers wrongly believe that listing the home address of the branch manager is acceptable; it is, but only if the home is held out to the public as a place of business and meets local zoning rules.
Box 4 – Fictitious Business Name (DBA)
This box collects any DBA under which the branch will operate. If the branch uses the broker’s licensed name only, write None.
Enter the DBA exactly as it appears on the county-stamped fictitious business name statement. Marcus Chen operates his Pasadena branch as Foothill Heritage Realty, so he writes FOOTHILL HERITAGE REALTY in the box and attaches the RE 282 fictitious business name approval along with the county filing.
The nuance is that DRE must approve the DBA before it can be used in advertising, signage, or contracts. Approval typically takes 30 days, and using the name early is grounds for citation under Commissioner’s Regulation 2731.
The most common mistake is filing RE 226 with a DBA that has not yet been recorded at the county. The consequence is a deficiency notice and a hold on the application until the county-stamped statement arrives. The misconception is that the DBA can include words like Inc. or LLC if the broker is not actually incorporated; under Regulation 2731.5, it cannot.
Box 5 – Branch Manager Designation
This box asks for the name and license number of the broker or broker-associate who will manage the branch on a day-to-day basis. The manager must hold an active California broker license.
Enter the manager’s full legal name in CAPITAL LETTERS and the eight-digit license number. Janet Alvarez designates her partner RAMIREZ, DAVID L., license number 01765432, as the branch manager. If the responsible broker manages the branch personally, write Same as applicant.
A salesperson cannot manage a branch, even with experience, because B&P §10164 reserves that role for licensed brokers. A common edge case is the broker-associate who works under another broker; that license is sufficient to manage a branch only if the responsible broker authorizes it in writing.
The most common mistake is leaving Box 5 blank because the broker plans to manage the branch personally; blank and Same as applicant are not the same to the DRE, and a blank field triggers a return. The misconception that anyone in charge qualifies as a manager has cost brokers citations when an unlicensed office administrator was listed instead.
Box 6 – Telephone Number
This box requires a working phone number that reaches the branch during business hours. The number can roll over to the main office, but it must be answered in the firm’s name.
Write the ten-digit number with the area code in parentheses, like (626) 555-0144. Marcus Chen writes the dedicated Pasadena line so that consumers calling the number printed on his sign reach his licensed staff.
The nuance is that VoIP and forwarding services are allowed, but the DRE expects the line to be live during posted business hours. A dead line or a personal voicemail without the firm name violates Regulation 2725.
The most common mistake is listing the broker’s personal cell phone without identifying the firm in the voicemail greeting. The consequence is a finding of inadequate supervision during audit. The misconception is that a fax number satisfies the field; it does not, and the DRE will return the packet.
Box 7 – Effective Date
This box is the date the branch will open or the change will take effect. Use the MM/DD/YYYY format.
Enter the date the branch will actually be staffed and open to the public. Priya Patel writes 07/01/2026 because that is the day her new Fresno branch opens for client meetings.
A nuance brokers miss is that the effective date cannot be earlier than the date the DRE receives the form, except by a written waiver request. Backdating to cover unlicensed activity that already occurred is a separate violation under B&P §10139.
The most common mistake is writing the date the lease starts when the office will not actually open for another month. The consequence is a license certificate with the wrong start date, which then has to be corrected with another filing. The misconception is that the DRE issues a license retroactively; it does not.
Box 8 – Signature and Certification
The final box is the responsible broker’s signature, printed name, and date. The signature must be the broker’s wet ink signature on a paper filing or the validated e-signature in eLicensing.
Sign in blue or black ink, print your name on the line below, and date the form. Janet Alvarez signs as Janet M. Alvarez, President, prints her name, and dates 06/15/2026. For corporate brokers, only the designated officer listed on the corporation license may sign.
The nuance is that the certification language above the signature line is a sworn statement under penalty of perjury per B&P §10185. False statements can support license revocation, not just denial of the application.
The most common mistake is having an office manager or spouse sign on the broker’s behalf. The consequence is automatic rejection because the DRE cross-checks the signature against the signature on file. The misconception is that an electronic signature image pasted onto a PDF is acceptable for paper filing; it is not, and the DRE requires either a true wet signature or use of the eLicensing portal.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three filers below show how brokers in different situations complete the same form. Each table walks through the most important sections of RE 226.
Scenario 1 — Marcus Chen, sole-proprietor broker opening a new Pasadena branch under a DBA
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 – Type of Application | New Branch Office |
| Box 2 – Broker Name | CHEN, MARCUS T. |
| Box 2 – License ID | 01876543 |
| Box 3 – Branch Address | 235 S. Lake Ave, Suite 410, Pasadena, Los Angeles County, CA 91101 |
| Box 4 – DBA | FOOTHILL HERITAGE REALTY |
| Box 5 – Branch Manager | Same as applicant |
| Box 6 – Telephone | (626) 555-0144 |
| Box 7 – Effective Date | 08/15/2026 |
| Box 8 – Signature | Marcus T. Chen, dated 07/02/2026 |
| Fee | $129 check to Department of Real Estate |
Scenario 2 — Priya Patel, broker-associate adding a Fresno branch for an existing firm
| Form Section | What Priya Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 – Type of Application | New Branch Office |
| Box 2 – Broker Name | PATEL, PRIYA A. |
| Box 2 – License ID | 01987654 |
| Box 3 – Branch Address | 1290 N. Blackstone Ave, Suite 12, Fresno, Fresno County, CA 93703 |
| Box 4 – DBA | None |
| Box 5 – Branch Manager | PATEL, PRIYA A., 01987654 |
| Box 6 – Telephone | (559) 555-0188 |
| Box 7 – Effective Date | 07/01/2026 |
| Box 8 – Signature | Priya A. Patel, dated 06/03/2026 |
| Attachments | Lease copy, RE 204 corporate license confirmation |
Scenario 3 — Janet Alvarez, corporate broker-officer changing the address of an existing Los Angeles branch
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 – Type of Application | Change of Address |
| Box 2 – Broker Name | ALVAREZ REALTY GROUP, INC. |
| Box 2 – License ID | 02012345 |
| Box 3 – Branch Address | 4501 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 320, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA 90010 |
| Box 4 – DBA | ARG HOMES |
| Box 5 – Branch Manager | RAMIREZ, DAVID L., 01765432 |
| Box 6 – Telephone | (213) 555-0199 |
| Box 7 – Effective Date | 09/01/2026 |
| Box 8 – Signature | Janet M. Alvarez, President, dated 08/10/2026 |
| Attachments | Updated RE 282 fictitious business name approval |
How to File the Completed Form RE 226
The DRE accepts RE 226 by mail, in person, and through the eLicensing portal. Pick the channel that fits the urgency and your comfort with the online system.
By mail — Send the signed form, the $129 check made payable to Department of Real Estate, and any DBA attachments to Department of Real Estate, P.O. Box 137001, Sacramento, CA 95813-7001. The address is published on the DRE Contact page. Processing runs 6 to 8 weeks. Keep a Certified Mail receipt as proof of filing date.
Online through eLicensing — Log in at the eLicensing portal, choose Branch Office Application, and pay the $129 fee with Visa, Mastercard, or e-check. Processing posts in roughly 5 business days. The portal emails a transaction confirmation that serves as proof of filing.
In person — Drop the packet at the Sacramento or Los Angeles public counter during business hours. Counter staff date-stamp a copy on request. Cash is not accepted; bring a check or money order. Counter filings are routed to the same processing queue as mail, so the timing advantage is the date stamp, not faster review.
What Happens After You File
After submission, the DRE acknowledges receipt by email when filed online or by an updated record on the Public License Lookup when filed by mail. The branch license appears under the broker’s record once approved.
If anything is missing, the DRE issues a written Notice of Deficiency with a 30-day cure window. Common deficiencies include a missing fictitious business name statement, a wrong fee amount, or an unsigned form. Failure to cure within 30 days closes the file and forfeits the fee.
Once approved, the DRE mails a paper branch office license to the responsible broker. The license must be conspicuously displayed at the branch under Regulation 2753, and the broker is then free to advertise and transact at that address.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Each mistake below has cost real California brokers either time, money, or a citation.
- Using an outdated form revision. The DRE’s mailroom returns any RE 226 not on the current Rev. 1/24 version, costing 4 to 6 weeks.
- Writing a P.O. Box in Box 3. It violates B&P §10162 and triggers an automatic return.
- Sending the wrong fee. $129 is the current fee, and underpayment by even a dollar stops processing.
- Listing a DBA that has not been recorded with the county. The application is held until the county-stamped statement arrives.
- Designating a salesperson as branch manager. Only brokers may manage branches, and the application is denied.
- Leaving Box 5 blank when the broker manages the branch personally. Write Same as applicant instead.
- Forwarding the branch phone to a personal voicemail without the firm name. Audit-level violation under Regulation 2725.
- Backdating Box 7 to cover prior unlicensed activity. This compounds the violation and adds a fraud finding.
- Having an unauthorized person sign Box 8. Only the responsible broker or designated corporate officer may sign.
- Sending cash by mail. Cash is not accepted, and the packet is returned with the cash intact.
- Forgetting to update eLicensing email. Approval notices then bounce, and the broker misses the 30-day cure window.
Do’s and Don’ts
A short list of habits separates clean filings from the ones that get returned.
- Do download a fresh PDF every time so the revision date is current.
- Do confirm the eight-digit license ID against your wall license to prevent typos.
- Do record the DBA at the county before filing RE 226 so the DRE has the stamped copy in hand.
- Do use Certified Mail or the eLicensing portal so you have proof of filing date.
- Do keep a complete copy of the signed packet and the cleared check in your office file.
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Do call the DRE Licensing line at (877) 373-4542 if you are unsure which box applies.
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Don’t sign with a stamp or pasted signature image on a paper filing.
- Don’t list the home address of an unlicensed family member as the branch.
- Don’t advertise the branch before the license is issued; pre-licensure ads violate Regulation 2770.
- Don’t mix a main-office address change into RE 226; use RE 204 instead.
- Don’t mail cash, even small amounts.
- Don’t assume the branch license is automatic once you mail the form; wait for written confirmation.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Most brokers can file RE 226 themselves, but corporate or multi-branch firms often delegate to a compliance specialist.
Pros of filing on your own:
- The form is short and straightforward for a single-broker, single-branch filing.
- Filing through eLicensing is free of preparer fees and posts in days.
- You learn the DRE record system, which helps with future renewals.
- You control the filing date and avoid scheduling delays with a third party.
- Direct filing keeps the broker accountable for the accuracy of the certification under B&P §10185.
Cons of filing on your own:
- One missed checkbox can cost 6 to 8 weeks of delay.
- DBA rules under Regulation 2731 trip up first-time filers.
- Corporate brokers must coordinate with the Secretary of State for entity status, which adds moving parts.
- Audit follow-up calls land on the broker, not on the preparer.
- Paying a $129 fee twice because of a return often exceeds what a paid filer would charge.
RE 226 vs. RE 204 at a Glance
Brokers often confuse these two filings, so a side-by-side helps.
| Topic | RE 226 (Branch) vs. RE 204 (Main Office) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | RE 226 licenses a branch; RE 204 changes the main office address or broker-officer |
| Fee | RE 226 is $129; RE 204 is no fee for a simple address change |
| Who Signs | RE 226 is signed by the responsible broker; RE 204 is signed by the broker or designated officer |
| Result | RE 226 issues a separate branch license; RE 204 updates the main license record |
| Online Option | Both available through eLicensing |
FAQs
Do I need to file RE 226 if I work from home and don’t meet clients there?
No. A private home office not held out to the public is not a place of business under B&P §10163, so no branch license is required.
Can a salesperson file RE 226?
No. Only a licensed broker or corporate broker-officer may file RE 226 because branch offices are tied to the responsible broker’s license.
Is the $129 fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The fee covers DRE processing time and is forfeited even if the branch is never opened.
Do I write my full legal name or my DBA in Box 2?
Yes, write your full legal licensed name in Box 2; the DBA goes only in Box 4.
Can I list a P.O. Box in Box 3 if the building has no street delivery?
No. B&P §10162 requires a physical street address that the DRE can inspect.
Do I need to record my DBA at the county before filing?
Yes. The county-stamped fictitious business name statement must accompany the form or follow within the 30-day cure window.
Can I sign Box 8 electronically on a paper filing?
No. Paper filings require a wet ink signature; e-signatures are accepted only through the eLicensing portal.
What if the branch manager named in Box 5 leaves the firm?
Yes, you must file an updated RE 226 within 5 business days of the change to keep the branch license valid.
Can I file RE 226 to move my main office?
No. Use Form RE 204 for main office changes; RE 226 is only for branch offices.
Do I need a separate RE 226 for each branch?
Yes. Each branch location requires its own application, fee, and resulting license certificate.
Can a corporate broker’s CFO sign Box 8 instead of the designated officer?
No. Only the designated officer on the corporate license may sign on behalf of a corporate broker.
Will the DRE inspect the branch before approving?
No, not before approval, but the location is subject to audit at any time under Regulation 2729, and false addresses are grounds for revocation.
How long does mail processing take?
Yes, expect 6 to 8 weeks by mail, while eLicensing typically posts in about 5 business days.
Do I need to display the branch license at the location?
Yes. Regulation 2753 requires the license to be conspicuously displayed inside the branch office.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 204 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 4022 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 482 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 209 (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