California Form RE 4022 is the Salesperson Change Application that every licensed real estate salesperson must file with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) to report a change in employing broker, license status, name, mailing address, or main office address. The current revision is REV 1/2024, and you should always confirm the revision stamp in the lower-left corner of the form before filing so you do not submit an outdated version under 10 CCR §2715.
Filing this form correctly is more urgent than most licensees realize. The DRE processes more than 150,000 license maintenance transactions a year, and incomplete RE 4022 submissions are one of the top three reasons license records sit in “pending” status, which can stall commissions, freeze deals, and even expose you to violations under Business and Professions Code §10161.8 for failing to notify DRE within five days of a change.
In this guide you will learn:
- 📝 How to complete every box on RE 4022 line by line, with sample entries
- 🧾 Which supporting documents to attach for name changes, broker transfers, and DBAs
- 📬 How to file by mail, in person, or through eLicensing online
- ⚠️ The most common field-level mistakes that trigger DRE rejection letters
- 🙋 Answers to 12+ field-specific FAQs salespersons ask most
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The RE 4022 Salesperson Change Application is the official DRE form a California real estate salesperson uses to report any change to the information on file with the Department. The form is authorized under Business and Professions Code §10161.8, which requires every licensee to notify DRE in writing within five days of a change to their employment, address, or name.
You must file RE 4022 if you are a salesperson who is changing employing brokers, terminating affiliation with a broker, going on inactive status, returning to active status, changing your legal name, updating your mailing address, or adding or removing a fictitious business name. Brokers do not use this form; they use RE 204 for their own changes and RE 218 to certify the employment of a salesperson.
The form solves a real problem: California law treats a salesperson without a responsible broker as unable to perform licensed acts, and any commission earned during an unbrokered period is uncollectable under B&P Code §10136. Filing RE 4022 promptly keeps your license active, your transactions enforceable, and your record clean for the next renewal.
The DRE Reference Book, Chapter 4 (License Maintenance), explains that the agency cross-checks every RE 4022 against the broker’s own employment records, so a mismatch between your form and your broker’s RE 218 Broker-Salesperson Relationship Agreement will pause processing. Filers who ignore this rule risk a written notice of deficiency and, in repeat cases, formal discipline under B&P Code §10177(d).
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather everything below before you open the RE 4022 PDF. Filing with missing data is the single biggest cause of DRE “incomplete” letters, which add 4–8 weeks to processing.
- Your 8-digit DRE License ID Number. It is printed on your pocket license and on every renewal notice; without it, DRE cannot match your file, and the form will be returned.
- Your full legal name as licensed. Use the exact spelling on your current license, because a mismatch with DRE’s database forces a manual review.
- Your Social Security Number or ITIN. Required for identity verification under Family Code §17520; missing SSNs cause automatic rejection.
- Effective date of the change. Use MM/DD/YYYY format; using the wrong date can backdate your unbrokered period and create a gap.
- New employing broker’s name and 8-digit license ID. You cannot list a “pending” broker; the broker must already hold an active California license.
- Broker’s wet signature. Required when you are entering a new employment; an unsigned form for a broker change is automatically rejected.
- Marriage certificate, court order, or naturalization paper. Needed only for legal name changes and must be a certified copy, not a photocopy.
- Fictitious Business Name (DBA) statement. Required if you market under a team name; the DBA must already be approved by your broker via RE 282.
- New mailing address with ZIP+4. DRE uses USPS-validated formatting; an incorrect ZIP delays your renewal notices.
- Filing fee, if applicable. Most RE 4022 changes are free, but reactivation from a lapsed status may require the renewal fee under the DRE Fee Schedule.
A common misconception is that you can list a “pending” broker. You cannot. The broker must hold an active license on the effective date you enter, or DRE will return the form.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official RE 4022 lives on the DRE forms library at the Salesperson Change Application page. Always download a fresh copy each time you file; DRE updates revision dates without sending notices, and submitting an obsolete revision triggers a rejection.
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader, not a browser preview, because some browsers strip the form’s interactive fields and your typed entries will not save. The DRE specifically warns against using mobile-PDF apps that flatten signature lines, since the agency requires a wet signature for broker certifications.
You can also pick up a paper copy at the DRE district offices in Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Diego, which are listed on the DRE Contact page. Walk-in counters keep printed forms next to the public computers, and staff can confirm you have the current revision before you leave.
For address-only changes, you may skip the paper form entirely and use the eLicensing online portal, which updates your record in real time. eLicensing does not support broker changes, name changes, or DBA additions; those still require RE 4022. A misconception many licensees hold is that any change can be done online — it cannot.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out RE 4022 Line by Line
The form is one page with five labeled sections. Complete every applicable section in order, using black ink or typed text in ALL CAPS. Sample entries below are italicized so you can tell them apart from instructions.
Section 1 — Type of Change (Check All That Apply)
This block at the top tells DRE what you are reporting. The form lists checkboxes for Employment Change, Termination, Name Change, Address Change, and Other. You may check more than one box on a single form.
To answer it, place a clear “X” inside each checkbox that applies to your situation. Do not use circles, slashes, or initials, because the DRE scanner reads only filled boxes. If you check “Other,” write a short description on the blank line, such as ADDING DBA — COASTAL HOMES TEAM.
A specific example: Maria Lopez is leaving Broker A to join Broker B and is also updating her mailing address. Maria checks both Employment Change and Address Change, then writes nothing in the “Other” line.
A common edge case is going inactive. If you are terminating with a broker but not joining a new one, check Termination only — not Employment Change — because DRE treats those as different transactions internally.
The most common mistake here is checking Employment Change when you mean Termination. The consequence is that DRE waits for a new broker certification that never arrives, and your license sits in pending status for weeks.
A misconception is that you must file separate forms for each change. You do not — one RE 4022 can capture multiple simultaneous changes, as confirmed in the DRE Reference Book Chapter 4.
Section 2 — Salesperson License ID Number
This box asks for your 8-digit DRE License Identification Number. It is the unique number DRE uses to track your record from your first exam through every renewal.
Enter the number in the boxes provided, one digit per box, with no dashes or spaces. The number is printed on your wallet-sized license and on every official DRE letter.
For example, Maria Lopez writes 01987654 in the eight boxes, left-justified.
An edge case arises if your number has fewer than 8 digits because it was issued decades ago — pad it with leading zeros, as DRE’s database stores all IDs as 8 digits.
The most common mistake is entering your NMLS number or your SSN here. The consequence is automatic rejection because the system cannot match your file.
A misconception: many licensees believe the License ID changes when they renew. It does not — your DRE License ID is permanent for life.
Section 3 — Full Legal Name
This field asks for your name exactly as it appears on your current DRE license. DRE matches names character-by-character against its database.
Write your name in ALL CAPS, last name first, then first name, then middle name or initial. Do not include titles such as MR., MRS., or REALTOR®.
For example, Maria Lopez writes LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA.
An edge case is hyphenated last names. Keep the hyphen exactly as licensed, e.g., GARCIA-CHEN, ANA. Dropping the hyphen counts as a name change and triggers a separate review.
The most common mistake is using a nickname like Mike instead of Michael. The consequence is that the form falls out of automatic processing and gets manually queued, adding 2–3 weeks.
A misconception is that you can use your married name here without supporting documents. You cannot — any change to the name on file requires Section 4 plus a certified marriage certificate.
Section 4 — New Legal Name (If Changing)
Use this section only if you checked Name Change in Section 1. It captures the new legal name you want printed on your license.
Print the new name in ALL CAPS in the same Last, First, Middle format. Attach a certified copy of the marriage certificate, court order, or naturalization document; photocopies will not be accepted under 10 CCR §2715.
For example, after marriage Maria Lopez becomes Maria Lopez Reyes and writes REYES, MARIA ELENA LOPEZ.
An edge case: if you are going back to a maiden name after divorce, attach the dissolution decree showing the restored name, not just the divorce judgment.
The most common mistake is leaving the old name blank in Section 3 while filling Section 4. The consequence is DRE cannot identify whose record to change, and the form is returned.
A misconception is that DRE will update your name with the IRS or Social Security. It will not — you must update those agencies separately before DRE will accept the change.
Section 5 — Mailing Address
This block asks for the address where DRE will send your renewal notices, audit letters, and license certificate. Under B&P Code §10162 this address is part of the public license record.
Enter the street number and name, apartment or suite number, city, two-letter state code, and ZIP+4. Use the USPS Zip Code Lookup to confirm the +4.
For example, Maria Reyes writes 1450 OCEAN AVE STE 210, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401-1234.
An edge case is using a P.O. Box. P.O. Boxes are allowed for the mailing address but not for the main office address in Section 7, because supervised real estate activity must occur at a physical location.
The most common mistake is listing the brokerage office address as your personal mailing address. The consequence is renewal notices go to the broker, who may forget to forward them, and your license can lapse without warning.
A misconception is that DRE will share this address only with regulators. It will not — under California’s open-records rules, your mailing address is searchable through the DRE Public License Lookup.
Section 6 — New Employing Broker Information
Complete this section if you checked Employment Change. List the broker who will supervise you on and after the effective date.
Enter the broker’s full licensed name, 8-digit DRE License ID, business address, and phone number. The broker’s name and ID must match the DRE Public License Lookup exactly.
For example, Carlos Nguyen writes PACIFIC CREST REALTY, INC. — 02134567 — 500 MAIN ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 — (619) 555-0144.
An edge case is corporate brokers. Use the corporation’s license ID, not the designated officer’s individual ID, because DRE employs the corporation, not the officer.
The most common mistake is listing a broker whose license is in expired or suspended status. The consequence is the form is rejected and any acts performed during the gap are unlicensed activity.
A misconception is that you can begin working before DRE confirms the change. You cannot — under B&P Code §10160, the new affiliation is effective only when DRE records it.
Section 7 — Main Office and Branch (If Different)
This box captures the physical office where you will perform licensed acts. It must be the broker’s licensed location.
Write the street address, suite, city, state, and ZIP+4. If the broker has multiple branches, use the branch where you will be supervised, which the broker must already have registered via RE 203B.
For example, Carlos Nguyen writes 500 MAIN ST STE 300, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-2200.
An edge case is fully remote brokerages. Even if you work from home, you must list the broker’s licensed main office, not your home, because supervision is tied to that registered location.
The most common mistake is listing an unregistered branch. The consequence is DRE flags the broker for a separate violation under B&P Code §10163.
A misconception is that this address can be a P.O. Box. It cannot — only a physical street address is allowed for licensed activity locations.
Section 8 — Effective Date of Change
This box tells DRE when the change actually took effect. The date drives the legal record of when you stopped representing the old broker and started with the new one.
Enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Use the actual calendar date the change happened, not the date you sign the form.
For example, Carlos Nguyen started at Pacific Crest Realty on May 1, 2026, and writes 05/01/2026.
An edge case is a future-dated change. DRE accepts effective dates up to 30 days in the future, which is useful when planning a clean transition.
The most common mistake is backdating to capture a closed transaction. The consequence is potential discipline for misrepresentation under B&P Code §10176(a).
A misconception is that the date you mail the form is the effective date. It is not — DRE records the date you wrote in this box, not the postmark date.
Section 9 — Salesperson Signature and Date
This is your sworn certification that everything on the form is true. Under B&P Code §10176, false statements are grounds for license discipline.
Sign with a wet ink signature and write today’s date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Electronic signatures are not accepted on the paper RE 4022.
For example, Maria Reyes signs in cursive on the signature line and writes 05/12/2026 in the date box.
An edge case is a power of attorney. DRE generally does not accept signatures by attorney-in-fact for license changes; the licensee must personally sign.
The most common mistake is printing your name on the signature line. The consequence is automatic rejection because the scanner flags missing handwritten strokes.
A misconception is that your initials are enough. They are not — DRE requires a full signature matching the name in Section 3.
Section 10 — Broker Certification and Signature
If you checked Employment Change, your new broker must certify your employment in this block. This certification mirrors the RE 218 Broker-Salesperson Relationship Agreement.
The broker prints their name, enters their 8-digit License ID, signs with a wet signature, and dates the form. The broker’s signature must be original — stamps and copies are not accepted.
For example, broker Lin Park prints PARK, LIN — 01765432, signs, and dates 05/01/2026.
An edge case is a corporate broker. The designated officer signs on behalf of the corporation and writes the corporation’s license ID, not the officer’s personal ID.
The most common mistake is leaving this block blank when an employment change is checked. The consequence is the form is returned with a deficiency notice, and the salesperson cannot work for the new broker until corrected.
A misconception is that the broker can sign later and mail the form separately. They cannot — DRE requires both signatures on the same physical form at the time of submission.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Maria Reyes: Broker Change Plus Name Change After Marriage
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Type of Change | X Employment Change, X Name Change |
| License ID Number | 01987654 |
| Current Legal Name | LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA |
| New Legal Name | REYES, MARIA ELENA LOPEZ |
| Mailing Address | 1450 OCEAN AVE STE 210, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401-1234 |
| New Employing Broker | PACIFIC CREST REALTY, INC. — 02134567 |
| Main Office | 500 MAIN ST STE 300, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-2200 |
| Effective Date | 05/01/2026 |
| Salesperson Signature | Wet signature + 05/12/2026 |
| Broker Certification | PARK, LIN — 01765432 + wet signature + 05/01/2026 |
| Attachment | Certified marriage certificate |
Scenario 2 — Carlos Nguyen: Termination Only (Going Inactive)
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Type of Change | X Termination |
| License ID Number | 01556677 |
| Current Legal Name | NGUYEN, CARLOS A |
| New Legal Name | (blank) |
| Mailing Address | 2208 ELM ST APT 4, FRESNO, CA 93704-3310 |
| New Employing Broker | (blank — not joining a new broker) |
| Main Office | (blank) |
| Effective Date | 04/15/2026 |
| Salesperson Signature | Wet signature + 04/15/2026 |
| Broker Certification | (blank — termination does not require new broker signature) |
| Attachment | None |
Scenario 3 — Janet Wu: Address Change Plus DBA Addition
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Type of Change | X Address Change, X Other (ADDING DBA — WU LUXURY GROUP) |
| License ID Number | 01334455 |
| Current Legal Name | WU, JANET MAY |
| New Legal Name | (blank) |
| Mailing Address | 3300 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 1500, LOS ANGELES, CA 90010-1700 |
| New Employing Broker | SUNSET PROPERTIES — 01998877 (already current broker) |
| Main Office | 3300 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 1500, LOS ANGELES, CA 90010-1700 |
| Effective Date | 06/01/2026 |
| Salesperson Signature | Wet signature + 05/20/2026 |
| Broker Certification | Broker signs to approve DBA |
| Attachment | Filed FBN statement + RE 282 |
How to File the Completed Form
You can submit RE 4022 by mail, in person, or online (address changes only). Choose the channel that matches your change type and your timeline.
By mail: Send the original signed form with attachments to Department of Real Estate, P.O. Box 137001, Sacramento, CA 95813-7001. There is no filing fee for most changes, so no payment is needed; processing takes 2–4 weeks, and your proof of filing is the USPS Certified Mail receipt with green return card.
In person: Drop off the form at any DRE district office listed on the DRE Contact page, including 1651 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815. Counter staff stamp a copy as your proof of filing, and processing still takes 2–4 weeks because all changes are routed to Sacramento.
Online via eLicensing: Address changes can be made instantly through the eLicensing portal using your License ID and the security number printed on your license. The portal accepts no payment because address updates are free, and your confirmation email is the proof of filing.
By fax or email: DRE does not accept RE 4022 by fax or email because original wet signatures are required. Submitting electronically results in automatic rejection.
If a fee ever applies — for example, a reactivation tied to a lapsed license — DRE accepts check, money order, Visa, or MasterCard per the DRE Fee Schedule. Cash is not accepted by mail and is discouraged in person.
What Happens After You File
After DRE receives your RE 4022, the form is logged into the License Maintenance queue and assigned to a license analyst. Standard processing is 2–4 weeks for mailed forms and same-day for eLicensing address changes.
Once approved, your record updates in the DRE Public License Lookup, and a confirmation letter is mailed to the address on file. If you changed brokers, your new broker also receives a confirmation showing the effective date.
If the form is incomplete, DRE mails a deficiency notice explaining what to fix. You generally have 30 days to respond; missing that window forces you to start over with a new form and a new effective date.
While the change is pending, your authority to act under the new broker is not effective. Under B&P Code §10160, you must wait for DRE confirmation before listing, showing, or negotiating under the new affiliation.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using an outdated revision — submitting a pre-2024 version causes rejection because field positions changed.
- Writing in blue or red ink — DRE scanners drop non-black colors, so signatures may appear blank.
- Listing a pending broker license — the broker must be active on the effective date or the form is returned.
- Backdating the effective date — invites discipline for misrepresentation under B&P Code §10176.
- Using a P.O. Box for the main office — only physical addresses qualify for licensed activity locations.
- Photocopying the marriage certificate — DRE requires a certified copy with the county seal.
- Forgetting the broker’s wet signature — an unsigned employment change is automatically deficient.
- Mixing up License ID with NMLS number — produces an instant mismatch and rejection.
- Checking Employment Change when terminating — places the file in the wrong queue.
- Skipping the +4 ZIP code — creates address-validation errors and delays renewal mail.
- Filing by email or fax — DRE will not accept either channel; only mail, in person, or eLicensing.
- Waiting longer than 5 days — violates B&P Code §10161.8 and is reportable on renewal.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do download a fresh copy from the DRE forms page every time, because revisions change without notice.
- Do print in ALL CAPS using black ink, because DRE scanners read block letters most reliably.
- Do verify your broker’s license status on the Public License Lookup before signing, because an inactive broker invalidates the form.
- Do keep a full copy with your Certified Mail receipt, because DRE asks for resubmission if the original is lost in transit.
- Do file within 5 days of the change, because B&P Code §10161.8 makes late filing a discipline trigger.
- Do use eLicensing for simple address changes, because online updates are processed the same day.
Don’ts
- Don’t sign electronically on the paper form, because DRE rejects e-signatures on RE 4022.
- Don’t use whiteout or correction tape, because edited fields are treated as altered documents.
- Don’t list both Termination and Employment Change on the same form, because they go to different queues.
- Don’t include unrelated forms in the same envelope, because each transaction needs its own mailing.
- Don’t write your SSN in the License ID field, because it triggers identity-theft flags.
- Don’t assume your broker filed for you, because RE 218 from the broker does not replace RE 4022 from the salesperson.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of filing yourself
- It is free, because DRE charges nothing for most RE 4022 changes.
- You control the timing, which matters when commissions are tied to the effective date.
- The form is short — one page — so most filers finish in under 20 minutes.
- You learn your license record, which helps at renewal time.
- Same-day eLicensing for address changes makes self-service nearly instant.
Cons of filing yourself
- A single missed checkbox can delay processing 2–4 weeks.
- Name changes require certified documents most filers have to order from the county.
- Broker signature logistics can be slow if the broker is out of office.
- Misreading B&P Code §10161.8 can cause filers to miss the 5-day window.
- Self-filers sometimes overlook DBA approval steps, leaving the team name unregistered.
RE 4022 vs. Related DRE Forms
| Form | When You Use It |
|---|---|
| RE 4022 | Salesperson reports change of broker, name, address, status |
| RE 204 | Broker reports change to their own license record |
| RE 218 | Broker certifies employment of a salesperson |
| RE 282 | Broker consent to use a fictitious business name |
| eLicensing | Online address change only — no broker, name, or DBA changes |
Key Agencies and Authorities
The California Department of Real Estate is the licensing agency that receives and processes RE 4022. The Real Estate Commissioner sets policy under B&P Code §10050, and the License Maintenance Section in Sacramento performs the actual data entry.
Related authorities include the California Secretary of State for corporation records used to verify corporate brokers, the Franchise Tax Board which DRE notifies under B&P Code §494.5 when a licensee has a tax delinquency, and the county clerk that issues the Fictitious Business Name statements required for DBAs.
The DRE’s enforcement decisions are recorded in the Real Estate Bulletin, and recent disciplinary cases have repeatedly confirmed that an unfiled or late RE 4022 is treated as a substantive violation of B&P Code §10161.8, not a clerical oversight.
FAQs
Do I need to file RE 4022 if my broker already filed RE 218?
Yes. RE 218 is the broker’s certification; RE 4022 is the salesperson’s notification. DRE requires both for an employment change to post.
Can I e-sign RE 4022?
No. DRE requires a wet ink signature on the paper form. eLicensing accepts electronic authentication only for address changes.
Is there a fee to file RE 4022?
No. Standard changes are free. A fee may apply only if you are reactivating a lapsed license alongside the change.
Can I list a broker who is “pending” approval?
No. The broker must hold an active California real estate license on the effective date you enter on the form.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Current Name box?
Yes to your maiden name if that is how DRE has you on file; the new married name belongs in the New Legal Name box only.
Is my SSN required on RE 4022?
Yes. Family Code §17520 requires it for licensee identification, and missing SSNs cause rejection.
Can I use a P.O. Box in the Main Office field?
No. The main office must be a physical street address because licensed activity must be supervised at a tangible location.
Do I need to attach my marriage certificate for a name change?
Yes. A certified copy is required; photocopies are not accepted under 10 CCR §2715.
Can I file RE 4022 by email or fax?
No. DRE accepts only mail, in-person delivery, or eLicensing for address changes. Email and fax submissions are rejected.
How long does processing take?
Yes, you should plan ahead — mailed forms take 2–4 weeks, in-person submissions take the same time, and eLicensing address changes post the same day.
Can I work for my new broker before DRE confirms the change?
No. Under B&P Code §10160, the new affiliation is effective only when DRE records it.
Do I check Employment Change or Termination if I am leaving without a new broker?
No to Employment Change — choose Termination only, because DRE treats these as different transactions in different queues.
What happens if I miss the 5-day notification deadline?
Yes, there are consequences — late filing violates B&P Code §10161.8 and can be cited at renewal or in a discipline action.
Can my broker sign RE 4022 with a signature stamp?
No. DRE requires an original wet signature from the broker, and stamped or photocopied signatures are rejected.
Do I need a new RE 4022 for each branch I work from?
No. One form lists the branch where you are supervised; if you transfer between branches under the same broker, file a new RE 4022 noting the change.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 204 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 226 (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 422A (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form RE 252 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form 100 (w/Examples) + FAQs