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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 3Ch. 5Art. 2§ 708 Real Estate Licensing Requirements

§ 708 Real Estate Licensing Requirements

Harbors and Navigation Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 708 Real Estate Licensing Requirements

This law says you need a special license to work as a real estate broker or salesperson. You can't pretend to be one or use a fake name without the right license.

Key Takeaways

  • •You must have a license to work as a real estate broker or salesperson.
  • •Only the person with the license can do the job—no one else can use their license.
  • •You can't use a fake business name unless it's on your license.
  • •The government won't give out licenses for fake names that are already taken.

Example

Someone starts selling houses and calls themselves a real estate agent but doesn't have a license.

This person is breaking the law because they are acting as a salesperson without the proper license.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 708 Real Estate Licensing Requirements

(a) No person shall engage in the business of, act in the capacity of, advertise as, or assume to act as a broker or salesperson within this state without first obtaining a license under this article to do so. (b) Only the person to whom a license is issued may perform or offer to perform any act subject to this article. (c) No fictitious name shall be used by a broker in the conduct of any business for which a license is required under this article, unless a license bearing that fictitious name has been issued to the broker. (d) The department shall not issue a license under a fictitious business name which is the same as or similar to the fictitious business name on a license previously issued and in effect. (Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 561, Sec. 1.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

brokersalespersonlicensefictitious name

Related Statutes

  • § 717 Broker License Application
  • § 722 Broker License Renewal Periods
  • § 723 Salesman License Renewal Requirements
  • § 728 Corporate Broker License Officers
  • § 735 Broker Office Licensing Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 708.
View Official Source