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The California Re 203 form serves as a vital tool for individuals and corporations seeking to apply for or update their branch office licenses within the real estate sector. This application is essential for brokers wishing to establish additional locations or modify existing ones. Key sections of the form require the completion of specific details, including the broker's identification number, the name of the corporation, and the addresses of both the main office and any branch offices. Applicants must clearly indicate whether they are adding or canceling a branch office address, ensuring that all information is accurate and complete to avoid processing delays. The form also emphasizes the importance of proper signatures from licensed brokers or broker-officers, as well as compliance with the latest version of the form to prevent disciplinary actions. Furthermore, applicants are encouraged to utilize the eLicensing system for expedited processing and to stay informed about renewal requirements, which are crucial for maintaining compliance with state regulations. Understanding the nuances of the Re 203 form can significantly streamline the licensing process and facilitate the smooth operation of real estate businesses in California.

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA

DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE

Serving Californians Since 1917

BRANCH OFFICE APPLICATION

 

RE 203 (Rev.

 

 

 

LICENSE TYPE — Check one only

Read instructions on reverse side

 

INDIVIDUAL BROKER LICENSE

before completing.

(Complete items 1 & 3–5.)

 

CORPORATION OFFICER LICENSE

Type or print clearly in blue or black

ink.

(Complete items 2–5.)

 

 

EFF. DATE (FOR DRE USE ONLY)

1.

BROKER ID NO.

 

INDIVIDUAL BROKER NAME — DO NOT LIST DBAs OR TRACT NAMES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

CORPORATION ID NO.

 

CORPORATION NAME — DO NOT LIST DBAs OR TRACT NAMES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME OF LICENSED BROKER-OFFICER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

MAILING ADDRESS — STREET ADDRESS OR POST OFFICE BOX

 

 

 

CHANGE OF MAILING ADDRESS?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YES

 

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

 

 

STATE

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

MAIN OFFICE ADDRESS — STREET ADDRESS

 

 

 

CHANGE OF MAIN ADDRESS?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YES

 

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

 

 

STATE

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRANCH OFFICE(S)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK ONE

A. BRANCH OFFICE ADDRESS – STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT LIST DBAs OR TRACT NAMES)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

ADD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2ND LINE OF ADDRESS, IF ANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

CANCEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK ONE

B. BRANCH OFFICE ADDRESS – STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT LIST DBAs OR TRACT NAMES)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

ADD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2ND LINE OF ADDRESS, IF ANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

CANCEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK ONE

C. BRANCH OFFICE ADDRESS – STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT LIST DBAs OR TRACT NAMES)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

ADD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2ND LINE OF ADDRESS, IF ANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

CANCEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK ONE

D. BRANCH OFFICE ADDRESS – STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT LIST DBAs OR TRACT NAMES)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

ADD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2ND LINE OF ADDRESS, IF ANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

CANCEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK ONE

E. BRANCH OFFICE ADDRESS – STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT LIST DBAs OR TRACT NAMES)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

ADD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2ND LINE OF ADDRESS, IF ANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

CANCEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

ORIGINAL SIGNATURE OF INDIVIDUAL BROKER OR LICENSED BROKER-OFFICER

DATE

BUSINESS PHONE NO. — INCLUDE AREA CODE

»»

DRE ONLY

PROCESSOR #

DATE PROCESSED

SENDER'S #

DATE SENT

RE 203 — Reverse

General

Individual Brokers — Complete items #1 and 3–4 plus the appropriate number of branch ofice address blocks.

Corporations — Complete items #2–4 plus the appropriate number of branch ofice address blocks.

Signature — Line #5 must be signed by the broker or licensed broker-oficer of the corporation.

If you electronically re-create this form to facilitate completion on a computer, the form should not be altered in any manner. To do so, could result in disciplinary action. Also, please make certain you do not delete any preprinted information and are using the latest version of the form.

A branch ofice license cannot be issued to a P.O. Box.

Add or Cancel License

If you hold an individual broker license and a corporation oficer

license, indicate which license the add/cancel request should apply. If add/cancel requests are needed for both licenses, complete a separate RE 203 for each license.

Branch ofice addresses cannot be changed. The old address must be canceled and the new one added.

Check the add or cancel box for each address entered. If a street address is unavailable, indicate the physical location (i.e., the nearest intersection and the distance to it).

Branch Ofices and DBAs

Branch ofice licenses and ictitious business names are not associated with each other except through the broker or corporation oficer license. Once added to an individual broker license or corporation oficer license, a ictitious business name may be used at any or

all locations that are currently licensed to this individual broker or corporation.

eLicensing

Use eLicensing for expedited processing of your application.

It's easy, paperless and interactive. Renewal information is posted immediately on DRE's public information.

Licensees can perform the following transactions using the eLicensing system at www.dre.ca.gov:

Broker and salesperson renewals

License certiicate requests (broker, salesperson, oficer and branch)

Salesperson additions/changes of employing broker

Broker discontinuation of salesperson employment

Mailing address changes

Broker main ofice address addition/changes

Automated fee payment and processing

Renewal Information

On-Time — Branch ofice licenses are automatically renewed when the license of the broker or designated oficer of a corporation

is renewed on an on-time basis. Complete this form to cancel any branch ofices no longer in effect.

Late — Branch ofice licenses are automatically canceled when the license of a broker or designated broker-oficer of a corporation

is renewed on a late basis. Complete this form to re-add branch ofices.

Mailing or Questions

Mail completed application to: Department of Real Estate, P.O. Box 187004, Sacramento, CA 95818-7004

Forms and additional information may also be obtained from our Web site at www.dre.ca.gov.

Note

To avoid processing delays, please complete all information requested.

The following situations routinely cause delays or require the Branch Ofice Application to be returned:

The branch ofice address being requested:

Is the same as the current main ofice address on record with DRE;*

Is incomplete (zip codes are required for all branch ofice licenses);

Is not a California address;

Does not indicate a street address or physical location (i.e., the nearest intersection and distance to it)

The mailing and/or main ofice addresses listed on this application differ from those currently on record with DRE.*

The license identiication number does not correspond to the licensee name.*

The application:

Is not properly signed by the licensed broker or broker- oficer (when request is made by a corporation);

Contains an unacceptable signature (countersignature, photocopy, or fax copy); or

Is not suitable for microilming/imaging and/or processing (poor quality fax or photocopy).

*The current main, mailing, branch addresses, etc., may be veriied on the Internet by selecting “License Status” from the DRE home page. Our Web address is www.dre.ca.gov.

PRIVACY INFORMATION:

Section 1798.17 of the Civil Code requires this notice be provided when collecting personal or conidential information from individuals. Each

individual has the right to review personal information maintained by this

Agency, unless access is exempted by law.

Department of Real Estate

Managing Deputy Comm. IV

2201 Broadway

Licensing, Examinations, & Education

Sacramento, CA 95818

Telephone: 877-373-4542

General powers of the Commissioner, Sections 10050, 10071, and 10075 of the Business and Professions Code authorizes the maintenance of this

information.

Business and Professions Code Sections 30, 31(e) and 494.5(d) require

each real estate licensee to initially provide to the Department of Real Estate his or her social security number which will be furnished to the

Franchise Tax Board. The Franchise Tax Board will use your number

to establish identiication exclusively for tax purposes. These code

sections also require that each application for a new license or renewal provides notiication on the application, that the Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board will share taxpayer information with the Department of Real Estate, and that failure to pay tax obligations may result in a suspension or denial of a license. The Board of Equalization and Franchise Tax Board require the Department to collect social security numbers and federal taxpayer identiication numbers for the purposes of matching the names of the 500 largest tax delinquencies pursuant to Section 7063 or 19195 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. Your social security numbers and federal taxpayer identiication

number shall not be deemed public records and shall not be open to the public for inspection.

The Real Estate Law and the Regulations of the Commissioner require applicants to provide the Department with speciic information. If all

or any part of the required information is not provided, processing may be delayed. In addition, the Commissioner may suspend or revoke a license, or in the case of a license applicant, may deny the issuance for misstatements of facts (including a failure to disclose a material fact) in an application for a license.

The information requested in this form is primarily used to furnish license status information to the Department’s Enforcement Section, and

to answer inquiries and give information to the public on license status, mailing and business addresses and actions taken to deny, revoke, restrict or suspend licenses for cause.

This information may be transferred to real estate licensing agencies in other states, law enforcement agencies (City Police, Sheriff’s Departments, District Attorneys, Attorney General, F.B.I.), and any other

regulatory agencies (i.e., Department of Corporations, Department of

Insurance, Department of Consumer Affairs, California Bar Association).

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Form Purpose The California RE 203 form is used to apply for a branch office license for real estate brokers and corporations.
Governing Laws The form is governed by Sections 10050, 10071, and 10075 of the Business and Professions Code.
Signature Requirement The application must be signed by the licensed broker or broker-officer of the corporation.
Address Restrictions Branch office addresses cannot be P.O. Boxes and must be physical locations within California.
Renewal Process Branch office licenses renew automatically when the associated broker's license is renewed on time.

California Re 203: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the California RE 203 form requires attention to detail and accuracy. This form is essential for individuals or corporations applying for a branch office license with the Department of Real Estate in California. Below are the steps to complete the form effectively.

  1. Determine License Type: Decide whether you are applying for an Individual Broker License or a Corporation Officer License. Check the appropriate box at the top of the form.
  2. Fill in Broker Information:
    • If applying as an Individual Broker, enter your Broker ID number and your full name in the designated spaces.
    • If applying as a Corporation, enter the Corporation ID number and the Corporation name, along with the name of the licensed broker-officer.
  3. Provide Mailing Address: Enter the complete mailing address, including street address, city, state, and zip code. Indicate if this is a change of mailing address by checking "Yes" or "No."
  4. Enter Main Office Address: Fill in the main office address, specifying the street address, city, state, and zip code. Again, indicate if this is a change by checking "Yes" or "No."
  5. List Branch Office Addresses:
    • For each branch office, provide the street address. Do not list any DBAs or tract names.
    • Indicate if you are adding or canceling each branch office by checking the appropriate box.
    • If necessary, add a second line for the address.
  6. Sign the Form: The form must be signed by the individual broker or the licensed broker-officer of the corporation. Include the date of signing and the business phone number with area code.
  7. Review for Completeness: Ensure all fields are filled out accurately and completely to avoid delays in processing.
  8. Submit the Form: Mail the completed application to the Department of Real Estate at the specified address.

After submitting the form, it will be processed by the Department of Real Estate. Keep an eye out for any correspondence regarding your application status. Ensure that all information is accurate to facilitate a smooth processing experience.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the California RE 203 form used for?

The California RE 203 form is utilized to apply for a branch office license within the state of California. This form is required for both individual brokers and corporation officer licenses. It allows licensees to add or cancel branch office addresses associated with their real estate business. Proper completion of this form is essential to maintain compliance with state regulations.

Who needs to complete the RE 203 form?

Individuals holding a broker license and corporations with broker-officer licenses must complete the RE 203 form when they wish to establish or change branch office locations. Each entity must provide specific information regarding their business structure, including their broker identification number or corporation identification number, as well as the relevant addresses for their main office and branch offices.

What information is required on the RE 203 form?

The RE 203 form requires several key pieces of information, including the broker ID number or corporation ID number, the name of the individual broker or corporation, mailing address, main office address, and specific branch office addresses. Additionally, the form must include the original signature of the individual broker or licensed broker-officer, along with the date and business phone number.

Can I use a P.O. Box for a branch office address?

No, a branch office license cannot be issued for a P.O. Box. The application must include a physical street address for each branch office. If a street address is not available, the applicant should provide a physical location description, such as the nearest intersection and the distance to it, to ensure compliance with state requirements.

What happens if I need to cancel a branch office?

To cancel a branch office, the RE 203 form must be completed, indicating the cancellation request. If a branch office is no longer in effect, this form is necessary to officially remove it from the records. It is important to ensure that the cancellation is processed promptly to avoid any potential issues with licensing.

How can I expedite the processing of my application?

Utilizing the eLicensing system is the most efficient way to expedite processing of the RE 203 form. This online platform is designed to be user-friendly and allows for paperless transactions. Licensees can complete various tasks, including renewals and address changes, quickly and efficiently through this system.

What are common reasons for delays in processing the RE 203 form?

Delays can occur for several reasons, including incomplete address information, failure to provide a valid street address, or discrepancies between the information on the application and the records held by the Department of Real Estate. Additionally, if the application is not properly signed or submitted in an acceptable format, it may be returned, causing further delays.

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to read the instructions on the reverse side of the form. This can lead to incomplete or incorrect submissions.

  2. Not checking the appropriate license type. It's essential to mark either the Individual Broker License or Corporation Officer License box correctly.

  3. Listing DBAs or tract names in the sections for broker or corporation names. Only the official names should be included.

  4. Providing an incomplete mailing or main office address. All required fields, including zip codes, must be filled out completely.

  5. Not signing the form properly. The application must be signed by the licensed broker or broker-officer, and an unacceptable signature can lead to rejection.

  6. Using a P.O. Box for branch office addresses. The form specifically states that branch office licenses cannot be issued to a P.O. Box.

  7. Submitting a form that is not suitable for processing. Poor quality faxes or photocopies can result in delays or the need for resubmission.

Documents used along the form

The California RE 203 form is an essential document for applying for a branch office license within the state. Along with this form, several other documents are commonly used to ensure compliance with real estate regulations. Below is a list of these documents, each with a brief description of its purpose.

  • Branch Office License Application (RE 203A): This form is used to apply specifically for a branch office license, detailing the address and contact information for the new location.
  • Broker License Application (RE 202): This application is for individuals seeking to obtain a broker license. It requires personal information, experience, and any necessary fees.
  • Change of Address Form (RE 205): When a broker or corporation changes their main office address, this form must be submitted to update the Department of Real Estate records.
  • Fictitious Business Name Statement: If a broker or corporation operates under a name that differs from their legal name, this statement must be filed with the county clerk to register the fictitious name.
  • License Renewal Application: This document is required for renewing existing broker or branch office licenses. It must be submitted before the expiration date to avoid lapses in licensing.
  • Salesperson License Application (RE 201): This application is for individuals who wish to become licensed salespersons in California, outlining their qualifications and background.

These documents are crucial for maintaining compliance with California real estate laws. Ensuring that all forms are correctly filled out and submitted can help avoid processing delays and potential issues with licensing.

Similar forms

The California RE 203 form is similar to several other documents used in real estate licensing and management. Here are seven documents that share similarities with the RE 203 form:

  • California RE 201 Form: This form is used for applying for an individual broker license. Like the RE 203, it requires detailed personal information and addresses but focuses solely on individual brokers rather than branch offices.
  • California RE 202 Form: This form is for corporation applications seeking a broker license. Similar to the RE 203, it includes sections for corporate identification and addresses, emphasizing corporate structure.
  • California RE 204 Form: Used for branch office applications, this form closely resembles the RE 203 in structure. It also requires the identification of the main office and addresses for branch locations.
  • California RE 205 Form: This form is for changes to a broker’s license. Like the RE 203, it allows for updates to addresses and other vital information, ensuring that records remain current.
  • California RE 206 Form: This document is used for license renewal. It shares the RE 203’s purpose of maintaining accurate licensing information and requires similar data regarding addresses and license types.
  • California RE 207 Form: This form is for reporting a change in business structure. It parallels the RE 203 by requiring detailed information about the business and its operations.
  • California RE 208 Form: This document is for adding or removing fictitious business names associated with a broker's license. It shares the RE 203's focus on maintaining accurate and updated records related to business operations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California RE 203 form, attention to detail is crucial. Here’s a helpful list of dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth application process.

  • Do read the instructions on the reverse side before starting.
  • Do use blue or black ink for clarity.
  • Do fill out all required fields completely.
  • Do sign the form where indicated; your signature is essential.
  • Do check the add or cancel box for each address you enter.
  • Don't list any DBAs or tract names on the form.
  • Don't submit a P.O. Box as a branch office address.
  • Don't leave any fields blank; incomplete forms can cause delays.
  • Don't alter the form in any way if you’re completing it electronically.
  • Don't forget to verify that the license identification number matches the licensee name.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your application is processed quickly and efficiently. Good luck!

Misconceptions

Understanding the California Re 203 form is essential for anyone involved in real estate licensing. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are five common misunderstandings:

  • Misconception 1: The form can be submitted without a signature.
  • This is incorrect. A valid signature from the individual broker or the licensed broker-officer of the corporation is required. Without it, the application cannot be processed.

  • Misconception 2: A P.O. Box can be used as a branch office address.
  • This is not allowed. The California Department of Real Estate requires a physical street address for branch office licenses. A P.O. Box is insufficient.

  • Misconception 3: You can change a branch office address without canceling the old one.
  • This is false. If you need to change a branch office address, you must cancel the old address first and then add the new one. It’s important to follow this procedure to ensure compliance.

  • Misconception 4: The form can be altered or modified for easier completion.
  • This is a misunderstanding. The form must not be altered in any way. Modifying it could lead to disciplinary action, so it’s crucial to use the latest version as is.

  • Misconception 5: All information on the form is optional.
  • This is incorrect. Providing complete and accurate information is vital. Incomplete applications often lead to processing delays, so ensure that all requested details are filled out correctly.

Key takeaways

  • The California RE 203 form is essential for applying for a branch office license or updating information related to existing licenses.

  • It is crucial to read the instructions on the reverse side before filling out the form to ensure all requirements are met.

  • Individuals applying for a broker license must complete items 1 and 3–5, while corporations should fill out items 2–5.

  • Clearly type or print your information in blue or black ink to avoid processing delays.

  • Branch office addresses cannot be P.O. Box addresses; they must be physical street addresses.

  • If you need to add or cancel a branch office, check the appropriate box next to the address you are modifying.

  • When changing addresses, the old address must be canceled before adding the new one.

  • To expedite processing, consider using the eLicensing system, which allows for paperless transactions.

  • On-time renewals automatically renew branch office licenses, but late renewals will cancel them, requiring reapplication.

  • Be aware that discrepancies between the information on the application and the records held by the Department of Real Estate can lead to delays.