Article Guide
The California Re 205 form serves as a critical document for individuals seeking to engage in various real estate activities within the state. This form is primarily used to declare an applicant's citizenship or immigration status, which is essential for obtaining a real estate license. It encompasses several sections that collect important information, including the applicant's name, identification number, and type of application, such as for a real estate broker or salesperson. Additionally, it requires individuals to affirm their citizenship or alien status, guiding them through the necessary documentation to establish their legal presence in the U.S. For U.S. citizens, a range of acceptable documents is outlined, such as birth certificates and passports, while non-citizens must provide specific evidence of their immigration status, including forms from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The completion of the Re 205 form is not just a bureaucratic step; it ensures that all applicants meet the legal requirements to operate within California's real estate market, ultimately protecting both the industry and consumers.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA
BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE
STATE PUBLIC BENEFITS STATEMENT
RE 205 (Rev. 9/14)
Read attached State Public Beneits Information (RE 205A) before completing this Statement.
Section i — ApplicAnt informAtion
APPLICANT'S NAME
ID NUMBER (if known or appropriate)
FORMER NAME (as recorded on proof of legal presence document)
TYPE OF APPLICATION
REAL ESTATE BROKER
REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON
REAL ESTATE OFFICER
MINERAL, OIL AND GAS BROKER
PREPAID RENTAL LISTING SERVICE LICENSE
PAYMENT FROM THE REAL ESTATE
RECOVERY ACCOUNT
Section ii — citizenShip/immigrAtion StAtuS DeclArAtion
1. Are you a citizen or national of the United States?................................................................
Yes
No
If YES, where were you born? (List city, state (or equivalent), and country.)
________________________________________________________________________________________ (city)
____________________________________________________________________________ (state or equivalent)
_____________________________________________________________________________________ (country)
2.To establish proof of citizenship or nationality, please submit a legible and unaltered photocopy of one of the documents on List A.
Note: If you are a citizen or national of the United States, go directly to Section IV. If you are an alien, please complete Section III and IV.
Section iii — Alien StAtuS DeclArAtion
Note: Please indicate your alien status below, and submit photocopies of documents evidencing such status. The alien status documents for each category as set forth on List B are the most commonly used documents that the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) provides to aliens in those categories.
Analienlawfullyadmittedforpermanentresidenceunder the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA).
An alien who is granted asylum under Section 208 of the INA.
A refugee admitted to the United States under Section 207 of the INA.
An alien whose deportation is being withheld under Sec- tion 243(h) of the INA.
An alien who is granted conditional entry under Section 203(a)(7) of the INA as in effect prior to April 1, 1980.
An alien paroled into the United States for at least one year under Section 212(d)(5) of the INA.
An alien paroled into the United States for less than one year under Section 212(d)(5) of the INA.
An alien who has been declared a “battered alien.”
An alien not in categories 1 through 7 who has been ad- mitted to the United States for a limited period of time (a
Section iV — DeclArAtion
i declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of california that the answers i have given are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE
»
DATE:
RE 205 — Page 2 of 3
— please submit legible photocopies not original documents —
liSt A
AAcceptAble DocumentS to eStAbliSh u.S. citizenShip
A person who is a citizen of the United States as evi- denced by one of the following:
1.A birth certiicate issued in or by a city, county, state,
orothergovernmentalentitywithintheUnitedStates or its outlying possessions.
2.A U.S. Certiicate of Birth Abroad
3.A birth certiicate or passport issued from:
A.Puerto Rico, on or after January 13, 1941.
B.Guam, on or after January 17, 1917.
C.U.S. Virgin Islands, on or after January 17, 1917.
D.Northern Mariana Islands, after November 4, 1986.
E.American Samoa.
F.Swain’s Island
G.District of Columbia.
4.A U.S. passport (expired or unexpired).
5.Certiicate of Naturalization
6.Certiicate of Citizenship
7.U.S. Citizen Identiication Card
8.An individual Fee Register Receipt
9.Any other acceptable document which establishes a U.S. place of birth or indicates U.S. citizenship.
liSt b
BAcceptAble DocumentS to
eStAbliSh Alien StAtuS
An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) must submit supporting documentation to establish legal presence under one of the following categories:
1.An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence undertheImmigrationandNaturalizationAct(INA). Evidence includes:
•INS Form
•Unexpired Temporary
passport or on INS Form
2.An alien who is granted asylum under section 208 of the INA. Evidence includes:
•INS Form
•INS Form
•INS Form
•Grant Letter from the Asylum Ofice of INS or
•Order of an immigration judge granting asy- lum.
3.A refugee admitted to the United States under sec- tion 207 of the INA. Evidence includes:
•INS Form
•INS Form
•INS Form
•INS Form
4.An alien paroled into the United States for at least one year under section 212(d)(5) of the INA. Evidence includes:
•INS Form
5.An alien whose deportation is being withheld under section 243(h) of the INA (as in effect immediately prior to September 30, 1996) or Section 241(b)(3) of such Act (as amended by section 305(a) of division C of Public Law
•INS Form
•INS Form
•Order from an immigration judge showing de- portation withheld under s243(h) of the INA as in effect prior to April 1, 1997, or removal with- held under s241(b)(3) of the INA.
6.An alien who is granted conditional entry under section 203(a)(7) of the INA as in effect prior to April 1, 1980. Evidence includes:
•INS Form
•INS Form
RE 205 — Page 3 of 3
— please submit legible photocopies not original documents —
B |
liSt b continueD |
|
•INS Form
7.An alien who is a Cuban or Haitian entrant (as deined in section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980). Evidence includes:
•INS Form
•Unexpired temporary
•INS Form
8.An alien paroled into the United States for less than oneyearundersection212(d)(5)oftheINA. Evidence includes:
•INS Form
9.An alien who has been declared a battered alien. Evidence includes:
•INS petition and supporting documentation.
Note:
Lists A and B contain the most common documents which can be used to establish U.S. Citizenship or legal alien status. For a complete list of acceptable documents, please refer to State Public Beneits (Comprehensive List) (RE 205B), which may be obtained from CalBRE's Web site (www.calbre.ca.gov) or by calling or writing any CalBRE ofice.
Mail to appropriate section/unit: |
|
|
• Bureau of Real Estate |
• Bureau of Real Estate |
• Bureau of Real Estate |
Original License Section — Broker |
License Renewal Section |
Recovery Account Unit |
P.O. Box 137002 |
P.O. Box 137003 |
P.O. Box 137007 |
Sacramento CA |
Sacramento CA |
Sacramento CA |
• Bureau of Real Estate |
• Bureau of Real Estate |
Original License Section — Sales |
Corporation/Broker Business |
P.O. Box 137002 |
Support Section |
Sacramento CA |
P.O. Box 137004 |
|
Sacramento CA |
|
|
|
|
Form Specifications
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Form Title | California State Public Benefits Statement RE 205 |
| Governing Law | This form is governed by California law, specifically the California Bureau of Real Estate regulations. |
| Purpose | The RE 205 form is used to declare citizenship or immigration status when applying for a real estate license. |
| Sections | The form consists of four main sections: Applicant Information, Citizenship/Immigration Status Declaration, Alien Status Declaration, and Declaration. |
| Required Documentation | Applicants must submit photocopies of documents proving their citizenship or immigration status, as outlined in Lists A and B. |
| Signature Requirement | Applicants must sign the form, declaring under penalty of perjury that their answers are true and correct. |
| Submission Instructions | Legible photocopies, not original documents, should be submitted along with the completed form. |
| Form Revision Date | The current version of the RE 205 form was revised in September 2014. |
California Re 205: Usage Guidelines
Completing the California RE 205 form is an essential step in your application process. This form requires specific information about your citizenship or immigration status, and accurate completion is crucial to avoid delays. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is processed smoothly.
- Begin by filling out your name in the designated field at the top of the form.
- If applicable, include your ID number next to your name.
- Provide your former name, if it is recorded on any proof of legal presence document.
- Select the type of application you are submitting by checking the appropriate box. Options include Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Salesperson, Real Estate Officer, Mineral, Oil and Gas Broker, Prepaid Rental Listing Service, or License Payment from the Real Estate Recovery Account.
- In Section II, answer the question about your citizenship status. Mark “Yes” or “No.”
- If you answered “Yes,” provide the city, state, and country of your birth in the spaces provided.
- For proof of citizenship, attach a legible photocopy of one of the documents listed in List A.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, proceed to Section III and indicate your alien status. Check the appropriate category and provide photocopies of the required documentation.
- In Section IV, sign and date the form to declare that your answers are true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
- Make sure to submit legible photocopies of all required documents, not the originals.
- Mail the completed form and attachments to the appropriate Bureau of Real Estate address based on your application type.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the California RE 205 form?
The California RE 205 form is a State Public Benefits Statement used by applicants in the real estate industry. This form is essential for individuals applying for various real estate licenses, such as brokers, salespersons, and officers. It helps determine the applicant's citizenship or immigration status, which is necessary for compliance with state regulations.
Who needs to fill out the RE 205 form?
Any individual applying for a real estate license in California must complete the RE 205 form. This includes those seeking to become real estate brokers, salespersons, or officers, as well as those involved in specific services like prepaid rental listing services. The form ensures that applicants meet the citizenship or immigration requirements set by California law.
What information is required on the RE 205 form?
The RE 205 form requires several pieces of information. Applicants must provide their name, identification number (if applicable), and former name if it appears on any legal documents. Additionally, they must indicate their citizenship status, providing details about their place of birth and submitting proof of citizenship or legal alien status as specified in the form.
What documents can I submit to prove my U.S. citizenship?
To establish U.S. citizenship, applicants can submit various documents. Acceptable forms include a birth certificate issued in the U.S., a U.S. passport (expired or current), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. The form also lists specific documents related to territories like Puerto Rico and Guam that can serve as proof of citizenship.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must complete additional sections of the RE 205 form regarding your alien status. You will need to indicate your specific immigration status and provide photocopies of supporting documents that verify your legal presence in the United States. This could include a green card, an asylum approval letter, or other relevant documentation.
Is there a deadline for submitting the RE 205 form?
While the RE 205 form does not specify a strict deadline, it should be submitted alongside your application for a real estate license. Timely submission is crucial to ensure that your application is processed without delays. It is advisable to check with the Bureau of Real Estate for any specific timelines related to your application.
What happens if I provide false information on the RE 205 form?
Providing false information on the RE 205 form can have serious consequences. It is considered perjury under California law, which can lead to legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Additionally, submitting false information can result in the denial of your real estate license application or revocation of an existing license.
Where can I find more information about the RE 205 form?
For more detailed information regarding the RE 205 form, applicants can refer to the California Bureau of Real Estate's official website. The site offers access to additional resources, including the comprehensive list of acceptable documents for establishing citizenship or alien status. You can also contact the Bureau directly for any specific inquiries.
How do I submit the RE 205 form?
The RE 205 form can be submitted by mail to the appropriate section of the Bureau of Real Estate. Depending on the type of application, you will need to send it to the corresponding address provided on the form. Ensure that you include all required documents and that they are legible photocopies, not originals.
Common mistakes
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Incomplete Information: Many applicants fail to fill out all required fields. Missing information can delay the processing of your application. Make sure to double-check that every section is complete.
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Incorrect Documentation: Submitting the wrong documents is a common mistake. Ensure that you provide the appropriate proof of citizenship or alien status as listed in the instructions. Using documents not specified can lead to rejection.
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Illegible Copies: Some applicants submit photocopies that are hard to read. Always ensure that your documents are clear and legible. If the reviewing office cannot read your submission, it may be deemed invalid.
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Not Following Signature Requirements: Applicants sometimes forget to sign the form. A missing signature can result in automatic rejection. Always remember to sign and date your application before submission.
Documents used along the form
The California RE 205 form is essential for individuals applying for various real estate licenses in California. Along with this form, several other documents are often required to ensure compliance with state regulations. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that complement the RE 205.
- RE 205A: State Public Benefits Information - This document provides detailed information regarding the state public benefits that applicants may be entitled to. It serves as a reference for understanding eligibility and requirements.
- RE 205B: Comprehensive List of Acceptable Documents - This form outlines all acceptable documents for establishing U.S. citizenship or legal alien status. It is crucial for applicants to refer to this list to ensure they submit the correct paperwork.
- Form I-551: Alien Registration Receipt Card - Commonly known as a "green card," this document proves that an individual is a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
- Form I-94: Arrival/Departure Record - This form is issued to foreign visitors entering the U.S. It indicates the individual's immigration status and is often required for those applying for licenses.
- Form N-550: Certificate of Naturalization - This certificate is issued to individuals who have become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process. It serves as proof of citizenship.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - Issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this document allows individuals to work legally in the U.S. It may be required for certain applicants.
- Grant Letter from the Asylum Office - This letter serves as proof for individuals granted asylum in the U.S. It confirms their status and eligibility for various benefits.
Understanding these documents is crucial for a smooth application process. Ensure that you gather all necessary paperwork to avoid delays in your licensing application. Being prepared will facilitate your journey in the real estate field.
Similar forms
- Form I-551 (Alien Registration Receipt Card): This document serves as proof of lawful permanent residency in the United States. Like the California RE 205 form, it requires applicants to provide identification and establishes legal status within the country.
- Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): This form is used by individuals seeking U.S. citizenship. Similar to the RE 205, it involves a declaration of personal information and requires proof of legal presence, reflecting the applicant's immigration status.
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record): This document is issued to non-citizens when they enter the U.S. It indicates their immigration status and is comparable to the RE 205 in that it verifies an individual's legal presence in the country.
- Form DS-1350 (Certification of Birth Abroad): This form is used to certify the birth of a U.S. citizen born outside the United States. Like the RE 205, it provides essential information about the applicant's citizenship status.
- Form I-797 (Notice of Action): This document is used to communicate information regarding immigration benefits. It is similar to the California RE 205 form as it often requires personal details and serves as a verification of an individual's immigration status.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the California RE 205 form, there are several important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines can help ensure your application is processed smoothly.
- Do read the attached State Public Benefits Information (RE 205A) before you start.
- Don’t submit original documents; always provide legible photocopies.
- Do provide accurate information, including your full name and ID number if known.
- Don’t leave any sections blank; if something doesn’t apply, indicate that clearly.
- Do check your documents for completeness before submitting them.
- Don’t forget to sign and date the form at the end of the application.
- Do keep a copy of your completed form for your records.
Misconceptions
The California Re 205 form is an important document used in the real estate industry, but several misconceptions surround it. Understanding these misconceptions can help applicants navigate the process more effectively.
- Misconception 1: The Re 205 form is only for U.S. citizens.
- Misconception 2: You can submit original documents with the Re 205 form.
- Misconception 3: The Re 205 form is only necessary for brokers.
- Misconception 4: You do not need to provide proof of legal presence if you are a U.S. citizen.
- Misconception 5: All documents listed in the form are mandatory for submission.
- Misconception 6: The Re 205 form can be completed without any supporting documentation.
- Misconception 7: You can apply for multiple licenses using a single Re 205 form.
- Misconception 8: The Re 205 form is only relevant for initial applications.
- Misconception 9: Submitting the Re 205 form guarantees a license.
While the form does require citizenship or immigration status information, it is also designed for non-citizens who have legal status in the U.S. Applicants must provide appropriate documentation regardless of their citizenship status.
Applicants must submit photocopies of required documents, not originals. This is to ensure that important documents are not lost or damaged during the application process.
The form is applicable to various roles within the real estate sector, including salespersons and real estate officers. Each applicant must complete the form relevant to their specific role.
Even U.S. citizens must provide proof of citizenship through acceptable documents listed on the form. This requirement helps streamline the verification process.
Only specific documents that apply to an individual's situation need to be submitted. Applicants should refer to the lists provided in the form to determine which documents are necessary for their status.
Supporting documentation is crucial for the completion of the form. Without the necessary documents, the application may be considered incomplete and could delay the licensing process.
Each license type requires a separate Re 205 form. Applicants must complete and submit a distinct form for each license they seek.
This form is also used for renewals and other updates. Understanding its purpose can help ensure that all necessary information is provided throughout the licensing process.
While the form is a critical step in the application process, it does not guarantee approval. The California Bureau of Real Estate reviews all applications and supporting documents before granting licenses.
Key takeaways
When filling out and using the California RE 205 form, consider the following key takeaways:
- Understand the Purpose: The RE 205 form is used to declare your citizenship or immigration status when applying for various real estate licenses in California.
- Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that all information entered is true and correct. Inaccurate information may lead to delays or denials in your application.
- Submit Required Documents: Include legible photocopies of supporting documents to establish your citizenship or alien status as outlined in Lists A and B of the form.
- Know Where to Send Your Application: Mail the completed form and any necessary documents to the appropriate Bureau of Real Estate address based on your application type.