In order to be appointed as Commissioner, the Commissioner candidate must have served for a minimum of 5 years as a real estate broker actively engaged in the real estate business in California, OR must possess 5 years' related experience associated with real estate activity in California during the last 10 years.

The Commissioner's annual salary is paid monthly out of the State Treasury upon a warrant of the Controller. The Commissioner is also allowed actual and necessary expenses in the discharge of their duties.

The Commissioner's principal office is located in the City of Sacramento, but they are allowed to establish branch offices in the City and County of San Francisco, the City of Los Angeles, and in other cities as they may deem necessary, and with the approval of the Department of Finance.

California law states that copies of all records and papers in the Commissioner's office, which are certified under the hand and seal of the Commissioner, are to be received into evidence in all cases equally and with the same effect as the originals.

Note that in a situation in which an action or proceeding is brought by or against the Commissioner in regard to his work as such, the Attorney General will act as their attorney.

Near the end of this chapter, we will discuss the Commissioner's duties in regard to enforcing the provisions of the license law.

Let's move on to the topic of real estate licenses. When is it necessary for an individual to hold a real estate license? Obviously, someone purchasing a home for their self does not need to be licensed as a real estate broker to lawfully complete such a purchase; but, aside from that, what is legal and what is not?

On the next screen, we will begin our discussion of the situations in which an individual is required to be licensed in California real estate.