Eugene, Ryan here also in Southern Cal.  What part of So Cal are you in?

So out here in T.O. we can join any board we want.  I joined the local one "Conejo Simi Moorpark Assoc. of Realtors" though I'm probably going to switch to SRAR "San Fernando Board" because their dues are about a third (or less) of the local board and they provide printing and emailing services that mine don't.

The boards out here do not give you an option on CAR or NAR.  They force you to join, probably so they can say "we're 100% Realtors" at some point in their marketing (not that the average Joe has the foggiest idea what that means).  The fee is tacked on to your annual dues.  You get a good benefit from CAR (Zipforms) and almost no benefit from NAR.  They can't even fight to protect your livlihood without the DOJ coming down on them.  If I could get away with not paying them, I would.  IN A HEARTBEAT!!

When you hang your license with the broker he will tell you which board to join.

It is mandatory on all like it or not in CA. On cannot even write a contract w/o being a member of the state. Blank forms are illegal these days.

On top there is lockbox fee and rental. There is desk fee, insurance fee at each brokerage. Expect to sell a home or two to break it even....

90% agents do "zero" sale first year and many drop out of the industry. High maintenance cost. 

Typically, your location will determine options for board membership.  You pay the fee at the local level and it is allocated to the local board, California and NAR.  

I echo what Michael Jacobs and Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA  said. Join the local board that makes sense for where you are located and will do business

I think, you have to join NAR, CAR in order to join a local board and MLS. NAR, CAR, and a local dues come in one bill once/year, and you have to pay MLS twice per year. Do not forget Supra( every month), your insurance( depends on your broker).

Eugene,

Another Californian here, and I agree with Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA 

Once you're a member of the local Realtor association you are than a member of the state and national associations as well. Separate fees, but you pay it all to the local board (that runs the local MLS) and they pass the appropriate fees to NAR & CAR.

Eugene y In my State, if the broker is a member all agents have to join the Association. Membership is automatic, but you do have to pay the separate fees.

Looks like you've made some CA connections.

The otehrs have answered this question.

Your broker will provide the information you need.

Your sponsoring broker can provide the information!

Looks like a key you received several good suggestions, Eugene y 

Spends what part of SoCal you are in San Diego has a couple options.  SDAR seems to be the largest 

You are wise to be wondering about "fees" before becoming an agent.  Most agents go into the business with rose colored glasses regarding the amount of money to be made... not the reality of the expenses.  

I'm from MA and I belong  to the NAR, MAR and Greater Boston Real Estate Board.... and I have for 38 years....

You pay for each one but at one place and time...

State Board membership is required and your broker will tell you what they require as far as other memberships.

It probably depends on what your board requires. If you do not join NAR you can not use the REALTOR® logo.

I am not in California, but my broker gave me this advice when I got started. I'm sure someone here will be able to help you!