Be A Buyers Agent without having a RE license

[Jake B.]

Hello everyone , I am seeking advice on a current situation I am facing .

I do not have a RE license in California but I would like to represent my client as a buyers agent . Is this possible ? A listing agent for a property my client wants to buy tell me , “ I can pay you a referral fee and not the advertised agent commission “.

Is this true ? Am I unable to act as a buyers agent without having a RE license ?

Thank you for all responses to show me how to respond to this situation.