How to Verify a Real Estate Agent's License and Choose a Trustworthy Professional

Introduction

More people hold real‑estate licences today than at any point in recent memory. In 2021 alone roughly 156,000 people became Realtors, an increase of nearly 60 % from just two years earlier. While this growth has created a competitive market, it also means that buyers and sellers must be vigilant when selecting an agent. Verifying an agent’s licence confirms that they are authorised to practice, subject to regulatory oversight and bound by professional standards. Failing to check credentials can expose you to fraud or incompetence and may even invalidate a transaction. This article explains why licence verification is essential, walks through how to do it in any U.S. state and offers tips for evaluating an agent’s experience and fit.

Real estate agents, brokers and Realtors

Before discussing verification, it helps to understand terminology. A real‑estate agent is anyone who has obtained a licence from the state to act on behalf of buyers or sellers in property transactions. A broker is an agent who has met additional experience and education requirements and is authorised to supervise other agents. A Realtor is a licensed agent or broker who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and subscribes to its Code of Ethics. Not all agents are Realtors, but all Realtors must hold active licences and belong to a brokerage.

Why licence verification matters

Consumer protection and legal compliance

Hiring an unlicensed individual to represent you in a real‑estate transaction can have serious consequences. Under U.S. law, it is illegal to broker real‑estate agreements without a licence, and doing so may be a misdemeanour or even a felony. Licenced agents are held to statutory duties and must complete continuing education. Verifying an agent’s licence ensures they have passed required exams, maintain education and have no outstanding disciplinary actions. The license lookup process gives you confidence that your agent is legitimate and qualified.

Avoiding fraud and poor service

With so many new practitioners entering the field, some may lack experience or operate unethically. Running a licence check helps filter out unqualified actors and protects you from predatory behaviour. According to ReadyAgent, looking up a licence protects consumers and demonstrates that the real‑estate industry values transparency and accountability. It also helps you avoid agents whose licences have lapsed or been suspended.

Peace of mind and professional standards

Selecting an agent who is properly licenced and associated with a reputable brokerage provides peace of mind. UpNest notes that respected agents proudly display their licence numbers on business cards, websites and email signatures. Seeing this information makes it easy for you to verify their status and shows that they take their profession seriously.

How to verify an agent’s licence

Each state maintains a licensing authority—often called the Real Estate Commission or Department of Real Estate—that maintains an online database of licensed agents and brokers. The process is similar in most states:

• Find your state’s licensing portal. Many states label this function “License Lookup” or “Licensee Search.” See the table below for examples.

• Search by name or licence number. You usually do not need the agent’s licence number; entering their full name and city is sufficient. If the agent provided a licence number, include it to narrow results.

• Verify status and disciplinary history. Results show whether the licence is active, expired, suspended or revoked. Some states also list disciplinary actions. Make sure the status is active and check the expiration date.

• Contact the state board with questions. If you encounter technical issues or find confusing information, contact the state licensing board directly. Common challenges include outdated records or inconsistent update schedules.

Using the ARELLO database

The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) maintains a central licence verification database. The database aggregates data from participating jurisdictions so that consumers and regulators can search for active, inactive and expired licences. Although not all states participate, it can be a convenient single stop for multi‑state verification. Visit the ARELLO Licensee Verification System and enter the agent’s information. Results show licence status and state of issuance; if your state is not included, use the state’s own lookup tool.

State licence lookup resources

Every state has its own portal for checking an agent’s licence. The table below lists several examples. For a complete list, consult your state’s real‑estate commission or the homecoin article referenced earlier.

Evaluating experience and fit

Licence status confirms legality, but choosing the right agent requires additional due diligence.

Confirm brokerage affiliation

All agents must work under a licensed broker, who provides oversight and ensures compliance with ethical standards. UpNest recommends asking the agent which brokerage they work with and, if necessary, calling the brokerage to confirm they are in good standing. Well‑known national brokerages—such as Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker and Century 21—often have multiple offices; however, many excellent local brokerages exist as well.

Assess experience and specialization

Experience matters because real‑estate transactions involve negotiation, problem‑solving and understanding market nuances. UpNest advises discussing the agent’s transaction history, the types of properties they handle and their typical price range. An agent with ten years of experience in suburban starter homes may not be the best choice if you are selling a downtown condominium. Conversely, a newer agent who specializes in your property type could be a better fit.

Review reputation and testimonials

Check online reviews on Google, Facebook and professional platforms. Focus on mid‑range reviews rather than extremes, as these often provide balanced insights into an agent’s strengths and weaknesses. Look for patterns—for example, multiple comments about poor communication indicate a potential issue. You can also ask the agent for references from past clients.

Conduct interviews

Before hiring anyone, interview at least three agents. Prepare a list of questions covering communication style, marketing strategy, commission structure and familiarity with your neighbourhood. A face‑to‑face or video call helps you gauge their professionalism and whether your personalities are compatible. Trust your instincts; you should feel comfortable and heard.

Challenges and tips for the licence lookup process

Even with online portals, you may encounter difficulties. ReadyAgent identifies several common challenges: entering incorrect or incomplete information, technical problems with state websites, outdated records and varying state requirements. To overcome these:

• Double‑check spelling and search criteria: Ensure the agent’s name and location are entered accurately.

• Try different browsers or devices: If a website fails to load, switching browsers or clearing your cache may help.

• Contact the licensing board: When records seem outdated or inconsistent, call or email the board for clarification.

• Stay organized: Keep your agent’s licence number in a safe place and periodically check its status.

• Verify collaborators: If you are working with multiple professionals (e.g., lenders, inspectors), verify each person’s credentials.

Benefits of diligent verification

Using the licence lookup process effectively offers several advantages. According to ReadyAgent, confirming a licence provides peace of mind and helps maintain a solid reputation in the industry. It also ensures you are working with a qualified professional, protects your financial interests and fosters transparency. When combined with assessments of experience, specialization and personality fit, verification becomes an indispensable part of hiring the right agent.

Conclusion

Verifying a real‑estate agent’s licence is not just a bureaucratic formality—it is a critical step in protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth transaction. By using your state’s licence lookup tools, consulting the ARELLO database and following the guidance in this article, you can confirm that your agent is authorized, in good standing and ethically bound. Beyond licence status, evaluating an agent’s brokerage affiliation, experience, specialization and reputation helps you choose a professional who truly fits your needs. Armed with these insights, you will be better prepared to navigate the real‑estate market with confidence.