Answer first: For a real estate agent license check, search the official real estate regulator or licensing board, then match the agent or broker name, license or registration number, brokerage, current status, expiry date, and any public discipline before signing or sending money.
Last checked: June 16, 2026.
Quick check
| Check | Why it matters | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| License or registration status | Active, inactive, expired, suspended, and revoked can mean different things. | Real estate regulator lookup |
| Brokerage affiliation | The person may be licensed under a specific brokerage. | Official license result |
| Exact name and number | Common names can cause false matches. | License number and regulator record |
| Discipline or restrictions | Some regulators disclose discipline, conditions, or proposals. | Regulator record |
| Jurisdiction | Licenses are local or regional, not universal. | State, provincial, or national regulator |
Step-by-step verification
- Ask for the license or registration number and the legal brokerage name.
- Open the official regulator search before using ads or private directories.
- Search by number first when available, then compare the name and brokerage.
- Read the status, expiration date, and any public conditions or discipline.
- If a record is unclear, contact the regulator before signing a representation or listing agreement.
What can differ
- Some places separate salesperson, broker, managing broker, and brokerage records.
- A license record does not prove the listing, valuation, or investment claim is accurate.
- Discipline disclosure varies by regulator and may not show pending complaints.
Official sources
Use official or primary sources before relying on ads, directories, old forum posts, or copied summaries.
| Official source | URL |
|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate public license information | https://www2.dre.ca.gov/PublicASP/pplinfo.asp |
| Florida DBPR license search | https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp |
| RECO registrant search | https://registrantsearch.reco.on.ca/ |
Related checks
- Professional License Lookup Guide
- Notary Public Check
- General Contractor License Check Official Guide
FAQ
Should I search by name or license number?
Use the license or registration number when possible because names can be shared or spelled differently.
Does a license prove a property listing is legitimate?
No. It verifies the professional record, not the listing details, title, price, or ownership.
What if the agent says the record is under a brokerage?
Check both the individual and the brokerage if the regulator provides both record types.
Note: Registry Check Guide is not a government agency, regulator, airline, manufacturer, lender, tax adviser, legal adviser, or official registry. This guide explains how to check official sources before acting.