How to verify a real estate license in Alaska

Who needs which license?

We could not open the state’s license-search pages from our tools, so we do not describe their screens. The Commission’s address and phone are printed on its official disclosure form: 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501.

Real estate agents and brokers

Without a license, a person may not sell, exchange, rent, auction or purchase real estate for others, list property, collect rent or property-management fees, or “assist in the negotiation of a transaction” (AS 08.88.161). The Commission can fine unlicensed practice up to $5,000 per offense, or the amount of gain plus $5,000 if greater (AS 08.88.167).

Check the name on the license, whether it is active (an inactive licensee may not do any licensed activity, AS 08.88.251(b)), and whether the broker is named. Our real estate commission guide explains what agents may charge.

Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)

An individual may not act as a mortgage loan originator for a dwelling in Alaska without a license, must register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry, and must work for a licensed mortgage company or registered depository institution (AS 06.60.012). The statute also exempts some people, including registered originators acting for banks and certain other depository institutions, a seller who finances a limited number of sales, and certain family transactions (AS 06.60.015). To check someone, use NMLS Consumer Access and look up the person’s name or NMLS number. We could not open that site from our tools.

Home inspectors

An individual may not do a home inspection for compensation in Alaska unless registered, subject to exemptions listed in AS 08.18.156, such as engineers and architects who seal their reports, or certified appraisers working within their certificate. A registered inspector must file a $10,000 bond (AS 08.18.071(b)). An associate inspector may work only under a registered inspector who is liable for the associate’s work (AS 08.18.011(d)-(e)). The cost of an inspection is in our home inspection guide.

Appraisers

Only someone holding a state certificate may hold out as a certified appraiser (AS 08.87.100). The three certificates are general, residential and institutional, and each is limited in scope by AS 08.87.100 (for example, the residential certificate covers residential property of four or fewer units, with a narrow exception). A person who is not certified may still appraise for pay if they do not claim to be certified and if federal law does not require a certified appraiser (AS 08.87.340). Search the ASC Appraiser Registry by state and certificate type; the ASC’s search form lists Alaska and the types “Certified General,” “Certified Residential” and “Licensed.” Read about the cost in our appraisal cost guide.

Land surveyors

A person may not practice or offer to practice land surveying, or use a title suggesting they are a land surveyor, unless registered under AS 08.48 (AS 08.48.281). Before paying for a boundary survey, ask for the surveyor’s registration number and check it with the Board. Our land survey cost guide covers prices.

What if a license is expired, inactive or suspended?

1. Stop signing documents with that person and ask your lender or title company whether the work is still valid.
2. Ask the Commission or the relevant board whether the license lapsed or was disciplined and when.
3. For a real estate licensee’s wrongdoing, the real estate recovery fund can pay a claim after you obtain a final judgment, final arbitration award or settlement agreement, up to $50,000 for any one licensee, shared among claimants if the total is higher (AS 08.88.475). Other conditions apply; ask the Commission.
4. For an appraisal problem, the ASC site shows an Appraisal Complaint Hotline.