How to verify a real estate license in Arizona

Which Arizona agency licenses each trade?

Real estate agents and brokers

A person acting as a real estate broker or salesperson must hold a license (A.R.S. § 32-2122(B) makes it unlawful otherwise). Advertising as licensed without a license is the same offense: a class 6 felony (§ 32-2165(A)). The commissioner can suspend or revoke a license, deny renewal or issue a letter of concern, for example for misrepresentation or false promises, or acting for more than one party without everyone’s written consent (§ 32-2153(A)). A license that expired or was suspended can be reinstated only as § 32-2131 provides, so an expired license is not proof of a clean record. Ask the real estate department to confirm the license and its status before you sign anything.

Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)

A natural person must be licensed to act as a loan originator in Arizona (A.R.S. § 6-991.03(A)). An applicant must complete at least 20 hours of approved education and obtain a unique identifier through the nationwide mortgage licensing system and registry. Some people are exempt, including registered loan originators and individuals negotiating a loan on a dwelling that served as their own residence (§ 6-991.01). Ask the originator for the NMLS number and check it in the nationwide NMLS registry. The deputy director may deny, suspend or revoke a license for violations of law, certain convictions and fraud judgments (§ 6-991.05).

Home inspectors

Nobody may perform home inspections for pay in Arizona unless certified as a home inspector, with narrow exceptions such as government employees and people working within another license from the same board (A.R.S. § 32-144(D)). Using the title “home inspector” without certification is also barred (§ 32-144(E)). To be certified, an applicant must be at least 18, pass a board-approved exam and course, and hold a valid fingerprint clearance card. After certification, and before any fee-based inspection, the inspector must file proof of errors and omissions insurance ($200,000 aggregate, $100,000 per occurrence) or a $25,000 bond (§ 32-122.02). If that assurance lapses, the certification is automatically suspended, and revoked after 90 days without it. Read our home inspection cost guide for what to expect.

Appraisers

Real estate appraisals in Arizona must be done by registered, licensed or certified individuals, and only a licensed or certified appraiser may receive a fee for an appraisal (A.R.S. § 32-3603). The classes are certified general, certified residential, licensed, registered trainee and supervisory appraiser (§ 32-3612). A licensed appraiser may do noncomplex one-to-four-unit homes under $1,000,000 and complex ones under $400,000. The federal Appraisal Subcommittee runs the National Registry, where you choose a state to view its appraiser registry (ASC). See also home appraisal cost.

Land surveyors

A person or firm must secure a certificate or registration before practicing any board-regulated profession (A.R.S. § 32-121). The Board of Technical Registration registers land surveyors; the statute defines the surveyor as someone qualified by education or experience and attested by registration (§ 32-101). For what a survey costs, see land survey cost.

What if a license is expired, suspended or revoked?

Do not hire the person until the agency shows the license is active. The boards and commissioner can suspend or revoke licenses, with the Board of Technical Registration able to suspend for up to three years and impose penalties of up to $2,000 per violation (§ 32-128). The real estate commissioner investigates on a verified written complaint (§ 32-2108(A)). Report unlicensed practice or misconduct to the agency that regulates the trade.

For the steps to protect yourself in a purchase, read seller disclosure in Arizona and home buying steps.