How to verify a real estate license in Connecticut

Real estate agents and brokers

No one may act as a real estate licensee without a license from the Connecticut Real Estate Commission or the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, unless exempt (§ 20-312). A brokerage that operates as a business entity needs a real estate broker license and must name a designated broker.

To check one, open eLicense License Lookup and choose “Real Estate Broker” or “Real Estate Salesperson” as the license type. An unlicensed person also cannot sue to recover a real estate commission (§ 20-325a).

Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)

An individual who acts as a mortgage loan originator in Connecticut must hold a mortgage loan originator license, and the company must hold a lender or broker license (§ 36a-486). A licensed lender or broker may not engage an originator who is not licensed.

The Department of Banking’s “Verify a License” page lists mortgage brokers, correspondent lenders, lenders and mortgage loan originators as license types you can check. The national NMLS Consumer Access site is also meant for this check. I could not open it from my tools on October 13, 2026, so I did not read it.

Home inspectors

A person may not engage in home inspection in Connecticut without a license (§ 20-492). Exemptions include licensed architects and professional engineers, public employees and licensed trades such as electricians and plumbers working in their own field. Interns work under a licensed inspector with an intern permit. In eLicense, choose “Home Inspector” or “Home Inspector Intern.”

Appraisers (state board and national registry)

No one may act as a real estate appraiser or engage in the appraisal business in Connecticut without the right certification or provisional license (§ 20-501). Engaging in the business without one is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail, plus civil penalties (§ 20-523).

Look up the state credential in eLicense under “Real Estate Appraiser” (certified general, certified residential or provisional). You can cross-check on the Appraisal Subcommittee’s national Appraiser Registry, which lets you filter by Connecticut and by certified general, certified residential or licensed.

Land surveyors

No one may practice or offer to practice land surveying, or use the title, without being licensed (chapter 391). The State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors sits in the Department of Consumer Protection. A knowing violation is punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to three months in jail, or both (§ 20-310). Surveyors renew annually, and a license lapses if not renewed on time (§ 20-306). In eLicense, choose “Land Surveyor” or “Professional Engineer & Land Surveyor.”

The five trades at a glance

What to do if a license is expired or suspended

Do not sign an engagement agreement until the lookup shows an active license. If a professional’s license is expired, lapsed or not found, ask them to explain and look for a license under a company name. You can file a complaint through eLicense (Department of Consumer Protection) or contact the Department of Banking for a mortgage originator. For your own protection, compare the name and license type on the lookup with the name on your contract. For background on what each professional does, see the home buying steps, home inspection cost and land survey cost.