How to verify a real estate license in Delaware

The five trades at a glance

How to use the DELPROS look-up

The Division says that “there is no charge for using the online license verifications” in its Search & Verify a License feature. It counts these online results as primary source verifications. The search shows public licensure information “including any disciplinary documents that may be on the record,” and you can search for an individual or a facility. Type the name as the state records it, since a misspelled name may return nothing. Official written verifications, if a credentialing body asks for one, cost $35 each.

For help, call the Division at (302) 744-4500 or write to customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov.

Real estate agents and brokers

No one may provide real estate services, or present themselves as qualified to, without a license under Chapter 29 of Title 24 (§ 2901(a)). The Real Estate Commission’s page links to “Verify License Online.” The Commission’s Consumer Information Statement says it issues licenses to brokers and salespersons and “hears complaints filed by the public.” Attorneys are outside this chapter (§ 2901(e)(3)); see real estate attorney. For how agents are paid, see real estate commission.

Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)

Delaware requires people who meet the mortgage loan originator definition and work for a licensed lender, mortgage loan broker, independent processor or manufactured housing finance company to apply for a license through NMLS before doing business in the state (Office of the State Bank Commissioner). The Commissioner publishes a list of approved originators, updated every Thursday. Click the identifier next to a name and you land in the Consumer Access section of the Nationwide Multi-state Licensing System. Note that statuses can change between updates. You can also search NMLS Consumer Access directly. The loan terms themselves are on the Loan Estimate (see closing costs explained).

Home inspectors

Chapter 41 of Title 24 says no one may act or advertise as a home inspector unless licensed (§ 4107(a)). A trainee must be registered with the Board and works under a licensed inspector’s personal supervision; the licensed inspector reviews and signs the report and accepts total responsibility (§§ 4102, 4109). The law excludes government employees inspecting within their duties, bank construction-draw inspections, property managers who are not separately paid, and people acting within another license such as a professional engineer or HUD inspector (§ 4119). Read our home inspection cost guide.

Appraisers

Chapter 40 forbids acting as a real estate appraiser, or trainee, without a certificate or license (§ 4007). Applicants must meet the qualifications of the federal Appraiser Qualifications Board (§ 4008(a)(1)). Check the Delaware record in DELPROS (or call the Division if the name does not appear), then the Appraisal Subcommittee’s national registry. The registry search filters by credentialing state, certificate type (Certified General, Certified Residential or Licensed) and name. A competitive market analysis is not an appraisal under Delaware law (§ 4002(1)). See home appraisal cost.

Land surveyors

No one may practice land surveying or claim to be qualified to without a license (§ 2707(a)). Look up the surveyor in DELPROS before you hire one for a boundary survey. Price and scope are not set by state law; see what a land survey costs.

What if a license is expired or suspended?

For home inspectors, appraisers and land surveyors, the law states that once a license is expired, suspended or revoked, it is unlawful to practice (§§ 4107(b), 4007(b), 2707(b)). Practicing real estate services without a license violates Chapter 29 and carries the penalties of 29 Del. C. § 10161 (§ 2901(b)). Do not sign an agreement with anyone whose status you cannot confirm. If you find a problem, the same chapters have complaint sections (§§ 2911 and 4115 among them), and the Division’s phone number above is the starting point.