How to verify a real estate license in Kentucky

Which five professionals can you check?

Ask the professional for a license or NMLS number before you sign anything, then check it yourself. Payotte does not verify licenses for you.

How do you check an agent or broker?

KRS 324.020 makes it unlawful to practice real estate brokerage in Kentucky, or to claim to be a broker or sales associate, without a license. The oop.ky.gov search lets you choose the Kentucky Real Estate Commission, search an individual or a business by first name, last name, business name or license number, and filter by status. Its status choices are active, inactive, cancelled, not active and escrow. Search by last name only, or part of it; “Doe” finds John Doe, but “John Doe” does not.

KREC’s own site says license status is also available through its eServices portal, and you can call KREC at 502-564-7760.

How do you check a mortgage loan originator?

No one may work as a mortgage loan originator in Kentucky without being registered with the DFI, complying with the law, and holding a valid unique identifier from the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) (KRS 286.8-255(1)). The DFI must keep a database of all originators. Registrations issued from January 1 to October 31 expire on December 31 of that year; later ones run through the following year (KRS 286.8-255(5)).

Get the originator’s NMLS number, and look it up on NMLS Consumer Access, the federal public site. The DFI’s home page also offers a “Search for a Licensee” link, and you can reach the DFI at 502-573-3390 or kfi@ky.gov. Compare the name and company on your Loan Estimate to the record. For help reading that document, see closing costs in Kentucky.

How do you check a home inspector?

An individual may not advertise as a home inspector, or inspect a home for pay, without a license (KRS 198B.712(1)). Applicants must pass an exam and carry general liability insurance of at least $250,000 (KRS 198B.712(3)). The law exempts some people acting within their own licenses, such as engineers, architects, licensed plumbers and electricians, real estate agents and appraisers (KRS 198B.702). The Board of Home Inspectors page links to a License Verification tool and an Active License Directory for finding inspectors.

Using an expired, suspended, revoked or restricted license is a Class B misdemeanor (KRS 198B.732(1)). An unlicensed inspector who sues for a fee must prove he or she was not violating the license requirement (KRS 198B.732(5)). For what an inspection costs, see home inspection cost.

How do you check an appraiser?

Under KRS 324A.030(1), it is unlawful to use the title “appraiser” for real property, or to call an appraisal “state certified” or “state licensed,” unless certified or licensed by the board. KRPAB provides a License Verification link and a phone line at 502-564-4000.

For a second check, the federal Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) keeps national registries of appraisers and appraisal management companies, with a state-by-state view that includes Kentucky. See home appraisal cost for what to expect.

How do you check a land surveyor?

Unless licensed as a professional land surveyor, no one may practice or offer to practice land surveying, or use a title that suggests it (KRS 322.020(2)). The board’s Searchable Roster searches individuals or firms by license type (engineering or land surveying), license number and name. See land survey cost.

What if a license is expired, suspended or missing?

• Do not sign or pay. Ask the person to explain the status, and ask for a different professional if the license is not active.
• Know the stakes. Practicing real estate brokerage without a license is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class D felony after that (KRS 324.990). Home inspection without a license, or with an expired one, is a Class B misdemeanor (KRS 198B.732).
• File a complaint. KREC, KRPAB and the DFI each list a complaint option on their sites. The ASC says its appraisal complaint hotline refers complaints to the right state and federal agencies.
• Fraud by a real estate licensee. A person harmed can file a complaint with KREC; if the commission finds fraud and the licensee does not pay within 20 days of the final order, the claim can be paid from the real estate recovery fund (KRS 324.420).

If you also want a lawyer’s view, read real estate attorneys in Kentucky.