How to verify a real estate license in Louisiana

The five trades at a glance

Real estate agents and brokers

R.S. 37:1436(B) makes it “unlawful” to engage in real estate activity for another for a fee or commission without a license, unless exempt. A single act counts (R.S. 37:1436(D)). Violators face a misdemeanor charge and fines of up to $500 per day after a cease-and-desist letter (R.S. 37:1436(E)).

Use the LREC Verify License Search. Choose “Real Estate” as the license type and search by license number, name, company or address. You can also use Find a License Near Me with a ZIP code. Licenses are classed as active or inactive (R.S. 37:1436(A)). Confirm the license is active before you sign a listing or buyer agreement.

Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)

R.S. 6:1086 bars anyone from residential mortgage lending in Louisiana without a license and registration as a mortgage loan originator (or a license as a lender, broker or servicer) and a unique identifier. R.S. 6:1088 requires licensing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). Banks, savings institutions and credit unions and their employees are exempt from the state license (R.S. 6:1087).

The OFI’s residential mortgage page links to NMLS Consumer Access for verifying a company and lists the NMLS call center at 1-855-665-7123 (OFI). Search the person’s name or NMLS ID there and check the license status shown.

Home inspectors

Since January 1, 2001, no one may work or advertise as a home inspector in Louisiana without a license from the board (R.S. 37:1476). The law covers a written evaluation of two or more systems of a resale residential building of four or fewer units (R.S. 37:1473). Licenses last one year and expire on the last day of the month of issuance; inspections done after expiration violate the law (R.S. 37:1479). Real estate licensees, appraisers, engineers and certain other licensed trades are exempt when acting within their own license (R.S. 37:1483).

The state’s Boards and Commissions directory lists the board’s phone number, (225) 248-1334, and website. Ask the inspector for a license number, then confirm it with the board. See home inspection cost.

Appraisers (state board and national registry)

Louisiana has three appraiser license classes (licensed residential, certified residential and certified general) and two registrations (trainee and supervisory appraiser) (R.S. 37:3397). The LREC portal’s verify search offers “Appraisal” as a license type. The federal Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) runs the National Registry of state-credentialed appraisers who may work on federally related transactions (ASC). The ASC says state agencies send it their data at least monthly and that it has not independently verified the information. Check the state record first. See home appraisal cost.

Land surveyors

It is unlawful to practice land surveying, or use a title suggesting it, without a license from the board (R.S. 37:681). The LAPELS Individual Search finds Professional Land Surveyors (PLS) and Land Surveyor Interns (LSI). Searchable statuses include active, inactive, expired, retired, suspended, surrendered and revoked. The board’s instructions say that for best results you should enter only a last name and a whole or partial license number. See land survey cost.

What to do if a license is expired or suspended

• Do not sign or pay until the professional shows an active license. For an inspector, work done after the license expires is a violation (R.S. 37:1479).
• Real estate: report unlicensed activity or misconduct to the LREC. Its complaint page offers an online form and lists what to attach, such as listing and purchase agreements and canceled checks.
• Inspectors: the board may fine anyone who acts as a home inspector without a valid license or falsely claims to hold one (R.S. 37:1485(B)).
• Loan originators and surveyors: contact OFI or LAPELS, which list their phone numbers on their sites.

A lawyer can advise on a specific dispute. For other checks, see real estate attorney.