How to verify a real estate license in New Mexico

The five trades at a glance

The RLD says its Boards and Commissions Division maintains the lookup “as a service for consumers and the public.” To use it, choose the profession, then enter a name, license number or license status and press Search. For an official verification, including one sent to another state, the RLD has a separate request form.

Real estate agents and brokers

New Mexico licenses qualifying brokers and associate brokers. It is unlawful to act in either capacity without a license from the Real Estate Commission (§ 61-29-1). The Commission must keep a list of licensees and of anyone whose license was suspended or revoked within the year (§ 61-29-15). An unlicensed person who acts as a broker commits a fourth-degree felony, and the court may add a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation (§ 61-29-17). Annotations to § 61-29-1 note that an unlicensed person may not collect a finder’s fee or other pay for a real estate sale.

Check the person’s license before you sign a listing or buyer agreement. Our seller disclosure guide explains what licensed brokers must tell you in writing.

Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)

An individual may not act as a mortgage loan originator for a New Mexico dwelling without a state license and a unique identifier from the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (§ 58-21B-4). All licenses expire December 31 each year. The identifier must be clearly shown on loan applications, solicitations, advertisements, business cards and websites (§ 58-21B-24), so ask for it, then search NMLS Consumer Access. The RLD’s page says mortgage loan companies and originators apply, renew and verify through NMLS.

Exempt from the Act: originators working for banks and similar registered entities, individuals negotiating loans for immediate family, individuals financing a sale of their own property, and lawyers negotiating a loan only as an ancillary matter for a client (§ 58-21B-4(B)). To compare lenders on cost, see closing costs.

Home inspectors

Only a licensee may conduct home inspections for pay, write a report, or use titles like “licensed home inspector” (§ 61-24D-5(A)). A business may not offer inspection services unless all its inspectors are licensed. A license lasts up to three years, and an inspection done on an expired license is a violation (§ 61-24D-8). Acting without a license is a misdemeanor, and the board may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation (§ 61-24D-16).

Exceptions apply: for example, an engineer, architect, appraiser or real estate broker acting within their own license, a code official, or someone inspecting only to prepare a repair bid (§ 61-24D-5(D)). A required written pre-inspection agreement must state the fee, the systems inspected, and the report date (§ 61-24D-2). See what a home inspection costs.

Appraisers (state board and national registry)

No one may develop or communicate real estate appraisals for pay in New Mexico without registering as a trainee or holding a license or certificate from the Real Estate Appraisers Board (§ 61-30-10). Credentials are trainee, licensed residential, certified residential and certified general. A trainee may work only under a supervising certified appraiser. The term “state certified” is limited to certified appraisers.

Look up a New Mexico appraiser on the RLD License Lookup, then confirm on the Appraisal Subcommittee’s National Registry, where you can search by state, certificate type and name. The ASC says state agencies submit data at least monthly and that it has not independently verified the information, so rely on the state record for status. For cost, see home appraisal cost.

Land surveyors

Professional surveyors are licensed by the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors, which maintains a public roster (§ 61-23-13). All plats, drawings and reports must bear the seal and signature of the responsible professional surveyor (§ 61-23-27.9(B)), and no individual or business may use the word “surveyor” or “surveying” in a name unless qualified under the Act (§ 61-23-27.9(D)). A surveyor must also give you a written statement of the professional liability coverage the firm carries, or say it has none (§ 61-23-27.9(E)). The Board’s site offers a License Verification Search; check the person who will sign your plat, not only the company. See what a land survey costs.

What to do if a license is expired or suspended

Do not hire the person or pay a deposit until the status is active. The RLD asks the public to report unlicensed activity by filing a complaint with the Department. If you already signed something, ask an attorney about your options. The RLD also lists disciplinary actions and citations on its site.