Tennessee Real Estate License Lookup: Verify Agents, Brokers and Firms
Use Tennessee’s official professional license search to verify a real estate professional or brokerage before hiring, referring, signing an agreement, transferring money or relying on a claimed credential.
Tennessee normally uses the license titles Affiliate Broker, Broker and Real Estate Firm. A firm’s record can also identify its Principal Broker. Someone may casually call themselves a real estate agent, but the state record tells you the exact credential and current status.
Quick Answer: How to Verify a Tennessee Real Estate License
Open the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Verify Public Search, search the individual or business, confirm you have the Real Estate record, and open the complete license result.
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission says the public verification system can show professional license status, expiration dates and public disciplinary actions. The official search is a better verification source than brokerage biographies, social-media profiles, MLS pages, advertisements or private license directories.
If the person says they work for a particular brokerage, search both the individual and the firm. This lets you compare the claimed affiliation with the official firm record and identify the Principal Broker when that relationship is displayed.
Check before signing or sending money
Verify the license and firm before signing a listing agreement, buyer representation agreement, lease, property-management agreement or sending transaction-related funds.
Confirm status and affiliation
Use the public record to compare credential type, current status, expiration and firm relationship instead of relying only on a paper license or internal roster.
“Agent” may not be the state license title
An individual commonly described as an agent may appear in Tennessee’s system as an Affiliate Broker or Broker. Use the state record’s exact terminology.
TN Real Estate License Lookup: Step-by-Step
Use this workflow for an affiliate broker, broker, brokerage firm, property manager or person advertising Tennessee real estate services.
Open Tennessee’s official public license search
Start with the Commerce & Insurance Verify Public Search. Private directories can be useful for finding a name, but the state record should be your verification source.
Decide whether you need a person record, firm record or both
Search the professional for individual license status. Search the firm when you also need to confirm the brokerage, Principal Broker or associated licensees.
Use the license number when available
A license number reduces confusion when different people have similar names. If you only have a name, compare all identifying information shown in the result.
Confirm that the record belongs to the Real Estate program
Tennessee Commerce regulates many professions. Do not assume every professional result with a similar name is the real estate credential you need.
Read the full status and expiration information
Confirm the exact license type, status and expiration date. When shown, also review original licensure information, firm affiliation and public disciplinary actions.
Save dated proof for important decisions
For a transaction, referral, hiring decision or compliance file, record the date checked, source, license number, status, expiration and firm information. Recheck later if the transaction continues beyond the listed expiration date.
What the Tennessee Real Estate License Search Can Tell You
The official Tennessee verification system is designed to help the public check professional credentials. Read the result as a group of facts rather than treating a matching name as sufficient verification.
| Record detail | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| License number | Distinguishes people or firms with similar names. | Match it to the number supplied by the professional or brokerage. |
| License type | Tennessee credentials have different roles. | Confirm Affiliate Broker, Broker or Real Estate Firm as applicable. |
| Status | An old record can remain searchable even when practice authority changes. | Determine whether the credential is currently active or shows another status. |
| Expiration date | A current license can be approaching renewal. | Make sure the credential covers the period in which services are being provided. |
| Firm relationship | Real estate professionals may be affiliated with a licensed Tennessee firm. | Compare the official affiliation with advertising and transaction documents. |
| Principal Broker | Tennessee real estate firms are required to have a Principal Broker. | Search the firm record when the supervising broker matters. |
| Public discipline | Current status alone does not describe all enforcement history. | Open any public disciplinary information before making a high-stakes decision. |
TREC uses CE Broker as its official continuing-education tracking system. Licensees use CE Broker to review reported courses and compliance; renewal transactions are still completed through CORE.
Tennessee Real Estate License Types Explained
Understanding Tennessee’s official terminology makes the lookup easier and helps prevent confusion between an individual professional, supervising broker and brokerage firm.
Common initial individual credential
Tennessee’s standard entry route is the Affiliate Broker license. An affiliate broker works through an appropriately licensed real estate firm and broker relationship.
Higher-level individual license
A Broker has additional experience and education requirements. Broker applicants generally need qualifying active experience plus 120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
Supervising broker relationship
A licensed real estate firm must have a Principal Broker. Search the firm when you need to verify who is responsible for the brokerage relationship.
The brokerage business is separately licensed
TREC requires a real estate firm to be licensed, have a Principal Broker and maintain the required business setup for affiliated licensees.
Property managers may need the real estate license route
TREC states that persons engaged in property management need an active Tennessee Broker or Affiliate Broker real estate license and must be affiliated with an actively licensed Tennessee firm.
Association membership is not the state license
A professional association membership, MLS access, brokerage biography or advertising profile does not replace Tennessee’s government license record.
How to Read Active, Retired, Expired and Suspended Status
| Status | Practical meaning | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Active | The credential appears current in the official system, subject to license type, affiliation and any restrictions. | Confirm expiration, firm relationship and public disciplinary information. |
| Retired | A license can be maintained in retirement, but a retired licensee cannot participate in real estate transactions. | Do not treat the retired credential as active authority to practice. |
| Expired | The expiration date has passed and renewal or reinstatement rules apply. | Wait for the official record to reflect restored status before relying on the credential. |
| Suspended | The license has an official restriction that must be resolved before normal licensed activity resumes. | Review the available public action and contact TREC if clarification is needed. |
| Discipline shown | The record may have formal enforcement history. | Read the actual disciplinary information instead of judging the record from current status alone. |
Consumer Checklist Before Hiring a Tennessee Agent or Broker
- Full name exactly as the professional uses it for licensing.
- Tennessee real estate license number when available.
- Exact license type.
- Current status and expiration date.
- Brokerage or real estate firm affiliation.
- Principal Broker when supervision matters.
- Public disciplinary information shown by the state.
- Date on which you performed the verification.
- The professional will not provide a license number.
- The official name and advertising name do not reasonably match.
- The state record shows expired, retired or suspended status.
- The claimed brokerage differs from the official relationship.
- A business exists online but the expected firm license cannot be found.
- Someone pressures you to send money before identity and brokerage details are confirmed.
Tennessee Real Estate License Renewal and Continuing Education
Tennessee real estate licenses and firms use a two-year renewal cycle. Licensees renew and manage credentials through CORE rather than through the public verification search.
Use CORE
CORE is Tennessee’s account-based licensing system for applications, renewals, reinstatements and license-management actions.
16 hours per two-year renewal period
Tennessee’s current real estate continuing-education structure requires 16 hours when the standard CE requirement applies: six hours of the mandatory TREC Core Course plus ten approved elective hours.
Use CE Broker
CE Broker is TREC’s official CE tracking system. Licensees can review reported course history and compliance status there.
Retired licenses still renew
A retired licensee cannot participate in real estate transactions but must continue renewing the credential every two years and paying the applicable renewal fee.
Different active-practice requirements apply
TREC states that a retired licensee does not need active E&O insurance, continuing education or firm affiliation while remaining retired.
Report location changes within 10 days
TREC requires licensees to notify the Commission of a location change within ten days. The change is handled through CORE with the required documentation.
Current Tennessee Real Estate Commission Fees
TREC publishes a specific fee schedule for applications, renewals, transfers, status changes, license histories and late renewal. Recheck the official fee page immediately before paying.
| Transaction | Current fee | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Affiliate Broker | $91 | Initial Affiliate Broker application. |
| Broker upgrade from Affiliate | $91 | Broker application after meeting eligibility requirements. |
| Initial Real Estate Firm | $90 | Initial firm license application. |
| Licensee or Firm Renewal | $75 | Standard two-year renewal. |
| Transfer to New Firm | $25 | Transfer of a licensee to another firm. |
| Active to Retired | $25 | Places a license into retired status. |
| Retired to Active | $25 | Reactivation application, plus other applicable requirements. |
| Duplicate License | No fee | Duplicate paper copy request through CORE. |
| License History | $25 each | Formal license certification/history request. |
| Late Renewal | $50/month then $100/month | $50 per month for the first 120 days and $100 per month for days 121 through 365. |
| Continuing Education Penalty | $50/month | Penalty separate from the normal renewal fee. |
| E&O Insurance Lapse Penalty | Minimum $200 | Penalty when required errors-and-omissions coverage lapses. |
Tennessee Real Estate Exam Fees and PSI Rules
PSI administers Tennessee Real Estate Commission examinations. Candidates receive scheduling instructions after eligibility information is processed.
| Exam | Full exam | State only | National only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affiliate Broker | $63 | $26 | $37 |
| Real Estate Broker | $63 | $26 | $37 |
Phone: 855-340-3710
TREC directs eligible candidates to PSI for payment and scheduling. The official PSI information page also links the current Candidate Information Bulletin.
Give at least 2 days’ notice
TREC’s PSI guidance says a candidate can cancel and reschedule without forfeiting the examination fee when the cancellation notice is received at least two days before the scheduled exam.
Expired Tennessee Real Estate License: What Happens Next?
The correct route depends on how long the credential has been expired. Do not assume every expired license can be restored through ordinary renewal.
| Expiration situation | TREC route | Important point |
|---|---|---|
| Within 60 days | Renew through the linked CORE account. | Normal renewal plus applicable late fees may be required. |
| More than 60 days but no more than 12 months | Reinstatement/reactivation may be available through CORE. | Link the expired credential to the account and follow the reinstatement requirements shown by TREC. |
| More than 1 year | Retest and reapply, or use an approved 30-hour T.R.A.C.E. course when eligible instead of retesting. | The old record is not current practice authority while reinstatement is incomplete. |
A payment confirmation or application receipt is not the same as a restored public license status. Verify the record again before relying on it for practice, employment or a transaction.
Out-of-State Real Estate Licensees Applying in Tennessee
TREC’s current licensing page states that Tennessee does not offer a general reciprocal real estate license at this time. An existing license from another jurisdiction can still be relevant to Tennessee eligibility.
Education, examination or experience may be considered
TREC says an out-of-state licensee may qualify to have real estate education, the national examination portion and/or experience substitute for corresponding Tennessee requirements after review.
Worksheet A and Certified License Histories
TREC directs applicants to submit the TREC A Worksheet and Certified License History from every state where they currently hold or previously held a real estate license.
TREC states that an out-of-state licensee cannot simply partner with a Tennessee licensee to conduct Tennessee business that legally requires a Tennessee real estate license.
For another state, start with our Real Estate License Verification by State guide and then confirm the final result with the applicable state regulator.
New Tennessee Affiliate Broker and Broker License Requirements
A course certificate or passing examination score is not the same as an issued active Tennessee license. Applicants should wait until the official record reflects the issued credential before presenting themselves as licensed.
Main requirements
- Be at least 18 years old when applying for the license.
- Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
- Complete 60 hours of approved real estate principles or fundamentals education before the examination.
- Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before licensure.
- Pass the required PSI examination.
- Provide the PSI examination application signed by the Principal Broker.
- Provide proof of errors-and-omissions insurance.
- Complete the required eligibility verification documentation.
- Complete electronic fingerprinting requirements.
- Submit the online application through CORE and pay the current $91 application fee.
Main upgrade requirements
- Meet the applicable active-license experience requirement.
- Complete 120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
- Include 30 hours of approved Office/Broker Management education.
- Submit the Broker Examination application for TREC eligibility review.
- Wait for Commission approval before scheduling the broker exam.
- Pass the required examination.
- Apply for the license within one year after passing the examination.
- Submit the required supporting documents.
- Pay the current $91 broker-upgrade application fee.
TREC generally requires 36 months of active Affiliate Broker experience when the applicant was licensed after May 12, 1988. A 24-month route applies to certain older licensees and candidates with a baccalaureate degree majoring in real estate.
Disciplinary Actions, Complaints and Unlicensed Real Estate Activity
Verification tells you what the public credential record shows. A complaint is a separate regulatory process used when someone believes a licensee acted improperly or a person performed regulated activity without the required license.
Check disciplinary information shown with the credential
TREC’s Verify Public Search guidance states that public disciplinary actions can appear in professional license records.
Read the disciplinary action itself
Tennessee also publishes disciplinary action information covering enforcement such as suspensions, revocations, fines and other regulatory penalties.
Licensed and unlicensed activity can be reported
The Commission accepts complaints involving real estate licensees and complaints alleging unlicensed activity where a Tennessee real estate license is required.
The Commission states that it cannot order recovery or refund of money or property. A person seeking private financial recovery may need a separate civil remedy.
No Tennessee Real Estate License Found? Try These Fixes
| Problem | Possible reason | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No individual result | Name spelling, former name, middle-name variation or wrong program. | Try the license number, legal name and the Real Estate program. |
| Wrong brokerage shown | The person’s advertising may be old or a transfer may be in process. | Search both the individual and firm and rely on the current official relationship. |
| Firm found but person missing | The individual may be using another legal name or may not be affiliated as claimed. | Ask for the individual’s Tennessee license number and verify that record separately. |
| Recently renewed but old status still appears | Processing may not be complete. | Keep the transaction receipt and recheck the public record. Contact TREC when necessary. |
| Need formal proof | Another regulator or employer may require more than a public search screenshot. | Request a License Certification History through CORE. TREC lists a $25 fee per request. |
Contact the Tennessee Real Estate Commission at 615-741-2273 or trec.info@tn.gov. Have the person’s name, business name, possible license number and the search result you found ready.
Tennessee Real Estate Commission Contact Information
Real estate licensing help
Phone: 615-741-2273
Email: trec.info@tn.gov
Use TREC support when the public search does not resolve a license status, application, renewal, reinstatement, firm affiliation or formal license-history question.
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
500 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243-0565
The Department’s general phone number is 615-741-2241. Most license verification and credential-management tasks can be completed through the official online systems.
Official Tennessee Real Estate License Resources
Start with public verification when you only need to check a credential. Move to CORE, PSI, renewal or complaint resources only when that is your next task.
Tennessee Real Estate License Lookup FAQs
How do I verify a Tennessee real estate agent license?
Use Tennessee Commerce & Insurance’s Verify Public Search. Search the individual, confirm the record belongs to the Real Estate program, then review the exact license type, status, expiration date, firm affiliation and any public disciplinary information before relying on it.
What is a real estate agent called on a Tennessee license?
Tennessee commonly licenses an entry-level real estate professional as an Affiliate Broker. The state also licenses Brokers and Real Estate Firms, while a firm has a Principal Broker relationship. Check the official record rather than relying only on the word “agent.”
Can I verify a Tennessee real estate brokerage firm online?
Yes. Search the firm’s legal name in Tennessee’s official public system. The firm record can help confirm the firm’s license and Principal Broker or affiliated-licensee relationships when those details are displayed.
Does an active Tennessee real estate license mean there is no disciplinary history?
No. Tennessee’s public-search guidance says the system can show public disciplinary actions. Review the complete record and any available action details instead of treating active status alone as a complete background check.
How much does a Tennessee real estate license renewal cost?
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission currently lists the licensee and firm renewal fee at $75 every two years. Late-renewal, continuing-education and errors-and-omissions penalties can apply separately when requirements are missed.
How many continuing education hours are required for Tennessee real estate renewal?
For licensees subject to the standard continuing-education requirement, Tennessee requires 16 hours during the two-year renewal cycle. This includes the six-hour mandatory TREC Core Course plus ten hours of approved elective education.
What happens if a Tennessee real estate license expires?
A license within 60 days of expiration can still be renewed through CORE. A license expired longer than 60 days but not more than 12 months may qualify for reinstatement. After more than one year, TREC requires retesting and reapplication or may allow an approved 30-hour T.R.A.C.E. course instead of retesting when eligible.
Does Tennessee offer real estate license reciprocity with other states?
TREC’s current licensing guidance says Tennessee does not offer a general reciprocal real estate license at this time. Out-of-state licensees may still receive credit for qualifying education, the national examination portion and/or experience after TREC reviews the required Worksheet A and certified license histories.
What should I do if I cannot find a Tennessee real estate license?
Try the license number, exact legal name, former name or business name and make sure you are searching the Real Estate program. If the record remains unclear, contact the Tennessee Real Estate Commission at 615-741-2273 or trec.info@tn.gov before relying on the claimed credential.
Is VerificationLicense.org the official Tennessee Real Estate Commission website?
No. VerificationLicense.org is an independent informational guide. Final Tennessee license verification, renewal, discipline, complaint and licensing actions should be completed through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance and their official systems linked on this page.
Bottom Line for a TN Real Estate License Lookup
Start with Tennessee’s official Verify Public Search and match the individual or firm carefully. Confirm the exact credential, current status, expiration date, brokerage relationship and public disciplinary information before relying on a license for a transaction, referral, hiring decision or payment.
Licensees should use CORE for applications, renewals, reinstatement and license-management tasks, CE Broker for continuing-education tracking, and PSI for the licensing examination process. The public search is the verification tool, not the license-management portal.