Texas Real Estate Commission | Public License Verification Guide
TREC License Lookup: Verify a Texas Agent, Broker or Inspector
Before hiring a real estate professional in Texas, check their license with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). The official public database helps you confirm license status, expiration dates, broker sponsorship and available disciplinary records.
This independent guide explains how to search the registry, interpret licensing results, resolve missing records and understand renewal requirements. The official TREC website is needed for the actual live lookup or licensing transaction.
Open Official TREC License Lookup → View Step-by-Step Instructions ↓
How to Verify a Texas Real Estate License
To verify a Texas real estate license, open the official TREC License Holder Search, enter the name or license number, select a relevant license type and review the matching record. Check its current status and expiration date. If the professional is a sales agent, also verify their sponsoring broker.
Consumers in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso and other Texas communities use the same statewide licensing system. No separate county real estate license database is needed for ordinary TREC verification.
1. Match the Identity
Compare the individual’s legal name, license number and license type with their professional information.
2. Confirm Authorization
Verify whether the credential is active, inactive, expired or subject to another restriction. A future expiration date does not automatically mean active authorization.
3. Review Relationships and History
Check the sponsoring broker or designated broker when applicable, along with available disciplinary information.
Independent information notice: VerificationLicense.org is not the Texas Real Estate Commission and cannot issue, renew, suspend or verify licenses independently of TREC’s official records.
Which Real Estate Licenses Does TREC Regulate?
TREC regulates several types of real estate professionals. Select the correct category before interpreting the results because a sales agent, broker and real estate inspector have different responsibilities and licensing requirements.
| License Category | Information to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sales Agent | License status, expiration and sponsoring broker. | A sales agent generally needs active broker sponsorship to perform licensed brokerage services. |
| Individual Real Estate Broker | Active broker license, expiration and relevant business relationships. | An individual broker may perform brokerage activities independently and sponsor sales agents. |
| Business Entity Broker | Legal company name, entity license, designated broker and registered assumed names. | A brokerage advertisement may use a brand name that differs from its licensed legal entity. |
| Real Estate Inspector | Inspector license level, active status, expiration and supervision where applicable. | Texas inspector licenses have different scopes and supervision rules. |
| Easement or Right-of-Way Agent | Appropriate registration or license category and current status. | Easement and right-of-way activities have their own regulatory requirements. |
Important: Real estate appraisers are regulated by the Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board (TALCB). A TREC sales-agent or broker license is not proof that a person holds an appraisal credential.
How to Use TREC License Lookup: Step-by-Step
The official search provides a Name or License Number field and filters for license type and status. TREC also permits partial-text searches, which can help when you are unsure of spelling or a complete name.
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Open the Official License Holder Search
Visit the Texas Real Estate Commission public license lookup.
Use the government website instead of relying on a commercial directory or an image of a license certificate.
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Enter a Name or License Number
The most precise search generally uses the full license number. If it is unavailable, enter the individual’s name in the format shown by TREC: last name, first name and middle name if known.
For example, a person named Maria Rodriguez may be searched using a last-name-first format. Partial names may return multiple matches.
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Choose the License Type
Select the relevant category, such as Sales Agent, Broker Individual or an inspector license, when filtering is needed.
Leave restrictive filters unset initially if you do not know the professional’s status.
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Review the Matching Search Results
Compare the official name, license number, type, status and expiration date.
Do not assume that the first returned result belongs to the individual you are checking.
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Open the Detailed License Profile
Review any sponsoring broker, designated broker, business names, education history and other relevant licensing information available for that record.
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Review Disciplinary Information
Use the Disciplinary Actions feature associated with the license record where available. Examine the actual official action and its date.
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Save the Verification Details
Record the license number, current status, expiration, relevant broker details and date checked. If needed, print or save the official profile for your transaction records.
Search formatting tip: TREC permits partial names. If a full-name search returns nothing, try the surname and first initial, then narrow the results using the license number or other identifying details.
What Information Appears in TREC License Search Results?
Public TREC profiles can contain more than a license status. The exact fields differ by profession and record type.
Name and License Number
These identify the licensed individual or organization. The license number is useful when multiple people share a similar name.
License Type and Status
These identify the regulated activity and whether the credential is currently active or has another status.
Expiration Date
The date indicates when the current licensing term ends, but it must be considered alongside the status field.
Sponsoring Broker
Sales-agent records may show the supervising brokerage relationship, sponsorship date and broker license number.
Education History
Some records display continuing education courses, providers, dates and credited hours.
Disciplinary Actions
Formal disciplinary records may be available through the profile’s enforcement information.
Understanding TREC License Status
The status field is crucial. A person may appear in the licensing database without being currently authorized to perform the professional activities you want them to provide.
| Status | Meaning | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Active | The license is listed in active status. | Verify identity, license category and any required sponsorship. |
| Inactive | The license record exists but is not currently active for the relevant licensed activities. | Confirm activation requirements before relying on the holder to perform brokerage services. |
| Expired | The licensing term ended without completed renewal. | Review late-renewal or reinstatement eligibility. |
| Suspended | A regulatory restriction affects the license. | Read the applicable order and confirm the current authorization. |
| Revoked | The credential has been revoked by the licensing authority. | Do not rely on the former license as current authorization. |
| No Results | The entered search criteria returned no matching record. | Try different name formatting, fewer filters or a license number. |
Important distinction: A future expiration date does not establish active authority. TREC records may show inactive licenses that have not yet reached their expiration date.
How to Verify a Texas Real Estate Agent’s Sponsoring Broker
Texas sales agents generally must be sponsored by an active Texas real estate broker to perform licensed brokerage activities. This is a separate issue from whether a sales agent possesses an unexpired license.
Sales-Agent Sponsorship Checklist
- Find the individual sales agent in the public lookup.
- Check that the agent’s status is active.
- Find the sponsoring broker information.
- Compare that broker with the name used on the agent’s current business documents.
- Review the broker’s license information if there is a discrepancy.
Company Names, DBAs and Teams
A real estate business can operate under an approved assumed name. Its advertised brand, team name or franchise name may differ from the legal entity listed in the TREC database.
Look for the relationship between the official broker, licensed business entity and registered business names before drawing conclusions.
For consumers: If a salesperson’s brokerage relationship cannot be confirmed, ask for the sales agent’s license number and the legal name of their sponsoring broker before proceeding with representation paperwork.
How to Verify a Texas Real Estate Inspector License
TREC regulates different inspector license categories. Confirm the specific level held by the inspector and whether professional supervision is required.
| License Level | General Role | Verification Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Inspector | Performs inspections under direct supervision by a Professional Real Estate Inspector. | Check the apprentice license and supervising professional. |
| Real Estate Inspector | Conducts inspections under the required indirect supervision of a Professional Real Estate Inspector. | Confirm the appropriate supervision relationship. |
| Professional Real Estate Inspector | May conduct regulated inspections independently. | Confirm active professional-level status and review available disciplinary records. |
A real estate inspection is not the same as a property appraisal, structural engineering certification or warranty against future defects. Check the professional credential that matches the service being offered.
How to Check Disciplinary Actions Against a Texas Agent or Broker
TREC’s public licensing records may provide access to formal disciplinary information. These records are different from consumer reviews, rumors or unresolved complaints.
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Find the Correct License Holder
Search using the person’s legal name or official license number.
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Open the Disciplinary Information
Look for the Disciplinary Actions option in the detailed license profile.
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Review Dates and Documents
Read the official order or available enforcement summary. Check whether the matter resulted in a reprimand, penalty, suspension, revocation or another action.
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Confirm the Current Status
Past disciplinary records do not automatically establish a professional’s current license status. Always return to the active licensing information.
Fair interpretation: An allegation is not equivalent to a proven regulatory violation. Evaluate official disciplinary findings and applicable dates rather than treating every complaint as a final finding.
TREC License Renewal Requirements in Texas
Texas real estate sales agent and broker licenses generally renew every two years. Renewal obligations differ according to license category, prior education, first-renewal status and supervisory responsibilities.
Sales Agent First Renewal
First-time sales-agent renewals require Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE). TREC’s published instructions identify a 30-hour Real Estate Brokerage course, another 60 qualifying hours and required Legal Update coursework. A delegated supervisor may also need the Broker Responsibility course.
SAE education cannot be deferred. If a license holder does not complete the applicable first-renewal education in time, the ordinary CE deferral option does not solve that problem.
Subsequent Sales Agent Renewal
After the first renewal, an active sales agent generally needs 18 hours of continuing education, including:
- 4 hours of TREC Legal Update I.
- 4 hours of TREC Legal Update II.
- 3 hours of contract-related coursework.
- 7 additional approved elective hours.
A sales agent who has been designated as a supervisor must also complete the Broker Responsibility course as part of the applicable CE hours.
Individual Broker Renewal
Individual brokers generally have an 18-hour CE requirement, including the TREC Legal Updates, Broker Responsibility coursework, contract-related coursework and remaining elective hours, as applicable. A broker should check the current license-specific renewal instructions before choosing courses.
| Renewal Situation | General Rule | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary renewal | Licenses generally renew every two years. | Complete applicable education before expiration. |
| First sales-agent renewal | SAE and other applicable first-renewal requirements. | SAE cannot be deferred. |
| Subsequent active sales-agent renewal | 18 hours of approved CE. | Supervisor-related education may apply. |
| Late renewal within six months | Late renewal may be available. | TREC states late sales-agent renewals are issued inactive; CE cannot be deferred with late renewal. |
| More than six months but up to two years expired | Reinstatement may be available. | Reinstatement is different from ordinary renewal. |
| More than two years expired | A new application and examination are generally required. | An expired license is not current authorization to practice. |
When Should You Renew?
TREC states that renewal notices are generally sent approximately 90 days before expiration. The agency recommends completing CE at least 10 days before expiration to allow time for course records to be processed.
Renewal applications and payments are handled through TREC’s licensing processes, including the REALM Portal. An ordinary public license search does not renew a license.
Does TREC License Lookup Cost Money?
The ordinary public TREC License Holder Search is free. You do not need to purchase a private background-check report just to see the agency’s publicly available license status information.
Public License Search
No ordinary online search fee is required to check public licensing details using TREC’s official search.
Continuing Education Deferral
TREC lists a $200 CE deferral fee for qualifying active sales-agent renewals when applicable education is incomplete. The deferral generally allows 60 additional days to complete CE.
Application and Renewal Fees
Application, renewal, reinstatement and education charges are separate from public lookup access. Check the applicable current official fee before submitting payment.
First-renewal warning: The continuing education deferral option is not a substitute for required first-renewal SAE courses.
TREC License Lookup Not Working or No Record Found?
Sometimes a legitimate record is difficult to find because of name formatting, restrictive search filters or the difference between a brokerage’s advertised name and its legal license-holder name.
| Problem | Possible Explanation | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| No result by name | Wrong name order, spelling or name variation. | Search surname first, use a partial name or request the license number. |
| Too many matching people | Common surname or short search term. | Use the first name, license type and license number to identify the correct holder. |
| Brokerage business not found | The brand may be a DBA, team name or franchise. | Ask for the licensed legal entity name and business license number. |
| Expiration date is future but status is inactive | The license term remains open while authorization is inactive. | Check the separate status field and required sponsorship. |
| Inspector cannot be found | Wrong license-type filter. | Choose the applicable inspector category. |
| Search page will not load | Browser configuration, blocked JavaScript or temporary service trouble. | Try another current browser and contact TREC if the problem continues. |
A missing search result does not automatically prove that a person is unlicensed. Check the search criteria and resolve any uncertainty directly with TREC before making an important decision.
How to File a Complaint Against a Texas Real Estate License Holder
When you believe a real estate professional violated the Texas Real Estate License Act or TREC rules, a formal regulatory complaint may be appropriate.
Information to Prepare
- The name and license number of the professional or company, if known.
- Dates of the relevant events.
- A clear description of the alleged conduct.
- Copies of contracts, emails, text messages or relevant advertisements.
- Payment records, photographs and other supporting evidence where appropriate.
- Witness information if it is relevant.
Complaint Submission Process
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Open the Official Complaint Instructions
Use the TREC complaint information page.
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Access the REALM Portal
Create an account or sign in to the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal.
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Enter the Complaint Details
Identify the respondent, explain the incident and supply available evidence.
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Submit and Monitor the Complaint
Follow the portal instructions and keep copies of the documents submitted. TREC’s online system supports complaint-file management and additional submissions when needed.
Time limit: TREC generally cannot investigate incidents that occurred four or more years before the complaint.
TREC does not accept anonymous complaints through its ordinary complaint procedure. Its jurisdiction is limited to matters covered by the laws and rules it administers.
Regulatory complaints and compensation claims are different. TREC may investigate licensing violations and impose discipline, but it does not resolve every contract dispute or award damages in the way a civil court can.
Texas Real Estate License Verification Checklist
Before hiring an agent, signing a listing agreement or relying on a brokerage’s representation, record these details from the official lookup.
Details to Confirm
- Full legal name.
- License number.
- License category.
- Active or inactive status.
- Expiration date.
- Sponsoring or designated broker where applicable.
- Available disciplinary information.
- Date of the verification.
Information That Is Not a Substitute
- Business cards or advertising materials.
- Social media profiles.
- Old license certificates.
- Customer review ratings.
- MLS membership.
- REALTOR association membership.
- Unverified claims of brokerage affiliation.
The same statewide verification method applies across Texas, including Harris County, Dallas County, Travis County, Bexar County and Tarrant County.
Texas Real Estate Commission Contact Information
| Contact Method | Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Real Estate Commission | Real estate licensing and regulatory information. |
| Telephone | 512-936-3000 | Public license questions and general assistance. |
| information@trec.texas.gov | General agency inquiries. | |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 12188, Austin, TX 78711-2188 | Mail correspondence when appropriate. |
| Official Website | trec.texas.gov | Current forms, guidance and licensing services. |
Privacy: Do not provide Social Security numbers, bank details or sensitive identification information to unofficial license-lookup websites. Use official secure portals when an authorized transaction requires personal information.
Official TREC License Search and Government Resources
Use the following official Texas resources for the appropriate final action. This guide provides the background so you can go directly to the correct service.
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TREC License Holder Search
Search for real estate agents, brokers, business entities and other regulated license holders.
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TREC Consumer Information
Official information about Texas real estate consumers’ rights and licensed professional services.
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Sales Agent License Renewal
SAE, continuing education, renewal deadlines and late renewal rules.
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TREC Complaint Procedure
Official instructions for complaints involving regulated real estate activities.
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Online Complaint Filing Instructions
Guidance on using REALM to submit and manage a complaint.
Related License Verification Guides
Visit the VerificationLicense.org homepage for additional professional-license verification information. The Texas Real Estate Commission remains the authoritative source for live TREC licensing records.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About TREC License Lookup
1. How do I look up a Texas real estate license?
Use the official Texas Real Estate Commission License Holder Search. Enter a person’s legal name or license number, select a license type if necessary, and open the matching record to check status, expiration, sponsorship and disciplinary information.
2. Is TREC license lookup free?
Yes. The ordinary public TREC License Holder Search is free. You do not need a paid private search service or a renewal account to check public licensing information.
3. Can I search a Texas real estate license by number?
Yes. TREC provides a Name or License Number search field. A complete license number is usually more precise than a common name.
4. What does inactive mean on a TREC license?
Inactive status means the credential is not currently active for performing the applicable licensed activities. A future expiration date does not override the separate inactive status. Check the rules for activation and sponsorship before relying on the person to provide brokerage services.
5. How can I verify a sales agent’s sponsoring broker?
Open the sales agent’s official TREC license profile and review the sponsoring broker information. Compare the listed broker and license number with the professional’s business information.
6. Can I see TREC disciplinary actions online?
Yes. TREC license profiles may provide access to formal disciplinary information. Review the actual action and its date, and distinguish a final regulatory finding from an unresolved allegation.
7. How often do Texas real estate licenses renew?
Texas real estate sales agent and broker licenses generally renew every two years. Applicable SAE or continuing education requirements depend on the licensing category and whether the renewal is the first one.
8. What happens if my TREC license expires?
Late renewal may be available within six months after expiration. Reinstatement may be available after six months and up to two years. After more than two years, TREC generally requires a new application and examination. An expired license is not current authorization to practice.
9. Why is a real estate agent or brokerage missing from TREC search?
Possible reasons include different legal-name formatting, a restrictive filter, a name change or a brokerage operating under an assumed name. Try the full license number or legal company name and contact TREC if the record remains unclear.
10. Does TREC license lookup verify Texas real estate appraisers?
No. Texas real estate appraisers are regulated by the Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board (TALCB). An ordinary TREC agent or broker record does not verify an appraiser credential.