To run an appraiser license lookup in Texas, use the free License Holder Search maintained by the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) at talcb.texas.gov. In a few seconds you can confirm whether an appraiser holds a valid credential, what type of property they’re authorized to appraise, and whether the board has disciplined them. Texas law requires anyone appraising real property for compensation to hold a TALCB-issued credential, so this check is the simplest protection you have before hiring an appraiser or relying on a report.1State of Texas. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1103 – Real Estate Appraisers
Running the Search
Open the TALCB License Holder Search at talcb.texas.gov/license-search. The field accepts a name or a license number.2Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board. License Holder Search For a name search, enter it as “last name, first name.” You can also search by organization name when looking up an Appraisal Management Company instead of an individual.
The license number is the fastest route to the right record. A common name can return a long list, and in that case the appraiser’s city or expected credential type will help you pick the right person.
What the Results Tell You
The initial results show matching names with license numbers and current status. Click a name to open the full profile, which lists the credential type, expiration date, business contact information, and any disciplinary history.
Check the status and expiration date first. An appraiser whose status reads anything other than “Active,” or whose license has expired, cannot legally perform appraisals for federally related transactions, and a lender will reject a report signed by someone without an active credential.
The three statuses you’ll see:
- Active: continuing education and renewal fees are current, and the appraiser can perform appraisals.
- Inactive: the license exists but is not valid for appraisal work. The holder voluntarily requested this status or failed renewal conditions and must request reactivation through TALCB before signing any report.3Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board. Requesting Active and Inactive Current Certified or Licensed Appraisers Status
- Expired: the license has lapsed. Renewal is available for six months after expiration; after that, the appraiser must apply for reinstatement.4Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board. Renew Your Certified Residential Appraiser
TALCB sends renewal notices roughly 90 days before expiration. If you’re early in a transaction and the appraiser’s expiration date is close, ask whether they plan to renew before your report is due.
Does the Credential Match Your Property?
An active license isn’t enough on its own. Texas issues three credential levels plus a trainee classification, and each one authorizes different work.5State of Texas. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1103 – Real Estate Appraisers – Section 1103.203 The credential type in the search result tells you whether that person is authorized for the property you have in mind.
- Certified General Real Estate Appraiser: any type of real property, including commercial, industrial, and large mixed-use. The highest credential.
- Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser: one-to-four-unit residential properties at any value and complexity, plus other property types under $250,000 transaction value.
- Licensed Residential Real Estate Appraiser: non-complex one-to-four-unit residential properties under $1,000,000 transaction value. For complex residential or any other property type, under $250,000.
- Appraiser Trainee: can appraise only under the direct supervision of a sponsoring certified appraiser in good standing with TALCB.6State of Texas. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1103 – Real Estate Appraisers – Section 1103.205
The gap between “Licensed Residential” and “Certified Residential” is where people get caught. If your home is worth more than $1,000,000 or the property is complex, a Licensed Residential appraiser is not authorized. Commercial property of any significant value requires a Certified General. Hiring someone whose credential doesn’t cover your property means the report may be rejected by a lender or challenged later.
Disciplinary History
The individual profile page includes a disciplinary section with any formal board orders or administrative penalties. This is public information, and the profile links to documents describing the violation and the outcome. TALCB can issue administrative penalties, reprimand, suspend, or revoke a license.7State of Texas. Texas Occupations Code Section 1103.552 – Administrative Penalty8Legal Information Institute. 22 Texas Administrative Code 3.177 – Administrative Penalty Schedule
A clean record doesn’t guarantee quality work, but recent sanctions for USPAP violations or negligent appraisal practice are worth weighing before you hire.
Cross-Checking the ASC National Registry
For federally related transactions, which covers most mortgage lending, the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) maintains a separate National Registry of state-certified and licensed appraisers authorized to work on those transactions.9ASC.gov. National Registries Search it at asc.gov/appraiser by selecting the state, certificate type, and appraiser name.10ASC.gov. Search the Appraiser Registry
The ASC registry reports active disciplinary actions that limit practice, specifically current revocations, suspensions, and voluntary surrenders in lieu of discipline. It does not include completed actions or lesser sanctions like reprimands; for that, you need the TALCB search.11Appraisal Subcommittee. Frequently Asked Questions State agencies submit information to the ASC at least monthly, so the national registry can lag the TALCB database by a few weeks. For the most current status, check TALCB first.
Looking Up an Appraisal Management Company
If your lender assigned the appraiser through an Appraisal Management Company, you can verify the AMC separately. The ASC maintains an AMC Registry at asc.gov/amc, searchable by state, registration number, or company name.12ASC.gov. AMC Registry Texas requires AMCs to register under the Texas Appraisal Management Company Registration and Regulation Act (Occupations Code Chapter 1104). An unregistered AMC operating in Texas is a problem.
If the Lookup Turns Up a Problem
If your search surfaces something concerning, or you’ve already had a direct experience with an appraiser who violated professional standards, TALCB accepts complaints through an online portal. The board investigates violations of the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Act, noncompliance with USPAP, and unlicensed appraisal activity.13Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board. Is Filing a TALCB Complaint Right for You?
A few boundaries to know before you file. The alleged violation must have occurred within the previous four years. TALCB does not investigate anonymous complaints. And the board does not handle value disputes, property tax assessments, or broker price opinions. If you simply disagree with an appraised value but the appraiser followed proper methodology, TALCB is not the right avenue. Open complaints are confidential under Texas law, and the board will share status only with you while the investigation is active.13Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board. Is Filing a TALCB Complaint Right for You?