How to Look Up Your New York Real Estate License

You can look up any New York real estate license using theNew York Department of State's online license verification systemNydos SelSearchType.do Appext20.dos.ny.govNydos SelSearchType.do Appext20.dos.ny.gov. The search is free, public, and shows license status, issue date, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.

What You Can Find	Why It Matters
License status (active/inactive/expired)	Confirms agent can legally practice
License number	Unique identifier for each licensee
Issue and expiration dates	Shows when renewal is due
License type (salesperson/broker)	Indicates experience level
Disciplinary actions	Reveals violations or complaints
Affiliated brokerage	Shows current employer

How to Look Up a New York Real Estate License

Step 1: Go to the NY Department of State website
Visit the New York Department of State License Verification systemNydos SelSearchType.do Appext20.dos.ny.govNydos SelSearchType.do Appext20.dos.ny.gov.

Step 2: Select license type
Choose "Real Estate Salesperson" or "Real Estate Broker."

Step 3: Enter search criteria
Search by license number (fastest), name (last name required), or business name.

Step 4: Review results
Results show full name, license number, type, status, dates, brokerage, and disciplinary actions.

Step 5: Verify information
Confirm the license is active and check for disciplinary history.

What Each License Status Means

Active: Current and in good standing. Agent can legally practice.

Inactive: Not actively practicing but maintains license. Common during career breaks.

Expired: Passed expiration without renewal. Cannot practice until renewed.

Suspended: Temporarily revoked due to disciplinary action or unpaid fees. Cannot practice.

Revoked: Permanently removed due to serious violations. Must reapply for new license.

Why Look Up a Real Estate License?

• Verify agent credentials before signing contracts

• Check your own license status before transactions

• Confirm renewal dates (NY licenses expire every 2 years)

• Research brokerage legitimacy and disciplinary history

• Verify credentials of potential business partners

• Check for disciplinary actions on record

Understanding Disciplinary Actions

The lookup shows suspensions, fines, probation, reprimands, and violation details.

Common reasons for discipline:

• Misrepresentation or fraud

• Mishandling client funds

• Contract violations

• Failure to disclose material facts

• Operating without proper license

Records are public and remain visible after resolution.

How to Look Up Your Own License

New licensees check status to confirm issuance. Licenses typically appear within 2-4 weeks after completing all requirements.

If your license doesn't appear after 4 weeks, contact NY Department of State Division of Licensing Services at (518) 474-4429.

New York License Renewal

NY licenses expire every 2 years. Check your expiration date using the lookup tool.

Renewal requirements:

• 22.5 hours continuing education (3 hours fair housing, 3 hours agency/ethics, 16.5 hours electives)

• $150 renewal fee

• Renew online through eAccessNY

Begin continuing education 3-6 months before expiration. Licenses can be renewed up to 1 year after expiration with late fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NY real estate license lookup free?
Yes. The New York Department of State provides free public access.

Can anyone look up my real estate license?
Yes. Licenses are public record. Anyone can view status, dates, and disciplinary actions.

How often is the database updated?
Typically within 24-48 hours of status changes.

What if I can't find a license?
The person may not be licensed, license may be expired, or name spelling may be incorrect. Try variations or contact NY DOS at (518) 474-4429.

Can I look up licenses from other states?
No. This system only shows New York licenses.

What if my license shows as inactive?
Contact NY DOS to understand reactivation requirements.

How do I update my information?
Contact NY Department of State Division of Licensing Services or update through eAccessNY.

Ready to Get Your New York Real Estate License?

Before your name appears in the database, complete the licensing process. Getting licensed takes 4-8 weeksNew York How To Get New York Real Estate License Career Center and costs $369-$571 totalNew York Real Estate License Cost Career Center.

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