How-to
How to Check a NYC Real Estate Broker's License
Published by Nessoo.com. Last updated .
Direct answer
To check a New York broker or salesperson license, open the Department of State's eAccessNY Public License Search, choose Public License Search, and search by name or by license number. Results show the license number, type, status and expiration date. Then call the office from a number you found yourself. (NY Department of State)
How do I look up a real estate agent's license in New York?
- Get the agent's full name, brokerage name and license number if they will share it. Ask for it by text or email so you have it in writing. A real agent can give it. The license number is called the Unique Identification Number (UID). (NY Department of State)
- Open the eAccessNY Public License Search: https://appext20.dos.ny.gov/nydos/selSearchType.do and select Public License Search.
- Search by name. Choose individual or organization. You cannot search both at once. For an individual, enter at least two letters of the first name and two of the last. For an organization, enter at least four characters. Leave out apostrophes and hyphens. (NY Department of State)
- Or search by license number. Enter the whole UID. Use capital letters if the number has letters. You can pick the license type to narrow it. (NY Department of State)
- Read the result. It shows name, license number, license type, status and expiration date. Click the name to see practice location, business name and related license information. (NY Department of State)
- Match the details. The name, brokerage and practice location should match the listing, the lease paperwork and what the agent told you. A mismatch is a red flag.
- Call the brokerage. Find the office phone number through your own search, not from the listing or the agent's message. Ask if that agent works there and handles the apartment. (NY Department of State)
- Ask for the photo license and meet in person or on video, so you can compare it with the agent's ID. (NY Department of State)
What a missing result means
The state's search covers active licenses only. (NY Department of State) If you find nothing, check the spelling and try the license number. If it still shows nothing, treat the agent as unconfirmed and do not pay or share personal information. Go to the scam red flags checklist.
Where fees should go
In New York, it is unlawful for a real estate person to demand a fee directly from a prospective tenant. Fees are paid to the brokerage the agent is associated with. (NY Department of State) Since June 11, 2025, a landlord's agent also may not charge broker fees to tenants under the FARE Act. (NYC DCWP) The fee questions are on the FARE Act fee check.
What a license check does not tell you
A valid license shows the person is licensed. It does not show that a particular listing is accurate or available. Pair this step with the listing checks in the checklist.
Where nessoo.com fits
Nessoo verifies renters' identity, income and assets.
Common questions
How do I look up a real estate agent's license in New York?
Use the NY Department of State's eAccessNY Public License Search. Search by name or by license number. (NY Department of State)
What does the license search show?
Name, license number, license type, status and expiration date. Click through for practice location and business name. (NY Department of State)
What if the agent does not show up in the search?
The search covers active licenses only. Check the spelling and the license number. If you still cannot confirm, do not pay or share personal information. (NY Department of State)
How do I know if a broker is real?
Confirm the license, then call the brokerage on a number you found yourself and ask if the agent works there and handles the apartment. (NY Department of State)
Can an agent ask me for a fee directly?
In New York it is unlawful for a real estate person to demand a fee directly from a prospective tenant. Fees go to the brokerage. (NY Department of State)
Does a licensed agent mean the fee is legal?
No. Under the FARE Act, a landlord's or listing agent cannot charge you a broker fee, licensed or not. (NYC DCWP)
Do I need a broker to rent in NYC?
No. No one can require you to hire a broker to rent an apartment. (NYC DCWP)
What should I ask an agent before a showing?
Their full name, license number, brokerage, and whether they represent the landlord or you. Then check the license here.
Does a valid license mean the listing is real?
No. It confirms the person's license only. Check the address, photos and contact details too.
Where do I report an agent I think is a scam?
The NY Department of State Division of Consumer Protection takes complaints. See the rental scam red flags page for the steps. (NY Department of State)
Sources
- NY Department of State, real estate broker licensee searchChecked 2026-10-27
- eAccessNY Public License SearchChecked 2026-10-27
- NY Department of State, consumer alert on rental scams (2024-04-16)Checked 2026-10-27
- NYC DCWP, FARE Act page and FAQ (last updated 2026-06-02, checked 2026-10-27)Checked 2026-10-27