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How to check a license in Texas

Many professions need a license in Texas, and each one has an official public search. Here is where to look and what to check before you hire someone.

By the Valado team · Updated October 22, 2026 · 5-minute read

Before you search

  • Ask for the professional’s full name as it appears on their license, and their license number.
  • Search the official site yourself. Do not rely only on a link or a screenshot someone sends you.
  • Check that the name, the type of license and the status match what they told you.
  • If there is no license for the service you need, ask for examples of past work and for references instead.

Attorneys

  1. Go to the State Bar of Texas website and open Find a Lawyer. It lists every Texas attorney.
  2. Search by the attorney’s full name.
  3. Open the profile. If the attorney has public discipline, the State Bar lists it there.

Someone who calls themselves a notario is not a lawyer in the US. Read our guide A notario is not a lawyer.

Accountants (CPAs)

  1. Use the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy license lookup.
  2. Search by name or license number.
  3. Check that the license is current and look for any disciplinary actions.

Hiring someone to do your taxes? Read How to check a tax preparer.

Real estate agents

  1. Use the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) License Holder Search.
  2. Search by name or license number, and choose the license type Broker or Sales Agent.
  3. The same site has a Disciplinary Actions page and a File a Complaint link if you think someone broke the Real Estate License Act or TREC rules.

Mortgage loan originators

In Texas, the Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending licenses residential mortgage loan originators through NMLS, the national licensing system. The Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner also licenses some of them.

  1. To check if a person is licensed, the Department says to use NMLS Consumer Access.
  2. Search by name, company or NMLS ID number.

Counselors and therapists

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council licenses professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers.

  1. Use the Council’s Verify a license page.
  2. Search by name or license number and check the license type and status.

Financial advisors

The Texas State Securities Board suggests you ask anyone offering an investment two questions: “Are you on BrokerCheck?” and “Are you registered to sell securities with the Texas State Securities Board?”

  • FINRA BrokerCheck shows whether a brokerage firm or a person who works for one is currently licensed in a state.
  • For investment advisers, BrokerCheck sends you to the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site.
  • You can also contact the Texas State Securities Board to ask about a firm’s or person’s registration.
  • The Board also asks you to notice whether you are being pressured to invest.

Sources

  1. State Bar of Texas: FAQs for the public
  2. Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: License lookup
  3. Texas Real Estate Commission: License Holder Search
  4. Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending: Mortgage origination FAQs
  5. Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council: Verify a license
  6. Texas State Securities Board: Investor checklist
  7. FINRA: BrokerCheck
  8. US Securities and Exchange Commission: Investment Adviser Public Disclosure

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so confirm with the official source or a licensed professional.