ASC staff have compiled the following replies in response to common inquiries. This information does not represent the responses or opinions of the Appraisal Subcommittee.

 

To update registry information, contact your State appraisal licensing agency.

Find State Agencies

What is the Appraiser Registry? 


The Appraiser Registry is a database consisting of State Licensed, State Certified Residential and State Certified General Appraisers who are eligible to perform appraisals in connection with federally related transactions. The information on these individuals is received directly from the State that issued the credential and is provided at least monthly.

Individuals with a trainee-level credential (such as a State registered or associate appraiser) will not appear on the Appraiser Registry. This is because the trainee level is not federally recognized and they are not able to independently appraise property for federally related transactions.


How do I use the Appraiser Registry?


On our website, www.asc.gov, roll your cursor over the "National Registries" heading.  Select Appraiser Registry.  You may search for an appraiser or list of appraisers by name, city or State. You may also use the advanced search option. Select or fill in the searchable fields applicable to your search. When finished entering your search criteria, select "Apply" and your search results will appear.


How do I update credentials?


The State Appraiser Regulatory Agency is responsible for all entries and updates of appraiser credentials on the Appraiser Registry. Any updates to your Appraiser Registry information must be made through your State Appraiser Regulatory Agency. You may use the State Appraiser Regulatory Programs tab on our website to find your State’s contact information. You may not expedite the process by providing information to the ASC.


How do I correct incorrect information in my record on the Appraiser Registry?


Any changes to your Appraiser Registry information, such as a change in your address, phone number, etc, must be made through your State Appraiser Regulatory Agency. You may use the State Appraiser Regulatory Agencies tab on our website to link to your State’s contact information.


How do I create a mailing list from the Appraiser Registry?


You may download a complete listing of all appraisers or establish a listing based on particular specifications using our Appraiser Registry. It may be accessed via our website (www.asc.gov). Select Appraiser Registry, Find an Appraiser and choose from one of the quick searches such as Download a State or the United States.

To control the results returned, click on the Appraiser Registry tab, Find an Appraiser and select the Advanced Search. Use the listing provided to establish your desired search criteria as indicated with a checkmark. Select Active under status to limit the search to only currently active appraisers. Leave as many fields as possible blank to return a larger listing of appraisers. Leave the licensing State blank if you want all States. Put a checkmark in the Select All box then scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Get Search Results or Download Search Results.

Some fields such as company name, phone number, and county code are not required fields and, as such, may not be provided by the States for all appraisers.


Where do I find statistical information on the Appraiser Registry?


You may find the number of active appraisers as of today on our website, www.asc.gov. Click on the Appraiser Registry heading and then the Active Appraiser Credentials tab.


Disciplinary Actions on the Appraiser Registry


The Appraiser Registry reports as public information active disciplinary actions that limit an appraiser’s ability to appraise (current revocations, suspensions, and voluntary surrenders in lieu of discipline). If you require further information regarding other types of disciplinary action, completed disciplinary actions, or license-specific information, please contact the State agency directly.

What is the AMC Registry? 

The AMC Registry is a database of those AMCs which meet the Federal definition of an appraisal management company per the AMC Rule, who are eligible to perform appraisal services in connection with federally related transactions. The information on these AMCs is received directly from the State that issued the registration.

What States participate in the AMC Registry?

Most States have indicated they intend to participate in the AMC Registry, but some are not populating the Registry yet. You may find which States are populating the AMC Registry by viewing the Active AMC Registrations by State. 

How do I update a registration?

The State Appraiser/AMC Regulatory Agency is responsible for all entries and updates of AMC registrations on the AMC Registry. Any updates to an AMC’s Registry information must be made through the State Appraiser/AMC Regulatory Agency. You may use the State Appraiser Regulatory Programs tab on our website to find the State’s contact information. Contacting the ASC will not expedite the process.

How do I correct information?

Any changes to an AMC’s Registry information, such as a change of address, phone number, etc, must be made through the State Appraiser/AMC Regulatory Agency. You may use the State Appraiser Regulatory Agencies tab on our website to link to the State’s contact information.

Where do I find statistical information?

You may find the number of active AMC by viewing Active AMC Registrations by State.

Does the registry include disciplinary action information?

The AMC Registry reports as public information active disciplinary actions that limit an AMC’s ability to perform appraisal services for any Federally Related Transactions (current revocations, suspensions, and voluntary surrenders in lieu of discipline). If you require further information regarding other types of disciplinary action, completed disciplinary actions, or registration specific information, please contact the State agency link to 2.0 state compliance directly.

 

How do I become an appraiser? 


To become a State Licensed, Certified Residential or Certified General appraiser requires a specific amount of education and experience along with the successful completion of a comprehensive State administered examination.

In order to thoroughly research what is required to become a professional appraiser, we suggest you begin by familiarizing yourself with the laws and regulations of your State. The Appraisal Foundation provides information on finding a mentor/supervisor as well as information on the federally mandated minimum requirements.

It is not within the Appraisal Subcommittee’s authority to regulate individual appraisers and/or to establish educational or mentoring options. A few State Appraiser Regulatory Agencies have established trainee programs with specific experience opportunities. You may check to see if you are in a State that offers this type of service.


What are the different types of federally recognized appraiser classifications and what type of work may each perform?


There are three federally recognized appraiser classifications: (1) State Licensed; (2) State Certified Residential; and State Certified General. The difference is the examination and the number of hours of education and experience required to obtain the credentials, in addition to the scope of practice permitted for each once the credential is obtained.

The basic outline for these classifications is detailed in the publication entitled The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (AQB Criteria) as promulgated by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation. (https://www.appraisalfoundation.org) Each State and Territory, in its laws and regulations, further defines requirements for the various categories and permitted practices. The requirements must at least meet, but may be more restrictive than, requirements set forth in the AQB Criteria.


What does an AQB Compliant Mean?


A "yes" in the Appraiser Registry column identifying AQB Compliant means the appraiser met The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria as promulgated by the Appraiser Qualifications Board on education, experience, and examination, when obtaining and/or maintaining the credential. A "no" in the column typically means the appraiser was not required to demonstrate the hours of experience set forth in the AQB Criteria for the credential level. It may also mean the appraiser failed to demonstrate the hours of education or continuing education set forth in AQB Criteria.

All appraisers with a status identified as active on the Appraiser Registry are eligible to perform appraisals in connection with federally related transactions within their allowed scope of practice. Certain users of appraisal services may elect not to use individuals who have a "no" in the AQB compliant column. A "no" indicates the individuals have not demonstrated to the State they possess the AQB Criteria minimums in every respect. The purpose of the AQB compliant column on our website is to aid those users in identifying these individuals.
To achieve AQB compliance, appraisers may be able to submit the information in the deficient area(s) sufficient to demonstrate they now meet AQB Criteria. Appraisers wishing to have their "no" changed to "yes" must contact their State Appraiser Regulatory Agency to obtain the appropriate application procedure.

The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria as promulgated by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation may be viewed in its entirety on https://www.appraisalfoundation.org/.

May I file a complaint about an appraiser with the ASC?


No. Regardless of the nature of the complaint, whether investigated by local law enforcement concerning allegations not within the purview of the State Appraiser Regulatory Agency, or whether appraisal-related and therefore appropriately referred to the State Appraiser Regulatory Agency, the local jurisdiction is the appropriate place to commence the complaint process. The investigating authorities will know whether an investigation at other levels is appropriate. Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended, clearly authorizes State Appraiser Regulatory Agencies to handle such appraisal-related allegations. Nevertheless, you may keep us informed of any complaint registered with the State Appraiser Regulatory Agency. We will retain any such information in our files for consideration during our next Compliance Review of the State's Appraiser Regulatory program.

To find the appropriate regulator, use the ASC National Appraisal Complaint Hotline link in the upper right-hand corner of any page on our website.

If your grievance is with the lending institution you should contact the federal regulator for that lending institution.
There are two websites that you can use to find the federal regulator for a lending institution.


I am an appraiser and have a complaint filed against me. Can the ASC provide me with advice?


No. The ASC monitors State appraiser regulatory programs for compliance with federal law. The ASC cannot provide legal advice, or otherwise, to individuals subject to a State’s supervision. This is a matter you will need to take up with the State appraiser regulatory program.

How do I apply for the FHA appraiser roster?


FHA provides instructions on applying for the FHA Appraiser Roster. FHA Application Process: As part of its application and renewal process, HUD/FHA relies on the Appraiser Registry, which is a database the ASC maintains. HUD is another Federal agency. The ASC staff does not participate in the processing of applications or renewals for the FHA Appraiser Roster. Any questions about your FHA application or renewal must be directed to HUD. Appraisers may contact the FHA Resource Center by phone at 1-800-CALLFHA (225-5342) or by email at answers@hud.gov. The Resource Center can provide information on how to proceed in this regard. We also suggest you consult the HUD website: https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/appr

Because HUD, in part, relies on our database (the Appraiser Registry) we suggest that while on our website (www.asc.gov) you use the  Registry tab to ensure your credential information is correct. You do not need a user name and password. Simply select the Appraiser Registry tab and select one of the query features to ensure your new or renewed credential information has been updated and is correct.


Where do I find help for the FHA Roster?


Appraisers may contact the FHA Resource Center by phone at 1-800-CALLFHA (225-5342) or by email at answers@hud.gov to speak with a representative who can provide information on how to proceed in this regard. We also suggest you consult the HUD website. You may find answers to FHA Appraiser Roster frequently asked questions at the following site: https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/appr.


Why do I get FHA Appraiser Roster error messages?


The ASC understands that, on occasion, the information provided to the ASC by the States for inclusion on the Appraiser Registry is not the same as that provided on the State-issued license or certificate. In order to register for the FHA Appraiser Roster, you must find your name on the Appraiser Registry and make sure your name, license number, and other information is entered in the FHA application EXACTLY as it appears on the Appraiser Registry.

HUD/FHA relies on the Appraiser Registry to verify your credentials. Your credentials are sent to the ASC directly from your State regulatory agency. Your credentials must be updated in the Appraiser Registry before you are able to update the FHA Appraiser Roster. In order to protect the integrity of the Appraiser Registry, the ASC must receive all information directly from the States.

HUD is another Federal agency. The ASC staff does not participate in the processing of applications or renewals for the FHA Appraiser Roster. Any questions about your FHA application or renewal must be directed to HUD. Appraisers may contact the FHA Resource Center by phone at 1-800-CALLFHA (225-5342) or by email at answers@hud.gov to reach a representative who can provide information on how to proceed in this regard. We also suggest you consult the HUD website.

Frequent FHA Appraiser Roster Errors:


EXPIRATION DATE CANNOT EXCEED ASC EXPIRATION DATE (mm/dd/yyyy)
Many times an appraiser receives their renewed appraiser credential and tries to update the HUD/FHA roster before the information is listed on the Appraiser Registry. HUD will not accept the new information until it is listed on the Appraiser Registry. The Appraiser Registry data updates are not performed in real time. Federal law and ASC Policy require each State to provide submissions at least monthly. It may take up to 30-35 days for information pertaining to an appraiser’s new license or certificate to appear on our website. In recognition of the fact that updates are not performed in real time the status for all existing appraisers will remain active for 30 days past the expiration date, and then converts to inactive after that time. The Appraiser Registry system updates as files are processed each day to reflect new data received from the States. You may continue to monitor the status on our website (www.asc.gov) by searching for the name under the Appraiser Registry tab, then click on Find an Appraiser.

LICENSE ID/TYPE DOES NOT MATCH APPRAISER REGISTRY
Many times an appraiser receives their upgraded credential prior to it being listed on the Appraiser Registry. HUD will not accept the new information until it is listed on the Appraiser Registry. The Appraiser Registry data submissions are not always performed in real time. Federal law and ASC Policy require each State to provide submissions at least monthly. It may take up to 30-35 days for information pertaining to an appraiser’s new license or certificate to appear on our website. In recognition of the fact that updates are not always performed in real time, the status for all existing appraisers will remain active for 30 days past the expiration date, and then converts to inactive after that time. The Appraiser Registry system updates at midnight each day to reflect new data received from the States. You may continue to monitor the status on our website (www.asc.gov) by searching for the name under the National Registries tab, and then Find an Appraiser tab, and use one of the available queries.

LICENSE ID/TYPE MATCHES APPRAISER REGISTRY BUT NAME/SSN DOES NOT
Some States do not provide the appraiser’s social security number to the ASC for inclusion on the Appraiser Registry. For tracking purposes, the ASC or the State will assign a unique number to the file in place of the social security number. If your State does not provide the social security number to the ASC for inclusion on the Appraiser Registry, you must contact HUD directly and ask to have your social security number corrected. Appraisers may email the FHA Resource Center at answers@hud.gov or call 1-800-CALLFHA(225-5342).

APPRAISER REGISTRY SAYS AQB STATUS IS NOT "YES"
A "yes" in the "Conforms to AQB Criteria" column means the appraiser met The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria as set forth by the Appraiser Qualifications Board on education, experience, and examination. A "no" in the column typically means the appraiser was not required to demonstrate the hours of education or experience. It may also mean the appraiser failed to demonstrate the hours of education or continuing education set forth in AQB Criteria. An appraiser may have the "no" changed to a "yes" by applying with their State and meeting all AQB Criteria.

APPRAISER REGISTRY SAYS LICENSE IS INACTIVE
Many times an appraiser receives their renewed appraiser credential and tries to update the HUD/FHA roster before the information is listed on the Appraiser Registry. HUD will not accept the new information until it is listed on the Appraiser Registry. The Appraiser Registry data updates are not always performed in real time. Federal law and ASC Policy require each State to provide submissions at least monthly. It may take up to 30-35 days for information pertaining to an appraiser’s new license or certificate to appear on our website. In recognition of the fact that updates are not always performed in real time, the status for all existing appraisers will remain active for 30 days past the expiration date, and then converts to inactive after that time. The Appraiser Registry system updates at midnight each day to reflect new data received from the States. You may continue to monitor the status on our website (www.asc.gov) by searching for the name under the National Registries, then Find an Appraiser, and use one of the available queries.

NOT ON THE APPRAISER REGISTRY
HUD uses the Appraiser Registry to verify an appraiser’s license information.You should check your license information on the Appraiser Registry. When you enter your information on the HUD/FHA site, your name, credential number, license type, and expiration date must MATCH EXACTLY as it is listed on the Appraiser Registry, regardless of what your paper credential shows. If you determine your information on the Appraiser Registry is incorrect, contact your State Appraiser Regulatory Agency. The ASC cannot change your information on the Appraiser Registry.

Many times an appraiser receives their new appraiser credential prior to it being listed on the Appraiser Registry. HUD will not accept the new information until it is listed on the Appraiser Registry. The Appraiser Registry data submissions are not always performed in real time. Federal law and ASC Policy require each State to provide submissions at least monthly. It may take up to 30-35 days for information pertaining to an appraiser’s new license or certificate to appear on our website. In recognition of the fact that updates are not always performed in real time the status for all existing appraisers will remain active for 30 days past the expiration date, and then will convert to inactive after that time. The Appraiser Registry system updates at midnight each day to reflect new data received from the States. You may continue to monitor the status on our website (www.asc.gov) by searching for the name under the National Registries tab and using one of the available queries.

What is changed in Title XI?

The ASC of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) was created on August 9, 1989, pursuant to Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (Title XI). The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act) mandates sweeping changes that will have significant impact on various participants in mortgage lending and banking including; federal agencies, appraisers, State appraiser regulatory programs, appraisal management companies, and consumers.

An unofficial ASC staff version of Title XI can be found here. The full text of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is available at this link.

Where do I go to get help with customary and reasonable fees?

The appropriate agency to receive your concern about a creditor's compliance with the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), including the requirement for the creditor or the creditor's agent (includes AMCs) to pay an appraiser a customary and reasonable fee, is the agency that enforces TILA with respect to the creditor.

For a Federally insured credit union, the National Credit Union Administration is the appropriate agency.

For insured depository institutions of more than $10 billion and their affiliates, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is the appropriate agency.

For insured depository institutions of $10 billion or less, there are two websites to find the federal regulator for a creditor:

For other non-depository institutions, the appropriate agency to receive the complaint is the CFPB or the Federal Trade Commission.

If the concern regards payment of customary and reasonable appraisal fees is related to a specific appraisal assignment or assignments, you can also contact the State appraisal board or agency in which the property or properties are located to find out if they have enacted appraisal laws and/or regulations that address your concern.

Where do I direct questions related to GSEs?

Questions or inquiries related to appraisal standards established by the GSEs should be addressed to one of the following:
Freddie Mac
Fannie Mae
Federal Housing Finance Agency

Who do I contact regarding my questions or concerns about the Universal Appraisal Dataset (UAD) or the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP)?

Both the UAD and UCDP are components of the Uniform Mortgage Data Program and are jointly established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the direction of their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to provide common requirements for appraisal and loan delivery data. All questions or concerns regarding the UAD or UCDP should be directed to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, whichever government-sponsored enterprise is purchasing the loan.