When you work with a real estate professional in Ontario, you are protected by a regulatory system. The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) maintains a public register of every individual and brokerage that is licensed to trade in real estate. Checking this register before you engage an agent gives you a clear picture of their current status, any conditions on their licence, and whether they have ever been disciplined. This page explains exactly how to perform that check and what the results mean for you.
What the RECO public register contains
The RECO register is a searchable database that lists every registered real estate salesperson, broker, and brokerage in Ontario. For each individual, you can see their full name, licence number, registration status (active, suspended, or expired), the brokerage they are currently affiliated with, and the date their licence was first issued. You can also see any conditions placed on their registration, such as restrictions on the type of transactions they may handle or a requirement to work under supervision.
The register also shows disciplinary history. If an agent has been found guilty of misconduct by RECO’s Discipline Committee, that information will appear in their record. This includes the nature of the violation, the penalty imposed (such as a fine, suspension, or mandatory education), and the date of the decision. Not every complaint leads to a discipline finding, but the register is the only official source for confirmed disciplinary actions.
How to search the register step by step
Go to the RECO website and locate the “Public Register” section. You do not need to create an account or pay a fee. You can search by an individual’s name, licence number, or brokerage name. For the most reliable results, use the exact spelling of the agent’s name as it appears on their business card or website. If you have their licence number, that is the fastest route. The search will return a list of matching records; click on the agent’s name to view their full profile.
Once you open the profile, check the “Registration Status” field. It should say “Active.” If it says “Suspended” or “Expired,” the agent is not currently allowed to trade in real estate. Next, look at the “Brokerage” field. The brokerage name listed here must match the brokerage the agent tells you they work for. If there is a mismatch, ask the agent to explain. Finally, scroll to the “Discipline History” section. If it is blank, that means no disciplinary findings have been recorded. If there is an entry, read the summary to understand what happened and whether it affects your decision to work with that agent.
What to do if the register shows a problem
If the agent’s status is “Suspended” or “Expired,” do not proceed with that person. In Ontario, it is illegal for an unregistered individual to trade in real estate, and you would have no recourse through RECO’s insurance or compensation fund if something goes wrong. If the status is “Active” but there is a condition on the licence, ask the agent directly what the condition means and how it affects their ability to represent you. Conditions are often temporary and may not prevent the agent from doing their job, but you should understand the situation before signing any agreement.
If the register shows a disciplinary history, read the details carefully. Some violations are minor (such as a late filing) and may not indicate a pattern of poor conduct. Others, such as fraud or failure to disclose a conflict of interest, are serious. You can also contact RECO’s consumer inquiry line to ask whether any complaints are currently being investigated against that agent. RECO will not disclose details of an ongoing investigation, but they can confirm whether a file is open. Use this information alongside your own judgment and any references the agent provides.
For additional context, review Best Realtor London.
Frequently asked questions
Is checking the RECO register the same as verifying a REALTOR membership?
No. RECO registers all licensed real estate professionals in Ontario, regardless of whether they are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). A REALTOR is a member of CREA and must follow a code of ethics, but they still need a valid RECO registration to trade. Checking the RECO register confirms they are legally allowed to work; checking the REALTOR designation tells you they have agreed to additional ethical standards.
How often is the RECO register updated?
The register is updated in real time when RECO processes a change, such as a new registration, a renewal, or a disciplinary order. However, there may be a short delay of a few business days between a change occurring and it appearing in the public search. If you check an agent’s status and it shows “Active,” you can generally rely on that information as current.
Can I check a brokerage’s registration, or only individual agents?
You can search for both. The register includes all registered brokerages in Ontario. Searching for a brokerage will show its status, its designated broker, and any conditions or disciplinary history. This is useful if you are considering working with a smaller firm and want to confirm it is properly licensed.