Before handing over a deposit, signing a purchase promise or letting someone into your home, it is worth checking that the agent is who they say they are and holds a current license. In Mexico licensing is regulated by each state, not the federal government, so where to check depends on where the agent works.
Step 1: ask for their full name and license number
A licensed agent should have no problem giving you their full name, license or registration number and the state that issued it. In Baja California the law lets agents advertise as "Professional Real-Estate Agent with State License"; in Baja California Sur the law requires agents to put their license number on each transaction's documents.
Step 2: look them up in their state's official registry
| State | Official registry | License mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Baja California | REAPI (SEI) | Yes |
| Baja California Sur | RAPI (SETUE) | Yes |
| Sinaloa | State Registry of Real-Estate Agents | Yes |
| Chihuahua | State Registry of Real-Estate Licenses | Yes |
| Guanajuato | Registry of Real-Estate Agents | Voluntary registration |
| Jalisco | Padrón Único Inmobiliario (SEDECO) | Voluntary registration |
| Tabasco | REDAIT | Voluntary registration |
Multilistado copies these seven public registries daily, so you can search any agent by name or number in one place. Each profile shows only what the state publishes (name, number, validity, city) and links to the official source.
Where registration is voluntary, not being listed does not mean the person is acting illegally; it means you should ask for other references.
Step 3: check that the details match
- Name: it should match their official ID.
- Validity: the license should not be expired. In Baja California it lasts 3 years; in BCS, 3 years with a yearly renewal.
- Type: whether they are an agent (individual), an agency (company) or an advisor working under an agency's license.
- Contact: if the registry publishes a phone or email, compare them with the ones the agent gave you.
Step 4: red flags
- They ask for the deposit in cash or to a personal account without a receipt.
- They push you to sign "today" or to reserve a presale without a contract.
- They don't want the closing to take place before a notary.
- Their name is missing from the registry of a state where the license is mandatory, or shows as "no longer listed".
If something doesn't add up, confirm directly with the state office. In Baja California and BCS, notaries must verify the agent's license before formalizing the deal.
If you are an agent
Your registry profile already exists on Multilistado. Claim it for free so buyers see your identity is verified, add your listings and receive leads: search your name in Baja California or Baja California Sur, or see the MLS for agents.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I verify an agent's license in Baja California?
In REAPI's public registry: agentesinmobiliarios.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/padron. You can also search by name or number at multilistado.mx/registro, which copies the official registries daily.
What if my state publishes no registry?
Ask the agent for their license or certificate and confirm with the state office or the association they claim to belong to. In states without a licensing law, check ID, track record and references.