Canadian · Professional Licensing
RECO registration lookup.
Every salesperson, broker, and brokerage trading in real estate in Ontario must be registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act. Here's what a RECO ID looks like, why you'd check one before a purchase or listing, and a direct link to RECO's own live Registrant Search.
Important, up front: RECO has never published a check-digit algorithm for its registration numbers. It's an assigned identifier, not a self-checking one. This page explains the format and links straight to RECO's own registrant search — it does not and cannot confirm someone's registration status on its own.
What a RECO ID is
A RECO registration number (RECO ID) is a numeric identifier assigned to every registered salesperson, broker, and brokerage in Ontario. There's no fixed length or check digit — it's simply RECO's internal registrant number. You'll usually find it on:
- A listing agreement, offer, or agency disclosure form
- A realtor's business card or email signature
- A brokerage's website or "For Sale" sign
A number that looks plausible tells you nothing about whether the person is currently registered — only RECO's own search can confirm that.
Verify a realtor's license
Search by salesperson/broker name, brokerage name, category and city, or RECO ID directly. Results show current registration status, and you can switch to search unregistered or formerly registered individuals and brokerages going back 10 years.
Why you'd check a RECO ID
The most common reasons: confirming a salesperson or broker is actually registered before signing a buyer/seller representation agreement, checking a brokerage's registration before listing a home, verifying no active discipline or charges before trusting a large transaction, and catching an unregistered person illegally trading in real estate.
What the Registrant Search actually shows
RECO's search returns current registration status, category (salesperson, broker, or brokerage), and any charges or disciplinary action from the last 60 months. Switching to the unregistered/formerly-registered search also shows whether someone lapsed, voluntarily terminated, or had their registration revoked within the past 10 years.
Frequently asked questions
What does a RECO ID look like?
A plain number with no letters and no published check digit. There's no way to tell from the number alone whether it's genuine.
Can I validate a RECO ID without visiting the registrant search?
No. RECO has never published a checksum formula for its registration numbers, so there's no offline way to confirm one. The Registrant Search is the only authoritative source.
What's the difference between "lapsed," "voluntarily terminated," and "revoked"?
Lapsed means the person or brokerage didn't renew their registration. Voluntarily terminated means they chose to end it mid-cycle. Revoked means RECO took the registration away, typically following discipline.
Format explainer only — not a verification tool
This page describes what a RECO registration number is and looks like. It does not check anyone's registration status, and nothing you might type here is transmitted anywhere. Use the official RECO Registrant Search linked above to confirm a salesperson, broker, or brokerage is currently registered.