Board of Real Estate Appraisers

Welcome to the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers

The Board of Real Estate Appraisers makes every effort to include on this website all relevant information pertaining to the licensing and regulation of Real Estate Appraisers and Appraisal Management Companies.

Attention Appraisal Management Companies

Beginning August 30, 2019, Montana will be joining other states participating in the Appraisal Management Company (AMC) national registry. The registry is maintained by the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (ASC). This registry is required by federal rule and implements a new AMC registry fee formula. The state of Montana AMC renewal fee of $1,000 remains in place.

Starting with the 2019 renewal cycle, AMC renewals will be submitted online at EBIZ.MT.GOV/POL. By renewing online your AMC panel list can be maintained for future renewals. Click here to learn more about the new AMC national registry process and online AMC renewal instructions.

The Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers is available to answer questions regarding the AMC national registry. Please contact Executive Officer Sharon Peterson (406) 841-2375 or SPETERSON@MT.GOV for more information.

If you have questions regarding the general renewal process, please contact our Customer Service team at (406) 444-6880 or by email at DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV.

Fingerprint-Based Background Check Fee Increased

On March 1, 2019, the Montana Department of Justice increased the fee for a Federal Fingerprint-Based Check to $30.00 for background checks conducted for pre-employment, employment and, licensing purposes.

The background check and fee, includes the Montana WIN check, as required by the FBI. Statutory authority is required to conduct these checks.

Please contact the Montana Department of Justice at (406) 444-3625 for more information regarding this fee change.

Attention: New Administrative Rules in effect on January 12, 2019

Please click on the Regulations tab.

Summary of Changes

The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria

Please click on the License Information tab for the license requirements for each level of real estate appraiser license.

ATTENTION LICENSEES NEW LAW IN EFFECT JULY 1, 2015

The Board of Real Estate Appraisers makes every effort to include on this website all relevant information pertaining to the licensing and regulation of real estate appraisers and appraisal management companies in Montana.

Thank you for your interest in contacting the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers.

If you are already licensed, have applied for a license, are about to apply for a license, or are renewing your license from the Board of Real Estate Appraisers:

Professional Licensing Customer Service:

(406) 444-6880

DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV

If you have scope of practice questions or comments for the Board of Real Estate Appraisers:

Sharon Peterson, Executive Officer

(406) 841-2375

DLIBSDREA@MT.GOV

If you have questions about continuing education:

(406) 444-5696

AUDIT@MT.GOV

If you have questions about filing a complaint against a licensee:

(406) 841-2357

DLIBSDCOMPLAINTS@MT.GOV

Board meetings are usually held several times a year.
Meeting minutes are posted within 3 days of board approval.

In general, Board meetings are open to the public.
There are certain meetings or parts (Screening Panel and Executive Session), which are closed to the public.

Board members are appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation. Members serve 3 year terms with a two term limit per member.

Individual Board Members can be contacted by email at dlibsdrea@mt.gov. In your message please specify which board member you would like to contact. 

For additional contact information and information on board member terms, please visit the Governor’s Office link for Board Members and Councils at http://boards.mt.gov/.

Fiscal Years 2016-2017: Professional and Occupational Licensing Report

All non-routine applications are reviewed by the Board at their regularly scheduled board meetings. The Board only meets four times a year.  If we are unable to process your application in time for the Board meeting, your application may not be reviewed until the next regularly-scheduled Board meeting.  To ensure that your application is reviewed at the earliest available meeting date, please allow at least 45 days from the meeting date for staff to process your complete application received in the Board office.  The schedule of board meetings can be found under the Board Information/Board Meeting tab or on the Events calendar.  

Please utilize the checklists for the list of required documents which must be submitted with each license appilcation type.

For a list of approved qualifying and continuing education, please click on the Education tab.  You must contact the education provider listed next to the course to inquire about availiability of the course.

Exam candidates will be notified of your eligibility to test when the Board has reviewed your application and the required documents.  Do not schedule your exam before you have been made eligible to test.

Results of the Fingerprint Background check will be sent directly to the Board office from the Department of Justice.

The Board utilizes the Montana Appraisal Review Report form to review all appraisal reports.

Ad Valorem Applicant Instructions

Ad Valorem Mass Appraisal Log

• Examination Information:  Please do not schedule your examination with Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) until you have received written confirmation from the Board that your qualifying education and experience have been approved, and you are eligible to test.

• Renewal Dates: Feb. 1 - March 31

• Continuing Education Requirements:
  At every other renewal, licensees shall provide evidence to the board of having completed at least 28 hours of instruction in courses or seminars approved by the board, including the 7 hours National USAP update course. 

To apply for the Licensed Appraiser using the online application please click here.

The following outlines general licensing information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the license application. 

Please review the Checklist for a detailed list of requirements:

Checklist for application by Examination

Checklist for application by Reciprocity

Fingerprint/Background Check Process

• Examination Information:  Please do not schedule your examination with Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) until you have received written confirmation from the Board that your qualifying education and experience have been approved, and you are eligible to test.
   
• Renewal Period: Feb. 1 - March 31.
   
• Continuing Education Requirements:  At every other renewal, licensees shall provide evidence to the board of having completed at least 28 hours of instruction in courses or seminars approved by the board, including the 7 hours National USPAP update course. 

The following outlines general licensing information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the license application. 

Please review the Checklist for a detailed list of requirements:

Checklist for application by Examination

Checklist for application by Reciprocity

Certified Residential Appraiser Additional Required Qualifying Education

Fingerprint/Background Check Process

• Exam Information:  Please do not schedule your examination with Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) until you have received written confirmation from the Board that your qualifying education and experience have been approved, and you are eligible to test.
   
• Renewal Period: Feb. 1 - March 31.
   
• Continuing Education Requirements: At every other renewal, licensees shall provide evidence to the board of having completed at least 28 hours of instruction in courses or seminars approved by the board, including the 7 hours National USAP update course. 

The following outlines general information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the application. 

Please review the Checklist for a list of the requirements:

Checklist for Mentor application
 

The following outlines general licensing information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the license application. 

Please review the Checklist for a detailed list of requirements:

Checklist for Trainee application

Fingerprint/Background Check Process

The following outlines general licensing information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the license application which includes a detailed listing of the requirements.

A. Application Fee: All Fees are Non-Refundable $250.00 Application Fee

B. Renewal Period:
Temporary registration may be awarded for a 6-month period and renewed one time within the 12-month period following the original date on which the temporary registration was issued. If you anticipate having ongoing assignments in the State of Montana you will need to make application for a permanent license.

All of the Statutes and Rules listed here are applicable to this board.

Statutes are laws passed by the Legislature. All changes in statutes must go through the legislative process and be passed into law before they become effective. Title 37, Chapter 1, Part 3 is the Uniform Regulatory Act passed by the Legislature in 1995. All professional and occupational licensing is covered in these statutes.

Administrative Rules pertaining to real estate appraisers are written and adopted by the Real Estate Appraisers Board. The Board writes rules in order to administer the laws over which the Legislature has given the Board authority. Rules can be changed by going through the rule-making procedure. They do not go through the Legislative process. The Real Estate Appraisers Board continuously reviews rules to determine needed changes.

The Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) at this site contain what should be the same text as the official version published by the Office of the Secretary of State. There is a possibility, however, that the content may vary from the official version. In addition, the format has been changed for viewing on this web site. A copy of the official ARM in official format can be obtained from the ARM Bureau of the Office of the Secretary of State, by emailing: SOSARM@mt.gov. A web version of the ARM published by the Secretary of State can be viewed at Secretary of State's Administrative Rules of Montana.

• Chapter 207 - Board of Real Estate Appraisers

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• Chapter 24 - Labor and Industry

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• Chapter 101 - Business Standards Division

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Click here to find rules notices older than one year at the Montana Secretary of State website.

• Title 2 Chapter 15 Part 17 - Board of Real Estate Appraisers

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• Title 37 Chapter 54 - Real Estate Appraisers

General Forms

• Active/Inactive Request Form
• AMC Change of Person(s)
• AMC Change of Ownership Form
• AMC Panel Member Amendment Form
• Fingerprint/Background Check Process
• Experience and Education Log
• Ad Valorem Applicant Instructions
• Ad Valorem Mass Appraisal Log
• Complaint Form
• Complaint Process

Renewal Forms

• Renewal Form
• Online Renewal Application (during renewal period)

License Application Forms

• Licensed Appraiser
• Certified Residential Appraiser
• Certified General Appraiser
• Trainee Application
• Mentor Application
• AMC Application
• Out-of- State Temporary Appraiser Application

Continuing Education Forms

• Continuing Education Course Application
• CE Audit Worksheet
• Approved Continuing and Qualifying Education

The mission of the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers...

In order to meet its mission, the Board is charged with taking appropriate action for unprofessional, incompetent, or unlawful practice. You can learn more about the complaint process or file a complaint with the Board here.

Complaints Contact

Beth Murphy, Compliance Specialist
Telephone: (406) 841-2312

E-mail: dlibsdcomplaints@mt.gov

Complaint Form

Complaint Process

The Department is charged with regulating professions and occupations for the protection of the public as a whole. Although the Department does not represent individuals filing complaints, the Department will review complaints in a timely manner to ensure a complaint is processed and that the Board will take appropriate action.

The length of time for resolution of a complaint is impossible to estimate due to the various complexities presented in individual complaints.

The following types of complaints may be filed:

• Unprofessional conduct by a licensee;
• Unprofessional conduct by a license applicant;
• Unlicensed practice of the profession or occupation.

If an individual is unsure of what constitutes unprofessional conduct and needs a description of the various types, reference to Montana statutes and rules will provide an answer. These are found at your local public library or at the appropriate board site on this web page.

Drop Off or Mail to:
"Name of the Board or Program the complaint pertains to"
Business Standards Division
301 South Park, 4th Floor
PO Box 200514
Helena, MT 59620-0514

Business Standards Division

This process is used for the Boards that are administered in the Business Standards Division. 
The various Programs administered in the Division use a similar process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Complaint Process

After a complaint has been filed against a licensed individual...

The Compliance Office will send a letter of acknowledgment to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant), and a letter requesting a response (with a copy of the complaint) to the licensee against whom the complaint was filed.

The Licensee may submit a written response addressing the complaint to the Compliance Office. The process continues whether or not a response is submitted. The Complainant is not entitled to a copy of the response.

The Compliance Office will notify the Licensee and Complainant regarding the date and time of any meeting during which the case will be discussed.

Complaints remain confidential unless a Notice of Proposed Board Action is issued, which is a public document along with all subsequent legal filings.

MEETINGS 
Closed Meeting - During a Closed Meeting only the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or attorneys for either can be in attendance. Minutes of Closed Meetings are not public documents.

Open Meeting - A public meeting which anyone can attend. The minutes of Open meetings are public documents and made available online via the specific Board’s webpage.
(Adjudication Panel meetings are usually open.)

Individuals may attend a meeting in person or by telephone. Please notify this office prior to the meeting if you plan to attend the meeting.

Screening Panel: A committee comprised of members of the Board. The Screening Panel’s function is to determine the preliminary action(s) to take on a complaint. Possible preliminary actions include dismissal, investigation, or a finding of Reasonable Cause.

The complaint and response (if any) are submitted to the Screening Panel members. The Screening Panel meeting is not a hearing, but rather a committee meeting to review and discuss the complaint and response to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

DISMISSAL

If the Screening Panel dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissed with or without prejudice (see definitions below).

Dismissal With Prejudice - The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered by the Screening Panel in the future.

Dismissal Without Prejudice - The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the Screening Panel in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

INVESTIGATION

Only a member of the Screening Panel can request an investigation of a complaint. If an investigation is requested by the Screening Panel, the case is assigned to an investigator who may request an interview with the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or other individuals. Upon completion of the investigation, a written report is submitted to the Screening Panel, which will then determine if there is Reasonable Cause to proceed with disciplinary action.

Reasonable Cause - A finding by the Screening Panel that evidence exists that a violation of statutes and rules has occurred which warrants proceeding with disciplinary action.

If Reasonable Cause is found, the Department Counsel issues a Notice of Proposed Board Action (Notice) to the Licensee. Once a Notice is issued, it is public information. A proposed Stipulation may be included with the Notice.

Notice - A legal document from the Department’s Legal Counsel which sets forth the Department’s factual assertions, the statutes or rules relied upon, and advising the licensee of the right to a hearing.

Stipulation - A tentative agreement for settlement of the case. A Stipulation is not finalized until approved by the Adjudication Panel. 

The Licensee may either sign the Stipulation or contest the proposed action by requesting an administrativeHearing (a legal process before a Hearing Examiner). If the Licensee wishes to request a hearing, written request must be received within twenty (20) days from receipt of the Notice. Failure to either sign a Stipulation or request a hearing within twenty (20) days may result in the issuing of a Final Order of Default against the licensee.

Default - the licensee’s acceptance of the disciplinary action demonstrated by failing to participate in the process

Adjudication Panel - A committee comprised of members of the Board who are  NOT on the Screening Panel. The Adjudication Panel determines the final outcome of a case.

The Adjudication Panel reviews the record to determine appropriate sanctions. A Final Order is issued by the Adjudication Panel, completing the complaint process.

Current license status and information regarding disciplinary action(s) against
a licensee can be accessed online at:
https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/

Department of Labor & Industry - Business Standards Division

PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513

When a complaint or other information is received alleging possible unlicensed practice...

• (If the allegation is not made in the form of a formal written complaint, a complaint form is completed by the Department and a complaint number is assigned.)
• A copy of the complaint and a request for a written response are mailed to the person against whom the complaint was filed (Respondent).
• A written acknowledgment that the complaint has been received is mailed to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant)
• The respondent may submit a letter of response to the complaint. If a written response is not submitted, the complaint process continues without a response.
• The complainant and the respondent are sent written notification of the date, time, and location of any meeting at which the complaint will be discussed.

The Board Meeting

• Unlicensed Practice complaints are addressed by the Full Board in executive session (meaning closed to the public). Board meetings are open to the public unless the chairperson determines an individual’s right to privacy outweighs the public’s right to know. If so, that portion of the meeting will be closed to the public (only the respondent, complainant, and legal counsel for each (if any) may be present).
• The complaint and response (if any) are provided to the board members prior to an upcoming board meeting for their review. The board meeting is not a hearing, but rather a meeting at which the information provided is considered and discussed by the board.

DISMISSAL

• If the board dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissed with or without prejudice.
• Dismissal With Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered in the future.
• Dismissal Without Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the board in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

INVESTIGATION

• The board can request an investigator be assigned to gather additional information surrounding the allegations made in the complaint. This may involve interviews with the respondent, the complainant, and possible witnesses.
• After the investigation has been completed, an investigative report is prepared and presented to the board for consideration at a subsequent meeting.
• Following the board’s review of the investigative report, a determination is made to either dismiss the complaint or take action in the form of a Cease and Desist or an Injunction.

CEASE & DESIST / INJUNCTION

• The board may issue a Cease & Desist or seek an Injunction.
• Cease & Desist–A letter from the administrative agency prohibiting a person or business from doing or continuing to do a certain activity.
• Injunction-A writ granted by a court prohibiting a person or business from doing or continuing to do a certain activity.

For more information, contact DLI Business Standards Division at 406-841-2300

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF LICENSURE VERIFICATION REQUESTS:

1). Licensees for any profession can be verified by using LicenseLookup.mt.gov.
This website provides real-time connectivity to the Business Standards Licensing Database.  There is no charge for this service.

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2). To request an official Montana license verification be sent to another state licensing board, jurisdiction or individual for license confirmation status in the State of Montana. The fee for this is $20.00 per verification requested.

Once the fee and official license verification form are received, the request will be processed and mailed within 5 days.

Approved Qualifying and Continuing Education Courses

Continuing Education Course Application (For Providers)

CE Audit Worksheet

AMC Registration Exemptions

37-54-502. Registration exemptions. (1) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to a person who exclusively employs appraisers on an employer-employee basis for the performance of an appraisal assignment.

(2) An appraisal management company that is a subsidiary owned and controlled by a financial institution that is regulated by a federal financial institution regulatory agency is not required to register with the board but shall comply with all provisions of this chapter, as long as the provisions of this chapter do not conflict with the federal law related to the operation of an appraisal management company in this state.

Appraisal Management Companies

• Title 37 Chapter 54 - Real Estate Appraisers

October 1, 2011: Legislation is effective
Provides licensure and regulation of Real Estate Appraisal Management Companies. For updates please visit www.leg.mt.gov

For AMC Rules Information please join our interested parties list by emailing us at

Attention Appraisal Management Companies

Beginning August 30, 2019, Montana will be joining other states participating in the Appraisal Management Company (AMC) national registry. The registry is maintained by the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (ASC). This registry is required by federal rule and implements a new AMC registry fee formula. The state of Montana AMC renewal fee of $1,000 remains in place.

Starting with the 2019 renewal cycle, AMC renewals will be submitted online at EBIZ.MT.GOV/POL. By renewing online your AMC panel list can be maintained for future renewals. Click here to learn more about the new AMC national registry process and online AMC renewal instructions.

The Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers is available to answer questions regarding the AMC national registry. Please contact Executive Officer Sharon Peterson (406) 841-2375 or SPETERSON@MT.GOV for more information.

If you have questions regarding the general renewal process, please contact our Customer Service team at (406) 444-6880 or by email at DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV.