I receive this question from time to time, so it's time to blog about it.  I'm going to use my own licenses as examples.

In Virginia:

1) Visit the Appraiser section of Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation:

http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/apr_main.cfm

2) Click "License Lookup."

3) Type the last name and zip code in the appropriate fields, and click the checkbox for Real Estate Appraisers (Individuals).  Be sure not click the one just above it (for Real Estate).  They have made it confusing.

So type, "Phillips," and "22310" and check "Real Estate Appraisers Individuals."

4) Click the "Search Licenses" button.

Voila!  You can see the type of license the appraiser holds and other information.

In Washington DC:

I am hoping to add to this section in the future.  Presently, I know of no DC-specific verification.  So use the National search for now.

Nationally:

The Appraisal Subcommittee maintains a list of all U.S. appraisers and the licenses they hold.  To verify an appraiser there, follow these steps:

1) Visit www.asc.gov

2) Click the "National Registry" button.

3) Click "Find an Appraiser."

4) Enter the last name and select the state from the drop-down list, and click the "Search" button.

Try it with "Phillips" and "Virginia."  I should show up on Page 2: "Richard Phillips."

Try it with "Phillips" and "District of Columbia." Hey, I'm the only Phillips in there right now!

Note that the ASC keeps all the old licenses--not sure why.

FHA Roster:

Often, I will receive a request for my "FHA number."  There isn't one.  FHA maintains a list of appraisers who are on their roster of approved appraisers.  To verify that an appraiser is on the roster and approved to perform FHA appraisals, follow these steps:

1) Visit http://www.hud.gov/groups/appraisers.cfm

2) Click the red link for "Check your roster status."

You may narrow the search by state or zip code if you wish.

3) Type in the last name.

4) Click the "Send" button.

Try it with "Virginia" and "Phillips."

Try it with "All States" and "Phillips" and the zip code: "22203"

Note that FHA has my business zip code (22203) rather than my home zip code that Virginia uses (22310).