Virginia Law

Part II. Entry

18VAC130-20-20. Requirement for registration for business entities.

A. All business entities providing appraisal services must register with the board by completing an application furnished by the board.

1. Partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies must be registered with the State Corporation Commission.

2. Business entities trading under a fictitious name must be authorized to conduct business in accordance with Chapter 5 (§ 59.1-69 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia.

3. Applicants must provide a physical address.

B. Every business entity providing appraisal services must provide the name and license number of a board licensee who must serve as the contact person for the board.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2013 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR583-01-03 § 2.1, eff. April 15, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 31, Issue 20, eff. August 1, 2015; Volume 36, Issue 15, eff. May 1, 2020; Volume 42, Issue 9, eff. January 14, 2026.

18VAC130-20-30. General qualifications for licensure.

Every applicant to the board for a certified general, certified residential, or licensed residential real estate appraiser license must meet the following qualifications:

1. The applicant must meet the current educational and experience requirements and submit a license application to the department or its agent prior to the time the applicant is approved to take the licensing examination.

2. The applicant must sign, as part of the application, a statement verifying that the applicant has read and understands the Virginia real estate appraiser license law and the regulations of the board.

3. The applicant must report any action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction against a professional or occupational license, certification, or registration issued to the applicant, to include any suspension, revocation, or surrender of a license, certification, or registration, imposition of a monetary penalty, or requirement to take remedial education or other corrective action. The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant for any prior action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction. The applicant has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

4. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant must disclose the following information:

a. All misdemeanor convictions involving fraudulent or dishonest acts, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury within five years of the date of the application; and

b. All felony convictions.

The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

5. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

6. The applicant must have successfully completed minimum education standards established by the Appraiser Qualifications Board in its January 2022 Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria. The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria and Interpretations of the Criteria, effective January 1, 2022, are incorporated by reference. For applications received on or after January 1, 2026, the applicant must have successfully completed the minimum education standards established by the Appraiser Qualifications Board in its January 2026 Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria. The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria, effective January 1, 2026, are incorporated by reference.

7. The applicant must, as part of the application for licensure, verify the applicant's experience in the field of real estate appraisal.

a. All applicants must submit, upon application, sample appraisal reports as specified by the board.

(1) All experience must be acquired within the five-year period immediately preceding the date application is made and be supported by adequate written reports or file memoranda, which must be made available to the board upon request.

(2) The board, at its discretion, may extend the five-year period for applicants who have suffered serious personal illness or injury, death in the immediate family, obligation of military service or service in the Peace Corps, or for other good cause of similar magnitude approved by the board. Documentation of these circumstances must be provided to the board.

b. Experience requirements.

(1) Fee and staff appraisals. To qualify for fee and staff appraiser experience, an individual must have prepared written appraisal reports that comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and demonstrate competence in the act or process of valuation of real property or preparing an appraisal report.

(2) Ad valorem experience. Ad valorem tax appraisal experience may be obtained either through individual property appraisals or through mass appraisals as long as applicants under this category of experience can demonstrate the use of techniques to value real property similar to those being used by fee and staff appraisers and the effective utilization of the appraisal process.

(a) To qualify for ad valorem tax appraisal experience for individual property appraisals, an individual must have prepared written appraisal reports that comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. An applicant claiming only ad valorem tax appraisal experience must also include a fee and staff appraiser assignment as part of the application.

(b) To qualify for ad valorem tax appraisal experience for mass appraisals, an individual must have prepared mass appraisals or have documented mass appraisal reports that comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, including Standard 6.

(c) To qualify for ad valorem tax appraisal experience, the applicant's experience log must be attested to by the applicant's supervisor.

(3) Reviewer experience. Reviewer experience must not constitute more than 1,000 hours of total experience claimed, and at least 50% of the review experience claimed must be in field review wherein the individual has personally inspected the real property that is the subject of the review.

(a) To qualify for reviewer experience, an individual must have prepared written reports after January 30, 1989, recommending the acceptance, revision, or rejection of the fee and staff appraiser's opinions that comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, including Standard 3.

(b) Signing as "Review Appraiser" on an appraisal report prepared by another will not qualify an individual for experience in the reviewer category. Experience gained in this capacity will be considered under the cosigner subcategory of fee and staff appraiser experience.

(4) Real estate consulting experience. To qualify for real estate consulting experience, an individual must have prepared written reports that comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Real estate consulting must not constitute more than 500 hours of experience for any type of appraisal license.

c. Experience hours.

(1) The applicant for a licensed residential real estate appraiser license must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of appraisal experience obtained in no fewer than six months. Hours may be treated as cumulative in order to achieve the necessary 1,000 hours of appraisal experience.

(2) The applicant for a certified residential real estate appraiser license must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of appraisal experience obtained in no fewer than 12 months. Hours may be treated as cumulative in order to achieve the necessary 1,500 hours of appraisal experience.

(3) The applicant for a certified general real estate appraiser license must have a minimum of 3,000 hours of appraisal experience obtained in no fewer than 18 months. Hours may be treated as cumulative in order to achieve the necessary 3,000 hours of appraisal experience. At least 50% of the appraisal experience required (1,500 hours) must be in nonresidential appraisal assignments and include assignments that demonstrate the use and understanding of the income approach. An applicant whose nonresidential appraisal experience is predominately in such properties that do not require the use of the income approach may satisfy this requirement by performing two or more appraisals on properties in association with a certified general appraiser that include the use of the income approach. The applicant must provide evidence that the applicant has substantially contributed to the development of the income approach in such reports.

(4) Applicants completing a Licensed Residential Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) Program will receive credit for:

(a) 100% of the experience required by board regulations as a condition of licensure as a licensed residential real estate appraiser;

(b) 67% of the experience required by board regulations as a condition of licensure as a certified residential real estate appraiser; or

(c) 33% of the experience required by board regulations as a condition of licensure as a certified general real estate appraiser.

(5) Applicants completing a Certified Residential PAREA Program will receive credit for:

(a) 100% of the experience required by board regulations as a condition of licensure as a licensed residential real estate appraiser or certified residential real estate appraiser; or

(b) 50% of the experience required by board regulations as a condition of licensure as a certified general real estate appraiser.

8. Applicants must pass the board-approved examination within 24 months of being approved to take the examination.

9. Applicants for licensure who do not meet the requirements set forth in subdivisions 3 and 4 of this section may be approved for licensure following consideration of their application by the board.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2013 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR583-01-03 § 2.2, eff. April 15, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 14, Issue 10, eff. March 4, 1998; Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008; Errata, 25:15 VA.R. 2804 March 30, 2009; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2015; Volume 31, Issue 20, eff. August 1, 2015; Volume 33, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 2017; Volume 35, Issue 1, eff. November 1, 2018; Volume 38, Issue 6, eff. December 8, 2021; Volume 40, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2024; Volume 42, Issue 9, eff. January 14, 2026.

18VAC130-20-40. Qualifications for licensure by reciprocity.

Every applicant to the board for a license by reciprocity must meet the following qualifications:

1. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

2. The applicant must, as part of the application, verify that the applicant has read and understands Virginia real estate appraiser license law and the regulations of the board.

3. The applicant must report any action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction against a professional or occupational license, certification, or registration issued to the applicant, to include any suspension, revocation, or surrender of a license, certification, or registration, imposition of a monetary penalty, or requirement to take remedial education or other corrective action. The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant for any prior action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction. The applicant has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

4. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant must disclose the following information:

a. All misdemeanor convictions involving fraudulent or dishonest acts, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury within five years of the date of the application; and

b. All felony convictions.

The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

5. Applicants for licensure who do not meet the requirements set forth in subdivisions 3 and 4 of this section may be approved for licensure following consideration by the board.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2013 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR583-01-03 § 2.3, eff. April 15, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; Volume 42, Issue 9, eff. January 14, 2026.

18VAC130-20-50. Qualifications for temporary licensure.

A. An individual who is currently licensed or certified as a real estate appraiser in another jurisdiction may obtain a temporary Virginia real estate appraiser's license as required by § 1121 of the Federal Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 USC § 1811).

B. The appraiser's permanent certification or license issued by another state will be recognized as equivalent to a Virginia license provided that:

1. The appraiser's business is of a temporary nature and is limited to one specific assignment not to exceed 12 months. A specific assignment may include multiple properties. The temporary assignment must be complete prior to the expiration date of the permanent certification or license issued by another state.

2. The applicant must, as part of the application, verify that the applicant has read and understands the Virginia real estate appraiser license law and the regulations of the board.

3. The applicant must report any action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction against a professional or occupational license, certification, or registration issued to the applicant, to include any suspension, revocation, or surrender of a license, certification, or registration, imposition of a monetary penalty, or requirement to take remedial education or other corrective action. The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant for any prior action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction. The applicant has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

4. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant must disclose the following information:

a. All misdemeanor convictions involving fraudulent or dishonest acts, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury within five years of the date of the application; and

b. All felony convictions.

The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

5. Applicants for licensure who do not meet the requirements set forth in subdivisions 3 and 4 of this section may be approved for licensure following consideration by the board.

C. Applicants for temporary licensure must verify the information described in subsections A and B of this section on an application form provided by the board. A temporary license cannot be renewed. More than one temporary license may be issued per year.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2013 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR583-01-03 § 2.4, eff. April 15, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; Volume 42, Issue 9, eff. January 14, 2026.

18VAC130-20-60. Qualifications for licensure as an appraiser trainee.

An applicant for licensure as an appraiser trainee must meet the following educational requirements in addition to those set forth in subdivisions 1 through 5 and 9 of 18VAC130-20-30.

1. Within the five-year period immediately preceding application for licensure, the applicant must have successfully completed 75 hours of approved real estate appraisal courses from accredited colleges, universities, or junior and community colleges; adult distributive or marketing education programs; local, state, or federal government agencies, boards, or commissions; proprietary schools; or real estate appraisal or real estate related organizations. The classroom hours must include the 15-Hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice course.

2. Complete an Appraiser Qualifications Board approved course specifically oriented to the requirements and responsibilities of supervising appraisers and appraiser trainees.

3. There is no experience requirement for the appraiser trainee classification.

4. Responsibilities of supervising appraisers.

a. The appraiser trainee must be subject to direct supervision by a supervising appraiser who completed an Appraiser Qualifications Board approved course specifically oriented to the requirements and responsibilities of supervising appraisers and appraiser trainees, has been state certified for at least three years, is in good standing, and has not been subject to any disciplinary action within the last three years that affects the supervising appraiser's legal eligibility to engage in appraisal practice.

b. The supervising appraiser must be responsible for the training and direct supervision of the appraiser trainee by:

(1) Accepting responsibility for the appraisal report by signing and certifying the report is in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;

(2) Reviewing the appraiser trainee appraisal reports; and

(3) Personally inspecting each appraised property with the appraiser trainee until the supervising appraiser determines the appraiser trainee is competent in accordance with the Competency Provision of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice for the property type.

c. The appraiser trainee is permitted to have more than one supervising appraiser, but a supervising appraiser may not supervise more than three trainees at one time, unless a state program in the licensing jurisdiction provides for progress monitoring, supervising certified appraiser qualifications, and supervision and oversight requirements for supervising appraisers.

d. An appraisal experience log must be maintained jointly by the supervising appraiser and the appraiser trainee. It is the responsibility of both the supervising appraiser and the appraiser trainee to ensure the appraisal experience log is accurate, current, and complies with the board's requirements. At a minimum, the appraisal log requirements are (i) type of property, (ii) date of report, (iii) address of appraised property, (iv) description of work performed by the appraiser trainee and scope of the review and supervision of the supervising appraiser, (v) number of actual work hours by the appraiser trainee on the assignment, and (vi) the signature and state certification number of the supervising appraiser. Separate appraisal logs must be maintained for each supervising appraiser, if applicable.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2013 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR583-01-03 § 2.5, eff. April 15, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; Volume 24, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2008; Volume 29, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2013; Volume 31, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2015; Volume 42, Issue 9, eff. January 14, 2026.

18VAC130-20-70. Requirement for the certification of appraisal education instructors.

Pursuant to the mandate of Title 11 of the Federal Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 and § 54.1-2013 of the Code of Virginia, instructors teaching prelicense educational offerings who are not employed or contracted by accredited colleges, universities, junior and community colleges, adult distributive, or marketing education programs are required to be certified by the board. All Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice courses taught for prelicense and continuing education credit must be taught by instructors certified by the Appraiser Qualifications Board.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2013 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR583-01-03 § 2.6, eff. April 15, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; Volume 24, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2008; Volume 42, Issue 9, eff. January 14, 2026.

18VAC130-20-80. Qualifications for the certification of pre-licensure instructors.

The applicant for certification as a pre-licensure instructor must have:

1. A baccalaureate degree in real estate, economics, finance, or business and have satisfied the state appraisal licensing educational requirements for the level being instructed;

2. A current certified residential or certified general appraisal license appropriate for the level being instructed and two years of experience as an instructor or teacher at the secondary or post-secondary level; or

3. Seven years of active experience acquired in the appraisal field in the past 10 years, an appraisal license that has been in good standing for at least two years, and a current certified residential or certified general appraisal license appropriate for the level being instructed.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2013, 54.1-2014 and 54.1-2016 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR583-01-03 § 2.7, eff. April 15, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 42, Issue 9, eff. January 14, 2026.

18VAC130-20-90. Application and registration fees.

All fees are nonrefundable and will not be prorated.

1. Application fees for registrations, certificates, and licenses are as follows:

2. The fee for examination or reexamination is subject to contracted charges to the department by an outside vendor. These contracts are competitively negotiated and bargained for in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Fees may be adjusted and charged to the candidate in accordance with this contract.

3. An $80 National Registry fee assessment for all permanent license applicants is to be assessed of each applicant in accordance with § 1109 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 USC §§ 3331 through 3351). This fee may be adjusted and charged to the applicant in accordance with the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act. If the applicant fails to qualify for licensure, then this assessment fee will be refunded.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-2013 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR583-01-03 § 2.8, eff. April 15, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 13, Issue 8, eff. March 1, 1997; Volume 14, Issue 10, eff. March 4, 1998; Volume 28, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 2012; Volume 29, Issue 4, eff. January 1, 2013; Volume 31, Issue 20, eff. August 1, 2015; Volume 34, Issue 9, eff. February 1, 2018; Volume 42, Issue 9, eff. January 14, 2026.