Will I Pass the TREC Background Check? How to Find Out
About the Author: Nicole Schnell
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) oversees Texas real estate professionals and sets the standards for education and licensure. To get a real estate agent license in Texas, you must pass a fingerprint-based TREC background check. We’ll cover all you need to know about it, including what will keep you from passing and how you can confirm your clearance in advance.
Why Does TREC Require a Background Check?
TREC requires all applicants to submit their fingerprints and pass a background check before they will issue a real estate agent license. This ensures all licensed agents meet their standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. It also protects TREC, its licensed agents, and the profession as a whole by establishing a consistent standard of qualifications.
How Do I Schedule It?
Go to the TREC website to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGo. The FBI will only accept fingerprints on file with the Texas DPS. If you submitted them for any reason outside of the DPS, they will not be accepted and you’ll need to make this appointment.
What Will Keep Me from Passing the TREC Background Check?
First, having an issue in your history does not automatically mean you will be denied. TREC will consider multiple factors about the circumstances before making a decision on your eligibility for a license, including but not limited to the extent of your history, your age when it occurred, the time elapsed, and the activity since the event. These are some of the reasons that may cause your background check to get denied:
- Unpaid judgments
- Disciplinary actions against you related to other licenses
- Performing unlicensed activities
In addition to the above, if you have any prior criminal offenses from the list below, your background check may be denied:
- Fraud, misrepresentation, or deception
- Forgery, falsification of records, or perjury
- Bribery, kickbacks, or other forms of illegal compensation
- Offenses against persons, others’ real or personal property, or public administration
- Embezzlement or conversion of others’ real or personal property without lawful authorization
- Acts involving moral turpitude
- Sexual offenses (Chapter 21, Texas Penal Code)
- Required sex offender registration (Chapter 62, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure)
- Manufacturing, delivering, or intending to deliver controlled substances
- Attempts or conspiracies to commit any listed offenses
- Assisting in the commission of a listed offense
- Multiple criminal convictions or a pattern of criminal offenses
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
If you have any of the above, you’ll need to submit a Background History Form with your license application or Fitness Determination (which we’ll talk about next).
Concerns? Request a Fitness Determination
Prospective agents typically start their required education courses before doing the background check. If you’re concerned about passing the background check, consider doing a Fitness Determination (FD) test to confirm your eligibility before starting the license application process. This will save you time and money, allowing you to fix any issues before buying your courses and paying the application and exam fees.
Keep in mind that this is not a full background check and is only based on the information you give them. Provide as much info as you can about your history and what concerns you, including older offenses and dismissed cases. Submit any supporting documents with your FD form and a $52 nonrefundable fee through TREC’s portal. You can expect to receive a response from TREC within 30 days.
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