Earlier this month, the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) released a white paper with independent research exploring whether qualifying education courses and an exam could augment existing federal requirements to become an appraiser. 

The Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) held its February 20, 2026 meeting, where members elected new officers, adopted amendments to key licensing and education rules, and received updates on the agency’s new licensing system, the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal. The Board also began early discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and reviewed proposed national changes that could reshape appraiser qualification pathways.

The Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal, or REALM Portal launched December 15, 2025. It was created to help prospective and current license holders go paperless and apply for or manage real estate licenses all online, 24/7. 

Below are important status updates and guidance related to questions we've received. Updates on pending fixes will be provided when available.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) launched the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal, known as the REALM Portal, on December 15, 2025. Nearly 26,000 REALM Portal accounts have already been created.

As more license holders begin activating accounts, TREC and TALCB are closely monitoring system performance, responding to feedback, and continuing to make improvements.