An Oregon real estate license background check is required for each application for licensure.
Oregon grants real estate licenses individually and does not provide a complete list of circumstances likely to prevent licensure. While some individuals may be denied licensure, the law does not list specific criminal offenses or other circumstances that would prevent a person from receiving a license. However, failure to disclose criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings are grounds for denying a license. If you have a criminal history, are a convicted felon, or have a legal history that indicates you are “less than trustworthy,” we encourage you to contact the Oregon Real Estate Agency, Licensing Division at (503) 378-4170 before enrollment in our courses. However, agency staff may or may not tell you whether or not a specific circumstance would prohibit you from obtaining a license without completing the background check application process. Having a criminal or otherwise adverse history does not automatically prevent a person from getting a license. In these cases, the Agency must review your license application, which will delay the process. The Agency will contact you if further information is necessary to complete the review.
Required Disclosures
All felony and misdemeanor convictions must be disclosed. All arrests that have not been adjudicated must be disclosed. Offenses include major traffic violations such as DUI, reckless driving, fleeing from or attempting to elude a police officer, and driving while suspended. “Convictions” include a guilty or “no contest” plea, a verdict of guilty by a judge or jury, or a forfeiture of bail. All convictions and arrests must be disclosed whether or not they were later dismissed, whether or not a diversion program was completed, and whether or not they occurred when you were a minor. Do not assume that a criminal record does not exist. The Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) keep criminal information on record for 30 years or more.
You must disclose if you are the subject of administrative proceedings, including investigations, sanctions, hearings, or other disciplinary actions by any administrative agency. The Agency processes your name through a nationwide data bank containing regulatory disciplinary actions. You are required to disclose specific civil and financial issues, including any adverse judgments against you related to a real property matter, all unsatisfied judgments, or bankruptcies. Each application requiring further review is evaluated individually. The purpose of the background check is to determine your current fitness to receive a license.
Additional Information Request
Any additional information requested by the Agency relating to employment and references must get submitted promptly. Positive information concerning your employment or business activity since the issues in question may prove crucial in determining whether or not a license will be granted.
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