Appraiser License Verification Policy

Appraiser Guru™ by Tarnwick LLC · Version 1.0 · Last Updated: September 2026

1. Purpose

Tarnwick™ requires all users to hold or have held a valid residential appraiser license. This policy explains how Tarnwick verifies appraiser credentials and what happens if verification fails. Verification ensures platform integrity and protects all users.

2. Why Verification Is Required

  • To confirm that users are qualified appraisers, active or formerly active
  • To determine eligibility for an active appraiser account
  • To comply with USPAP and state regulatory requirements regarding who may prepare appraisal reports
  • To ensure that only licensed appraisers contribute data to the Comp Pool
  • To protect lenders, borrowers, and the public who rely on appraisal data

3. The ASC National Registry

The Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council maintains the National Registry of licensed and certified appraisers. The Registry is the authoritative source for appraiser credential verification across all U.S. states and territories.

Registry URL: https://www.asc.gov/national-registry

Tarnwick queries the ASC Registry to verify: name, license number, state of licensure, license type, and current status.

3.1 Two-Layer Verification

Tarnwick employs a two-layer verification process.

Layer 1 — License Verification (Account Creation). At account creation, Tarnwick verifies the applicant's appraiser license status through the ASC National Registry. This determines eligibility for an active appraiser account and is required before any platform access is granted.

Layer 2 — Identity Verification (Data Sharing Pool Eligibility). Before joining the Data Sharing Pool, members must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity. This confirms that the person operating the Tarnwick account is the same individual identified on the appraiser license. This verification requires a government-issued photo ID and is processed entirely by Stripe — Tarnwick receives only a pass/fail result and verification date.

Layer 1 is required for all accounts. Layer 2 is required only for accounts joining the Data Sharing Pool and must be completed before Pool admission.

4. Verification Process

4.1 At Registration

  1. User provides full legal name, state of licensure, and license number
  2. Tarnwick queries the ASC National Registry
  3. System matches name, license number, and state
  4. Result determines account type

4.2 Account Type Determination

Account eligibility is determined by the status the ASC Registry returns:

  • Active — Active Appraiser account. Full platform access: create reports and upload data.
  • Inactive — Not eligible for an active appraiser account; no alternative account type is currently offered.
  • Expired — Not eligible for an active appraiser account; no alternative account type is currently offered.
  • Retired — Not eligible for an active appraiser account; no alternative account type is currently offered.
  • Voluntarily Surrendered (good standing) — Not eligible for an active appraiser account; no alternative account type is currently offered.
  • Revoked — Not eligible. Account denied.
  • Suspended — Not eligible. Account denied.
  • Surrendered (disciplinary) — Not eligible. Account denied.

4.3 Verification Timeline

  • Automated verification: typically completed within minutes during registration
  • Manual verification, if the automated match fails: 3-5 business days
  • Tarnwick will notify the applicant of the verification result by email

5. What Happens If Verification Fails

If the ASC Registry does not return a match for the provided information:

(a) The applicant is notified of the mismatch

(b) The applicant may correct their information and resubmit, for example a name spelling or a license number typo

(c) If the information is correct but the Registry does not show a match, the applicant may submit documentation directly (see Appeals)

Common reasons for verification failure: a name change not yet reflected in the Registry, a recent license issuance not yet in the Registry, a data entry error by the applicant, or a state board processing delay.

6. Ongoing Verification

Tarnwick may re-verify license status periodically, at least annually. If an Active Appraiser's license expires, lapses, or is revoked:

(a) The user is notified by email

(b) For expiration or lapse: a 30-day grace period to renew, then account suspension

(c) For revocation or suspension: immediate account suspension pending review

7. Appeals Process

Applicants who are denied or downgraded may appeal by submitting:

(a) A written appeal to info@tarnwick.com within 30 days of the decision

(b) Supporting documentation: a copy of the license, a state board letter, or other official proof of status

Tarnwick will review appeals within 10 business days.

Appeal outcomes: approved, with the account created or restored; denied, with an explanation; or a request for additional documentation.

Final decisions may be escalated by contacting info@tarnwick.com.

8. Data Handling

  • License verification data — license number, name, state, and status — is stored only for the duration of the account
  • Tarnwick does not store the full ASC Registry response
  • See the Privacy Policy for full data handling details

9. Contact

  • Verification issues: info@tarnwick.com
  • Appeals: info@tarnwick.com
  • Privacy: info@tarnwick.com

End of Policy