Managing Broker vs Designated Broker vs Broker of Record
Managing broker, designated broker, broker of record, broker in charge, principal broker, qualifying broker, and employing broker all refer to the same regulatory role — the licensee legally accountable for a brokerage firm's activity in a given state. The statutory title varies by state.
Where each title is used
Illinois and Indiana use managing broker. Arizona, Nevada, and Washington use designated broker. California's corporate licensee names a designated officer. North Carolina and South Carolina use broker in charge for each physical office. Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia use principal broker. Alabama and Georgia use qualifying broker.
Can one person hold this role in multiple states?
Only if they hold an active broker license in each state and meet each state's residency, experience, and supervision-hour requirements. Multi-state operators use a broker of record firm that already has licensed individuals in every jurisdiction.