Is there an official ESA registry?

No. There is no federal, state, or official ESA registry. Any 'registration' service is selling something with no legal status.

Are $40 instant ESA letters legitimate?

Almost never. A real evaluation requires a Colorado-licensed clinician's time. Sub-$100 'instant approval' letters are routinely rejected by sophisticated landlords and HUD.

How can I verify my letter is legitimate?

Verify the clinician's Colorado license at the Colorado DORA license lookup. A legitimate letter is signed on clinician letterhead with verifiable contact and credentials.

How to Spot an ESA Letter Scam in Colorado

The 7 red flags that get letters rejected — and the questions every Colorado landlord and HOA now asks.

See What Legitimate Looks Like

The 7 Red Flags

#1 — "Instant approval" / no live evaluation

HUD requires clinician knowledge of the patient. No interview = invalid.

#2 — "ESA registry" or "official certification"

No such registry exists. Anywhere.

#3 — Price under $80

Real evaluation cannot economically be performed at scam prices.

#4 — No clinician name or license number on letter

Cannot be verified — landlord will reject.

#5 — Out-of-state clinician for Colorado housing

HUD prefers the clinician practice in the patient's state.

#6 — Promises ADA public access via ESA

ESAs do NOT have public access. Anyone promising this is scamming.

#7 — Vests, IDs, or "service animal" cards bundled

Federal law does not require any of these. Bundling them signals scam.

Legitimate vs. Scam — Side by Side

Legitimate

Live clinical evaluation
Colorado-licensed clinician
Verifiable license number
Letterhead with contact info
$130–$250 typical pricing
No registry or vest claims

Scam

No interview / 'instant'
No license number
Generic PDF letterhead
$30–$60 promo pricing
Bundles 'registration'
Promises ADA access

How to Verify Any Colorado ESA Letter

Note the clinician's name and license number from the letter.
Visit the Colorado DORA license lookup (apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/).
Search by license number — confirm it's active in mental health.
Confirm name on letter matches DORA record exactly.
Call the contact number listed for verification.

What a Scam Letter Actually Costs You

$

Money paid for nothing usable

Eviction risk

Letter rejected = pet violation

Court risk

Some states criminalize fraudulent SD claims

ESA Scam FAQ — Colorado

Is there an ESA registry?

No — no federal, state, or official registry exists.

$40 instant letter — legit?

Essentially never.

Verify a letter?

DORA Colorado license lookup.

Out-of-state clinician OK?

HUD prefers in-state.

What if I bought a scam letter?

Get a real evaluation — many providers offer migration discounts.

Get a Letter That Actually Works

Real Colorado-licensed clinicians. Real evaluations. Real letters.

Free Screening