Residential Surveys
FEMA Elevation Certificate for Flood Insurance
What is a elevation certificate?
An elevation certificate is a FEMA form that records how high your building sits compared with the expected flood level in your area.
A licensed land surveyor measures the elevations on site and fills out and signs the form. Insurance agents use it to rate flood policies, and it's also used when asking FEMA to change a flood zone determination.
When you need one
- Your insurance agent asks for one to quote or renew a flood insurance policy
- You're buying a home in or near a mapped flood zone
- You think your home was placed in a flood zone by mistake and want to apply for a map change (LOMA)
- You're building or adding on in a floodplain and the city needs elevations
- You want to know whether your home sits above the base flood elevation
What to expect
- 01Send the address and tell us whether it's for insurance, a purchase, construction or a map change.
- 02A licensed surveyor in our network confirms the price and visits the property.
- 03The surveyor photographs the building and measures key elevations, like the lowest floor, garage floor and nearby ground.
- 04You receive the signed elevation certificate to give your insurance agent, lender or city.
Elevation Certificate by city
Elevation Certificate questions
How do I get an elevation certificate for flood insurance?
First check with your community's floodplain office — they sometimes keep certificates on file for existing buildings. If there isn't one, send us a request and we'll match you with a licensed surveyor who completes elevation certificates in your area.
Can an elevation certificate lower my flood insurance?
It can, but it depends on how your building's elevations compare with the flood level for your zone. Your insurance agent uses the certificate to rate your policy.
Who can complete an elevation certificate?
FEMA allows a licensed land surveyor, engineer or architect authorized by state law to certify elevation information. Surveyors are the most common choice because they measure elevations on site.
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