NAD-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase that catalyzes the formation of retinoic acid (PubMed:27759097). Has high activity with all-trans retinal, and has much lower in vitro activity with acetaldehyde (PubMed:27759097). Required for the biosynthesis of normal levels of retinoic acid in the embryonic ocular and nasal regions; retinoic acid is required for normal embryonic development of the eye and the nasal region (By similarity). all-trans-retinal + H2O + NAD(+) = all-trans-retinoate + 2 H(+) + NADH Cofactor metabolism; retinol metabolism. Homotetramer. Expressed at low levels in many tissues and at higher levels in salivary gland, stomach, and kidney. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the aldehyde dehydrogenase family.