How to Check If a Professional License Is Valid (Free Lookup Tools)
Whether you’re hiring a contractor, choosing a doctor, or verifying your own license status, checking that a professional license is valid and current is essential. Here’s how to do it for free.
Why Verify a License?
- Protect yourself: Unlicensed practitioners may lack proper training, insurance, and accountability
- Legal protection: Work done by unlicensed professionals may void warranties, insurance claims, and contracts
- Quality assurance: A valid license confirms minimum competency standards
- Disciplinary history: License lookups often reveal complaints, sanctions, and restrictions
National Verification Databases
Several professions have national or multi-state verification systems:
| Database | Professions | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Nursys | RN, LPN/LVN, APRN | nursys.com |
| NPDB | All healthcare (restricted access) | npdb.hrsa.gov |
| ARELLO | Real estate agents/brokers | arello.com |
| NAIC | Insurance agents | naic.org |
| NABP | Pharmacists | nabp.pharmacy |
| NCARB | Architects | ncarb.org |
| NCEES | Engineers, surveyors | ncees.org |
| FINRA BrokerCheck | Stockbrokers, financial advisors | brokercheck.finra.org |
| NREMT | EMTs, paramedics | nremt.org |
| SEC IAPD | Investment advisers | adviserinfo.sec.gov |
How to Verify by Profession
Healthcare Professionals
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists:
- Go to your state’s Department of Health or Board of Medicine website
- Look for “License Verification” or “License Lookup”
- Search by name or license number
- Check: license status (active/inactive/expired), issue date, expiration date, disciplinary actions
Contractors and Tradespeople
Electricians, plumbers, general contractors:
- Check the state contractor licensing board website
- Note: some states license at the city/county level (check both)
- Verify: license number, insurance status, bonding, complaint history
- Ask for their license number directly — legitimate professionals share it readily
Real Estate Professionals
- Check your state’s Real Estate Commission website
- ARELLO.com provides multi-state search
- Verify: active license, brokerage affiliation, disciplinary record
Financial Professionals
Insurance agents, financial planners, stockbrokers:
- Insurance: state Department of Insurance website or NAIC
- Stockbrokers: FINRA BrokerCheck (free, comprehensive)
- Financial advisers: SEC IAPD (Investment Adviser Public Disclosure)
- CPAs: state Board of Accountancy
Teachers
- State Department of Education website
- Search by name for certificate/license status
- Some states have public databases; others require a records request
What to Look For
When you find a license record, check these details:
| Field | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Status: Active | License is current and valid |
| Status: Inactive | License exists but holder is not currently practicing |
| Status: Expired | License has lapsed — may not legally practice |
| Status: Revoked/Suspended | Serious — license was taken away or temporarily removed |
| Expiration date | When the license must be renewed |
| Disciplinary actions | Any complaints, investigations, fines, or sanctions |
| Specialties | What the professional is licensed to do (important for healthcare) |
Red Flags
Be cautious if:
- The person can’t provide a license number
- The license number doesn’t match any state records
- The license has expired and hasn’t been renewed
- There are multiple disciplinary actions
- The license type doesn’t match the services being offered
- The person claims their state “doesn’t require” a license (verify this — check at LicenseCompass)
Verifying Your Own License
If you’re a licensed professional, regularly check your own license status to ensure:
- Your license hasn’t accidentally lapsed
- Your renewal was processed correctly
- No errors in your record (wrong address, wrong name spelling)
- No unauthorized complaints or actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is license verification free? Yes. All state licensing boards provide free public lookup tools. National databases like FINRA BrokerCheck and Nursys are also free. You should never have to pay to verify a license.
What if I can’t find someone’s license? Possible explanations: (1) they’re licensed under a different name, (2) they’re licensed in a different state, (3) they hold a different license type than you’re searching, or (4) they’re not actually licensed. Ask them directly for their license number and state.
Can I see disciplinary details? Most states make disciplinary actions public. The level of detail varies — some states publish full investigation reports, others only list the type of action taken.
Do all professions have public license databases? Most regulated professions have searchable databases. Some smaller professions or locally-licensed trades (like some plumbing and electrical licenses) may only be verifiable through city/county offices.
License lookup tools vary by state. Find your state’s licensing board for any profession at LicenseCompass.