How to verify a healthcare license in any state

Verifying a license takes a minute, and it's the same check employers run. Do it for your own license before you apply, so you see exactly what they'll see.

Step 1: Find the right board

Licenses are issued by states, so start with the state that issued the license and the board for that profession. Our state licensing pages list every state's official boards and lookups.

Step 2: Search the official lookup

Search by name or license number. A good result shows:

• Status: active, inactive, expired, lapsed, probation, suspended or revoked
• Expiration date
• Discipline or public actions, if any
• License type, for example RN vs. LPN/LVN, or a multistate license

Always use the board's own lookup or one it links to. Third-party "license check" sites can be out of date.

For nurses: Nursys QuickConfirm

Nursys is the national nurse licensure database run by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. QuickConfirm lets anyone look up a nurse's license and discipline status for free. The data comes directly from boards of nursing, and Nursys calls it "primary source equivalent." Only participating boards are included, so if a state doesn't appear, use that board's own lookup.

For nurse aides: the state registry

CNAs are checked on the state's nurse aide registry. Federal rules require nursing facilities to get registry verification before someone works as a nurse aide. The registry is often run by the state health department; each state page links to it.

California

• DCA License Search covers RNs, LVNs, respiratory care practitioners, dental assistants (RDA and RDAEF), dental hygienists, PTs, OTs and SLPs.
• CNAs and home health aides are on the California Department of Public Health's certification verification search.
• Phlebotomists are on CDPH Laboratory Field Services' personnel license search.

If something looks wrong

If your own record is wrong (an old address, a missing renewal), contact the board directly. If you're an employer and a status is anything other than active and clear, talk to the board before scheduling the person.