How to verify a license in any state

Why look up a license

A license search on the board's own site is the only reliable way to confirm that a contractor, agent, nurse aide or other licensed worker may legally do the job. It shows whether the license is active, what type it is and, on many boards, any discipline. Third-party "license lookup" sites copy this data and can be out of date.

Official license lookups by state

What to check in the result

• The name and license number match the person or company you are dealing with.
• The status is active, not expired, suspended or revoked.
• The license type covers the work: an apprentice, trainee or salesperson usually cannot work alone.
• Any discipline or restrictions, where the board shows them, and the expiration date.
• If you cannot find the license, call the board before you hire or pay anyone. To report unlicensed or problem work, use the board's complaint page; each state's lookup page links to it where the board publishes one.