The 3-Step Verification
Verify identity in the NPI Registry
Search the doctor's name at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov to confirm the National Provider Identifier, primary practice address, and specialty. Every US MD and DO has an NPI. If the doctor claims a specialty that does not match the NPI Registry taxonomy, that is a red flag. See what the NPI Registry contains.
Verify state license status on the state medical board
Search the doctor on the state medical board where they practice. Every US state and DC has a free public license lookup. Confirm: license is Active (not Inactive, Suspended, Probationary, or Revoked), unrestricted (no practice restrictions), current on renewal, and the license number matches. State board data is authoritative and typically updated within days of any change.
Check disciplinary actions + board certification
State medical board records display disciplinary history including reprimands, license suspensions, revocations, and settlements. For board certification (advanced specialty training and examination), check certificationmatters.org, the free American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) lookup.
State Medical Board License Lookups
Direct links to the free public license lookup for every US state, DC, and territory. Search by name to see license status, renewal date, and disciplinary history.
Understanding License Status
| Status | What it means | Concern level |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Currently authorized to practice; renewal current | None |
| Active (with conditions) | Practicing under specific restrictions imposed by the board | Moderate - review the conditions |
| Inactive | Doctor has voluntarily stopped practicing; not currently authorized | Cannot practice; not a red flag by itself |
| Probationary | Recent disciplinary action; being monitored | High - review the underlying action |
| Suspended | License temporarily withdrawn due to disciplinary action | Do not use this doctor |
| Revoked | License permanently withdrawn | Do not use this doctor |
| Expired | Failed to renew - can be routine or a red flag | Contact the doctor's office to verify current status |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a doctor is licensed?
Search the state medical board in the state where the doctor practices. Every US state has a free public online lookup that shows license number, current status (Active, Inactive, Suspended, Revoked), renewal date, and disciplinary actions. Start with the state name plus 'medical board license lookup.'
How do I check if a doctor has been sued for malpractice?
Malpractice lawsuits are public court records but there is no central US database. Search the court records in the county where the practice is located. Some state medical boards also publish paid-out malpractice settlements above a threshold. Malpractice history alone is a weak signal - many good doctors face at least one suit in their career.
How do I check if a doctor is board certified?
Search the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) free public lookup at certificationmatters.org. This confirms whether the doctor has completed the extra training and passed the examination to be board-certified in their specialty. Board certification is separate from state licensure - all practicing US MDs and DOs must have a state license, but not all are board certified.