Press "Enter" to skip to content

Guide to Professional License searches

Each state issues its own professional licenses for various occupations, but here are some common types of professional licenses issued by states:

  1. Medical Licenses – issued to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
  2. Legal Licenses – issued to lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals.
  3. Accounting Licenses – issued to certified public accountants (CPAs) and other accounting professionals.
  4. Teaching Licenses – issued to teachers and other educational professionals.
  5. Engineering Licenses – issued to engineers and other technical professionals.
  6. Real Estate Licenses – issued to real estate agents and brokers.
  7. Insurance Licenses – issued to insurance agents and brokers.
  8. Cosmetology Licenses – issued to hair stylists, estheticians, and other beauty professionals.
  9. Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Licenses – issued to tradespeople who work in construction and maintenance.
  10. Private Investigator Licenses – issued to private investigators and security professionals.

The specific requirements and regulations for obtaining and maintaining these licenses vary by state and profession.

The process of looking up and verifying someone’s professional license varies depending on the profession and the state where the license was issued.

However, here are some general steps you can follow:

  1. Determine the profession and the state where the license was issued. You can do this by asking the individual or searching online for the profession and state licensing board.
  2. Find the website of the state licensing board or agency that issued the license. Most state licensing boards have an online database of licensed professionals that you can search.
  3. Use the database to look up the individual’s license by name, license number, or other identifying information. Some states may require registration to access the database.
  4. Review the information provided by the licensing board to verify that the individual is licensed and that their license is in good standing. This information may include the individual’s name, license number, profession, license status, and any disciplinary actions taken against them.
  5. If you have any questions or concerns about the individual’s license, contact the state licensing board or agency for more information.

It’s important to note that some professions, such as lawyers and doctors, may have multiple types of licenses or certifications, so it’s important to verify the specific license or certification that you’re interested in. Additionally, license information may not be immediately updated in the database, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the licensing board directly if you have any concerns.