How Do I Locate a Physician's License Number?

Whether your intent is to verify the credentials of a new doctor or check the background of your current one, locating the physician's license number is the first step in the process. Every state has physician licensing requirements that include proof of education and training, successful completion of a licensing exam and passing a background check. In addition to the basics, you also can locate information concerning a physician’s area of specialty, medical board disciplinary actions, and in some cases, the report will include information concerning medical malpractice lawsuits.

Requirements

• Prior to locating a physician’s license number, you must have the physician’s correct first and last name, and the city and state where the physician currently practices. Additional information requirements could include ZIP code and area of specialty. To obtain the correct spelling, ask for a business card, call the doctor’s office to verify the spelling or check your local telephone book.

Locate Through State Medical Board

• Access the website for your state's Medical Board. Each state has its own requirements for locating a physician license number and will list only physicians licensed to practice within that state. While there is no direct fee for receiving this information, there may be a printing or postage fee. For example, Wisconsin does not offer an option for obtaining the information over the Internet. Wisconsin charges a printing and postage fee and requests must be either oral or in writing, while West Virginia offers a free instant licensee search option. Look on the website menu for an option that reads “Public Records Notice” or “Licensee Search.”

Locate Through Federal Licensing Board

• Locating a physician's license number through the Federation of State Medical Boards can provide additional information, such as whether the physician has a license to practice in another state. While you can obtain this information via the Internet, there is a charge involved. The Federal Licensing Board does not provide information concerning malpractice suits.

  To locate a physician's license number, access the Federation of State Medical Boards website and choose either the online or the mail-in ordering option.