Professional License Verification: $12 Per License
Confirm that an applicant’s professional license is real, active, and in good standing. Our analysts verify every license directly with the issuing state board or agency. Consequently, you hire on primary-source facts, not on a photocopy.
What Is a Professional License Verification?
A professional license verification confirms that a candidate holds the credential a job requires.
Specifically, BCS Background Screening LLC contacts the licensing board that issued the license.
The board confirms the license number, the license type, the status, and the key dates.
Additionally, we report any disciplinary action, restriction, or encumbrance the board discloses.
Many roles require a license by law, such as nurses, physicians, CPAs, architects, and engineers.
Other roles require one by company policy, such as insurance adjusters or real estate agents.
In either case, a resume claim is not proof. Therefore, employers verify the license at the source.
This search covers the licensing record only. However, you can pair it with criminal, education, and employment searches in one order.
What a License Verification Report Shows
Each report lists what your applicant provided next to what the board verified. As a result, mismatches stand out immediately.
License Number and Type
We confirm the exact license number on file and the license rank or classification, such as Registered Nurse or Certified Public Accountant.
Current Status
The report states whether the license is active, current, expired, suspended, revoked, or provisional. Additionally, it notes whether the licensee is in good standing.
Issue and Expiration Dates
We report the original issue date and the current expiration date. Consequently, you can schedule renewal reminders before a credential lapses.
Issuing Board or Agency
Every verification names the board that confirmed the record, for example the Kentucky Board of Nursing or the Arizona Board of Technical Registration.
Disciplinary History
If the board publishes enforcement actions, probation, or restrictions, the report includes them. Otherwise, it states that none were found.
Discrepancy Flags
Provided data and verified data sit side by side. Therefore, a wrong license number, a different issue date, or an earlier expiration is easy to spot.
How to Order a Professional License Verification
Collect the License Details
Obtain the applicant’s FCRA disclosure and authorization. Then, gather the license type, state, and license number from the applicant.
Enter the Order Online
Log in to your secure account and select Professional License Verification. Next, enter the license details and submit. Each license costs $12.
We Verify at the Source
Our analysts check the issuing board’s primary-source record. Additionally, we capture status, dates, rank, and any enforcement history.
Review the Completed Report
You receive an email alert when the report completes. Finally, open the report in your account or export it as a PDF for your file.
Why Employers Verify Licenses at the Issuing Board
Reduce Negligent Hiring Risk
A lapsed or revoked license exposes your company to liability. However, a verified license documents your due diligence before the first shift.
Catch Resume Inflation
Applicants sometimes list a provisional permit as a full license. Similarly, some list a license that expired years ago. The board record settles the question.
Meet Regulatory and Accreditation Rules
Healthcare, finance, and construction regulators expect documented verification. Therefore, a dated report from a licensed screening company satisfies auditors.
Professional License Verification Sample Reports
The four samples below show real report layouts with fictitious subjects. Notably, every sample includes a discrepancy between the data provided and the data verified, which the report highlights.
Information Provided
Information Verified
Board comments: Licensee MCALLISTER, HARLAN REESE. License Number AC123456789. Primary Status: Current. Secondary Status: Active. Original License Date 08/05/1982. License Expiration Date 12/31/2027. Main address: McAllister USA, 140 Maple Str – 1700, Miami, Florida 33131, Miami-Dade County.
Discrepancy flagged: The applicant listed license 123456789ab and a 2014 start date. However, the board verified AC123456789 with an original license date in 1982.
Information Provided
Information Verified
| Name on License | Type | State | License | Active | Status | Issued | Expires | Compact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VASHIST, PRIYA ANNE | RN | Kentucky | 1158974582 | Yes | Unencumbered | 01/15/2020 | 10/31/2026 | Multistate |
| VASHIST, PRIYA ANNE | RN | Kentucky | T0874512879 | No | Expired (see history) | 05/07/2025 | 05/29/2025 | None |
Board notification history: License T0874512879 was a provisional license issued before the applicant took and passed the NCLEX, under 201 KAR 20:070 Section 4. A provisional RN may work only under the direct supervision of an RN or APRN who is physically present in the facility. The permit remains valid only until the applicant meets all requirements for a permanent license.
Discrepancy flagged: The applicant supplied license 4039323 expiring 10/27/2026. However, the board verified license 1158974582 expiring 10/31/2026. Additionally, the permanent license expires within days, so plan for renewal confirmation.
Information Provided
Information Verified
Licensee info: Address New York, NY. Profession: Medicine (060). License Number 524879. Date of Licensure: June 15, 2015. Status: Registered. Registered through: August 31, 2028. Medical School: Stanford School of Medicine. Degree Date: May 10, 2015. Additional Qualifications: Physician Assistant (023), license 010961.
Discrepancy flagged: The applicant supplied license 45678910. However, the board record lists license 524879 under the same name. Consequently, confirm the applicant simply mis-typed the number.
Information Provided
Information Verified
Board comments: License Number 20234587. License Type: Architect. License Status: Active. Initial Registration Date 10/22/2010. Expiration Date 10/22/2030. Public Address: 59590 North Main Terr, Glendale, Arizona 85308. Phone (623) 555-1212.
Discrepancy flagged: The applicant supplied license 123456789. However, the board verified license 20234587. The name, status, and dates otherwise match.
All names, license numbers, and addresses in these samples are fictitious. Any resemblance to a real person is coincidental.
Licenses and Certifications We Verify
We verify any license or certification issued by a state board, a federal agency, or a national certifying body. For example, our clients frequently order the credentials below.
Healthcare
- Physicians (MD, DO) and physician assistants
- Registered nurses, LPNs, and APRNs
- Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- Dentists, hygienists, and therapists
- CNAs, EMTs, and paramedics
Finance and Legal
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
- Insurance agents and adjusters
- Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)
- Securities representatives (FINRA)
- Attorneys and paralegals
Construction and Trades
- Architects and professional engineers
- General contractors
- Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians
- Land surveyors
- Commercial drivers (CDL)
Other Regulated Roles
- Teachers and school administrators
- Real estate brokers and agents
- Social workers and counselors
- Security guards and private investigators
- Cosmetologists and barbers
Do not see your profession listed? Nevertheless, we can verify it. Contact us with the license type and we will confirm coverage.
FCRA Rules for Professional License Checks
A professional license verification ordered for employment is a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Therefore, you must give the applicant a standalone disclosure and obtain written authorization before you order.
If the result leads you to withdraw an offer, follow the two-step adverse action process.
First, send a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and the Summary of Rights.
Then, after a reasonable waiting period, send the final adverse action notice.
Our secure account generates both letters for you. Learn more on our adverse action page.
Additionally, state and local laws may limit how you use license information. Review our state-by-state screening laws guide for details.
Professional License Verification Pricing
- Primary-source verification with the issuing board
- License number, type, status, and dates
- Disciplinary and enforcement history when published
- Provided-versus-verified discrepancy flags
- PDF report stored in your secure account
- No setup fee, no subscription, no minimum
Some boards charge an access fee to release records. In that case, we pass the board’s fee through at cost and show it on your invoice.
Moreover, every account includes optional Multiple Authentication Factor (MAF) login protection at no charge.
Professional License Verification FAQs
What is a professional license verification?
It is a background check that confirms an applicant’s license with the state board or agency that issued it. The report shows the license number, type, status, issue date, expiration date, and any disciplinary action.
How much does a professional license verification cost?
BCS Background Screening LLC charges $12 per license. There is no setup fee, subscription, or minimum order. However, a few boards charge a records-access fee, which we pass through at cost.
How long does a license verification take?
Most verifications complete the same business day when the board publishes an online lookup. Boards that require a phone or written request can take a few business days. Consequently, your report shows the completion date and the board that responded.
Does a license verification include criminal records or education?
No. It covers the licensing record only. Nevertheless, you can add county criminal, statewide criminal, education, and employment verifications to the same order from your account.
Do I need the applicant’s consent to verify a professional license?
Yes, for employment purposes. The FCRA requires a standalone disclosure and the applicant’s written authorization before you order. Additionally, you must follow the pre-adverse and adverse action steps if the report affects your decision.
Verify Professional Licenses Today
Open a free account and order your first professional license verification for $12. Our team is ready to help you build a compliant credential-check program.
Questions? Call (800) 661-0278 or email support@usabackground.com. BCS Background Screening LLC is a PBSA member, BBB A+ rated, and Dun & Bradstreet verified.