Nursing License Lookup by State: Verify the License Status of Nursing Professionals

The purpose and paramount importance of licensing nursing professionals in the United States is primarily the protection of the public health and safety. State Boards of Nursing (BONs), legislatively mandated, ensure that only individuals who meet rigorous, predetermined standards of education, competency, and ethical conduct are granted the legal authority to practice. This process involves verifying accredited education, successful completion of a standardized national licensing examination (like the NCLEX), and adhering to ongoing requirements for continuing education and license renewal.

The risks associated with unlicensed practitioners are substantial and serious, ranging from substandard care and medical errors to potential patient harm or death. Unlicensed individuals lack the necessary specialized knowledge, clinical skills, and accountability framework, which can lead to misdiagnosis, incorrect medication administration, and violations of critical infection control protocols. Practicing without a valid license is a criminal offense and severely erodes the fundamental trust patients place in the healthcare system.

To empower patients, employers, and the public to verify credentials, state regulatory authorities offer generally free-to-use license lookup tools. These online resources provide a quick and accurate means to confirm a nurse's current license status, practice privileges, and any public disciplinary history, serving as a vital, easily accessible safeguard against unqualified practitioners.

Licensing requirements for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses (also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses in certain States) vary from State to State. To facilitate the verification of the license status of practitioners, many States provide Nursing License Lookup web tools as detailed below. These lookup tools typically include verification of other nursing related professions, including advanced practice nurses.  However, most States provide separate lookup tools for nursing aides/assistants.  To verify the status of nursing aides/assistants, visit Nursing Aide License Lookup. A few States do not provide such online nursing license lookup or verification, so for States not listed below, please contact the appropriate State Nursing Board for additional information. License lookup tools for other health practitioners can be found at Health License Lookup or, for lookup tools organized by State, at U.S. Medical License Lookup. For Canadian nursing credentials, see Canadian RN License Lookup. For nursing specialty certifications, visit Board Certification Lookup.