# How to Check if Your Doctor is Licensed: FAQs
According to the National Practitioner Data Bank, it’s important to check if a doctor is licensed before you seek treatment. But how can you figure out if your doctor is licensed? In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to check if your doctor is licensed, including tips for verifying the information you find.
## What Does It Mean for a Doctor to be Licensed?
When a doctor is licensed, it means they have gone through the process of getting permission from the state medical board to practice medicine. Generally, this process will include:
* Passing the medical board exams
* Completing medical school
* Satisfying the requirements for a medical residency
* Applying for a license
* Obtaining a criminal background check
A doctor must also renew their license each year, and in some states, they might need to complete continuing education courses.
## How to Check if a Doctor is Licensed
Verifying if your doctor is licensed is easy. Here are the steps you need to take:
1. Visit the website of your state’s medical board.
2. Enter the doctor’s information in the search bar.
3. Review the results of your search.
Most states have an online database you can use to check if your doctor is licensed. To find the website for your state’s medical board, check your state government website.
## What Information Will You Find?
When you search for a doctor, you’ll usually find information like:
* The doctor’s name
* The doctor’s specialties
* The doctor’s license number
* The doctor’s status (active, expired, etc.)
* Whether the doctor has been disciplined
You might also find information about the doctor’s medical education and their medical residency.
## How to Verify the Information You Find
Although state medical boards do their best to keep their databases up to date, there’s always a chance that the information you find isn’t completely accurate. To make sure you have the right information, you should double-check your results by calling the doctor’s office. When you call, make sure to ask for the doctor’s license number and ask them to confirm it matches the license number you found online.
## Frequently Asked Questions about How to Check if a Doctor is Licensed
### FAQs on How to Check if a Doctor is Licensed
**Q: How do I know if a doctor is licensed?**
A: You can check if a doctor is licensed by visiting the website of your state’s medical board and entering the doctor’s information in the search bar. You’ll usually find information like the doctor’s name, license number, and status. To make sure you have the right information, call the doctor’s office and ask for the doctor’s license number.
**Q: Who can I contact to verify if a doctor is licensed?**
A: You can contact your state’s medical board to verify if a doctor is licensed. In most cases, you can find the website of your state’s medical board by checking your state government website.
**Q: What happens if a doctor’s license has expired?**
A: If a doctor’s license has expired, it means the doctor is no longer allowed to practice medicine. In most states, doctors are required to renew their license each year. If the doctor’s license has expired, you should contact your state’s medical board for more information.
**Q: How can I find a doctor who is licensed?**
A: You can find a doctor who is licensed by using the website of your state’s medical board. Most states have an online database you can use to search for licensed doctors. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations.
**Q: What happens if a doctor has been disciplined?**
A: If a doctor has been disciplined, it means they have violated the rules set by the state medical board. Depending on the severity of the violation, the doctor may be put on probation, have their license suspended, or have their license revoked. You should contact your state’s medical board for more information.
Having a licensed doctor is essential for getting the quality medical care you need. By taking the time to check if your doctor is licensed, you can make sure you’re getting the best medical care possible. If you have any doubts or questions about the doctor’s license, don’t hesitate to contact your state’s medical board for more information.
