What license statuses mean: Active, Expired, Inactive, Suspended

Every state uses its own vocabulary for license status, but most terms fall into a handful of categories. Here is what the common ones generally mean — always check the specific board’s definitions for edge cases.

Active / Current / Qualified

The license is in good standing and the holder is authorized to practice. Some states show “Current” or, for certain credentials, “Qualified.” Even an active license has an expiration date, so check that too.

Expired / Lapsed

The license was valid but the renewal period passed without renewal. An expired license generally means the person is not currently authorized to practice, though many states allow reinstatement within a grace period.

Inactive

The holder voluntarily placed the license on inactive status — often to pause practice without giving up the credential. An inactive license usually cannot be used to practice until it is reactivated.

Suspended / Revoked / Denied

These indicate disciplinary or administrative action. “Suspended” is typically temporary; “Revoked” is a permanent loss of the license; “Denied” means an application was refused. Any of these is a significant red flag that warrants a closer look at the board’s records.

Pending / Provisional / Temporary

Some states issue temporary or provisional credentials while an application or exam is completed. These authorize limited practice for a limited time.

When a status is unclear, open the record’s details and follow the link to the official state portal, which shows the authoritative, real-time status and any board actions.