Why verifying a license matters — for employers and consumers

Licensing exists to protect the public: it confirms that someone has met the education, examination, and conduct standards a state requires to practice a regulated profession. Verifying a license is a small step that prevents large problems.

For consumers

• Confirm a contractor, electrician, or plumber is licensed before signing a contract or paying a deposit.
• Check that a healthcare provider, therapist, or financial professional holds an active credential in your state.
• Avoid unlicensed operators, who often carry no insurance or bond and leave you with little recourse.

For employers and organizations

• Meet credentialing and compliance requirements when hiring licensed staff.
• Re-verify licenses at renewal time so no one practices on a lapsed credential.
• Document your due diligence with a dated record of the verification.

Do it the right way

Use license verification only for legitimate purposes and in compliance with applicable laws. A license lookup is not a consumer report and must not be used to make decisions covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. When a decision is consequential, confirm the record directly with the issuing state board.