Nursing License Lookup: State Requirements & More (2026)

What Is a Nursing License Lookup?

A nursing license lookup is a free public search tool that lets anyone confirm whether a nurse — CNA, LPN, or RN — holds a valid, active credential. Every state board of nursing maintains a public database because healthcare licensure is a matter of public safety. Results typically show license number, status (active/expired/suspended), expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.

The license lookup process differs slightly depending on whether you're searching for an RN, LPN, or CNA, and which state issued the license. Most states offer an instant online search at no cost.

CNA Registry vs. RN License Lookup

A CNA registry and an RN license database serve similar purposes but are structured differently. The CNA license lookup is managed by each state's nurse aide registry — often housed under the state's Department of Health or Board of Nursing — and tracks training completion, competency exam results, and any findings of abuse or neglect. RN license verification, by contrast, is tied directly to the state board of nursing and may be cross-referenced through Nursys, a national clearinghouse.

For how to become a cna and maintain good standing, keeping your name clean on the CNA registry is just as important as passing the exam. A flag on the registry — such as an abuse finding — can bar employment even if your training is otherwise complete. Always confirm your registry status before applying to new facilities.

How to Do a License Lookup by State

Each state board of nursing hosts its own license lookup portal. Most allow you to search by first name, last name, and license number or partial SSN. The results are public record and require no account or fee. For the CNA license verification specifically, you'll typically visit the state's nurse aide registry page rather than the general BON site.

Common state lookup URLs follow predictable patterns (e.g., doh.state.XX.us/nursesaideregistry or bon.state.XX.us/license-lookup). If you can't find your state's portal, search "[state name] nurse aide registry" or "[state name] board of nursing license verification." Bookmark the direct link — you'll use it every renewal cycle.

Florida Board of Nursing License Lookup

The Florida board of nursing license lookup is managed through the Florida Department of Health's online Practitioner Profile system at flhealthsource.gov. The nursing license Florida search covers CNAs, RNs, LPNs, and APRNs and returns license status, issue date, expiration, and any public complaints or discipline. Florida is NOT a Nursys state for RN primary-source verification, so employers must query the DOH system directly.

For cna license transfers into Florida, the state also requires a background check and fingerprinting in addition to registry transfer. Always verify your Florida license is listed as active before starting a new position.

MBON License Lookup (Maryland)

The MBON license lookup — Maryland Board of Nursing — is available at mbon.maryland.gov. Maryland participates in Nursys for RN and LPN rn license lookup verification, so out-of-state employers can verify Maryland nurses through either channel. For CNAs, the md license lookup uses the Maryland Certified Nursing Assistant Registry, which is searchable by name or certification number.

Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, meaning an active Maryland RN license grants multi-state practice privileges. Always confirm compact status shows on the MBON lookup result if you plan to work in another NLC state.

RN License Verification via Nursys

Nursys (nursys.com) is the NCSBN's national rn license verification platform and the fastest way to complete an rn license lookup across 38 participating states. It provides real-time license status, expiration dates, and compact privilege information. The Joint Commission and CMS both accept Nursys as a primary-source verification tool, making it the standard for hospital credentialing departments.

Not all states participate — Florida, California, and a few others maintain independent systems. For a cna state exam candidate moving from a Nursys state to a non-participating one, separate verification requests must be submitted to each board directly. Confirm your target state's participation status at nursys.com before relying solely on the national platform.

What to Do If Your License Shows Issues

If a nursing license lookup returns an expired, suspended, or flagged result, act immediately. For expired licenses, contact your state board of nursing to initiate reinstatement — most states require continuing education hours, a reinstatement fee, and sometimes a background check. Do not work during a lapse; it constitutes practicing without a license and can trigger additional discipline.

For CNA registry flags such as abuse or neglect findings, you have the right to request a hearing through your state's administrative process. Meanwhile, shore up your knowledge by reviewing CNA skills and document any remediation steps proactively. Once reinstated, confirm active status via cna license verification before returning to any patient care role.

Studying thoroughly before initial certification — using tools like a CNA final exam simulator and regular CNA test practice — gives you the best foundation and reduces the risk of exam failure that delays your registry appearance. Review CNA test questions across all exam domains, and bookmark a full cna exam practice test so you're prepared well before test day. For a big-picture view of what cna certification unlocks professionally, explore our careers guide.