The short answer
A professional-license verification can check a credential against information held by the licensing authority or another relevant source. It is not part of every employment background check. If your role requires a license, ask which credential and jurisdiction the employer needs verified, then check the official record and provide the requested details accurately.
A license, professional certification and academic degree are different credentials. Do not assume that checking one verifies the others, or that a screenshot alone establishes your eligibility to practice.
The CFPB lists professional-license verification among services that employment screening companies can provide. This guide addresses verification for a job; applying for a new professional license can involve a separate process.
What might a license verification check?
The requested check may look for the license holder’s name, issuing authority, license type or number, status and relevant dates. Depending on the source and the request, publicly available discipline information may also be shown. Fields, terminology and public access differ by board and profession; ask the employer or provider what it requested rather than assuming a standard report.
For example, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing describes Nursys as a system for participating nursing boards that provides licensure information and publicly available discipline data. Its services and participating jurisdictions are specific to nursing; they are not a universal lookup for every profession.
How to prepare for a professional license background check
- Identify the exact credential. Confirm the profession, license type and issuing state or other authority requested for the job.
- Check the official source. Use the issuing authority’s official website or the channel it designates. Compare your name, license number, status and dates with the information you plan to submit.
- Explain differences accurately. If the record uses a former name, a different jurisdiction or a pending renewal, tell the screening provider what the official record shows and ask what supporting information it accepts.
- Ask about the verification method. An employer may need information directly from the authority, not just a copy of a certificate. Follow the actual request.
- Protect your documents. Send requested records only through a verified channel and ask what sensitive details may be redacted. See secure document submission.
Do not change a record or claim a license is active if the official source shows otherwise. Contact the licensing authority about its status and renewal rules. The employer, licensing authority and screening company have different roles; a background-check article cannot determine whether you may legally practice.
What if the license cannot be found or the status looks wrong?
Ask the provider which authority, jurisdiction, name and license number it searched. A name variation, wrong board, pending update or other issue may need clarification; none can be assumed to be the cause without checking. Contact the issuing authority if its own record appears inaccurate, and ask the screening provider how to submit any correction or supporting information.
If a consumer report contains inaccurate or incomplete information, you can dispute the specific item with the reporting company. Follow the steps in background-check errors and keep a copy of your correspondence. If a delay occurs, ask what is outstanding and who can resolve it; see background-check delays.
Is checking a professional license the same as checking a driving record?
No. A professional license concerns authorization or credentials for a profession; a motor-vehicle record concerns driving information maintained by the relevant motor-vehicle authority. A commercial driving role may involve both, but do not assume either check is included automatically. Our driving-record and MVR guide explains driving-record screening.
Frequently asked questions
Do all employment background checks verify professional licenses?
No. The employer’s requested screening and the role determine what is checked. Ask which credential and issuing authority are included.
Does a degree verification confirm my professional license?
Not necessarily. A degree and a license have different issuing sources and requirements. Ask the provider whether it is verifying one or both.
What if my license is expired or renewal is pending?
Check the official record and contact the issuing authority about your status and applicable requirements. Tell the employer or screening provider the accurate status and ask what it needs. Do not assume a pending application or renewal automatically authorizes practice.
Your next step
Confirm the exact credential and jurisdiction requested, compare your details with the official licensing record and resolve any discrepancy with the appropriate authority and screening provider.