Use the state record for a doctor
The Federation of State Medical Boards provides links to the medical board in each state; those boards oversee doctors' licences. Its public records show licence status and any steps the board has taken over a doctor's conduct.
- Check the board's records for the state you will be in when your visit takes place.
- Search the full name and compare any licence number the service gives you.
- Check the record for a current licence and for any restrictions, punishment, or formal charges. Ask the board to explain an unclear entry.
- For a clinician with a different licence type, ask which board holds the record.
A licence record does not rate the care
If no public punishment or restriction is listed, the record does not show the board taking such a step. It does not prove how good the doctor's care is.
- As of September 26, 2026, an online doctor must have permission to practise medicine in the state where you are during your visit. A licence is the usual way to have that permission. State rules also allow limited exceptions.
- If the doctor has no licence in your state, ask what state rule allows the visit. Ask the state board to confirm the answer.
- Save the record link and any unresolved question for later.