How to check a lawyer’s license
To check a lawyer’s license, search the official licensing agency for the state where they practice — usually called a state bar or attorney regulation office — and look up their name or bar number for current status and any disciplinary history. This is the only reliable way to confirm someone is actually authorized to practice law.
You found a lawyer online. Now what?
Say you’re searching for an attorney to handle a custody dispute or a landlord problem. You find someone through a search ad, a directory listing, or a friend’s recommendation. Their website says they’re “top-rated” and shows a photo of an office with law books. Before you hand over a retainer, one question matters more than the marketing: is this person actually licensed to practice law, and in good standing?
A polished website, a five-star review, or a listing on a lawyer-finder site tells you nothing about whether someone holds a valid law license. Only one type of record does that: the official file kept by the government agency that licenses attorneys in that state.
Who actually licenses lawyers in the U.S.?
Lawyers are not licensed by the federal government. Each state has its own agency that licenses attorneys and can confirm whether a specific person holds a law license and is permitted to practice in that state. This agency is sometimes called a state bar, a board of law examiners, or an attorney regulation office, depending on the state.
This matters because a license from one state does not automatically apply in another. A lawyer licensed in Texas is not automatically licensed in Ohio. If you’re checking someone’s credentials, check the licensing agency for the state where they claim to practice.
Where do I find my state’s lawyer license lookup?
Every state bar or licensing board maintains a public lookup tool, usually free to use. To find the correct one:
- Search for “[state name] attorney license lookup” or “[state name] state bar directory.”
- Confirm the site ends in a government or state bar domain rather than a commercial lawyer-directory site.
- If you’re unsure which agency covers your state, the American Bar Association maintains a state-by-state list of licensing agencies as a starting point.
Commercial legal-directory websites are not the same as an official state record, even when they look official. Some pull outdated information or accept paid listings without verifying license status.
What should I search for once I’m on the state site?
Most state lookup tools let you search by the attorney’s full name or their bar number, which often appears on their website, business card, or court filings. Search by name first if you don’t have a bar number.
Be aware that common names can return multiple results. If that happens, use the attorney’s city, firm name, or practice area shown in the record to confirm you have the right person.
How do I read a state bar record correctly?
Once you find the right entry, look for these details:
- License status. Common statuses include active, inactive, suspended, disbarred, or retired. Only “active” generally means the person can currently practice and represent clients.
- Admission date. This shows how long the person has held a license in that state.
- Jurisdiction. Confirm the license covers the state where your legal issue is located, or where the attorney says they will represent you.
- Disciplinary history. Many state bar records show whether an attorney has been publicly disciplined, and for what. A single old, minor matter is different from a recent pattern of complaints, so read the listed details rather than reacting to the presence of a record alone.
If a record shows a suspended or disbarred status, that person cannot legally represent you in that state, regardless of what their website or business materials claim.
What doesn’t count as proof of a valid law license?
It’s easy to mistake marketing signals for verification. None of the following confirm that someone is a currently licensed attorney in good standing:
- Appearing in a paid lawyer-directory listing
- Positive client reviews on a third-party website
- Awards or “top lawyer” badges issued by private companies
- A professional-looking website or office address
- Claiming to be “board certified” without naming the certifying body
These can be legitimate signals, but none substitute for checking the state licensing agency directly. If someone discourages you from verifying their license, or details on their website don’t match the state record, treat that as a warning sign.
What if I need help finding a lawyer, not just verifying one?
Free and low-cost legal help exists through pro bono programs and state-based referral services for people with limited incomes, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. These programs are a separate resource from license verification, but they matter if cost is part of what’s holding you back from getting legal help. Your state bar’s website often lists local legal aid organizations alongside its license lookup tool.
A simple decision path for verifying a lawyer
- Identify the state where you need legal help and where the attorney says they practice.
- Search that state’s official attorney licensing agency, not a directory site.
- Look up the attorney by name or bar number.
- Confirm the license status is active and the jurisdiction matches your case.
- Read any disciplinary history listed before deciding whether it affects your decision.
- If anything doesn’t match what the attorney told you, ask them directly or contact the licensing agency with your question.
What this guide does not do
This article explains how to find and read an official licensing record. It does not evaluate any specific attorney, recommend a lawyer, or tell you whether a particular disciplinary history should disqualify someone from representing you. Those are judgment calls that depend on your situation. A state licensing record is a starting point for that judgment, not a substitute for it.
Common questions
Is a “board certified” claim the same as being licensed?
No. Board certification is a separate, optional credential in some practice areas, issued by specific certifying organizations — it doesn’t replace or prove a state law license. Always verify the underlying license separately through the state agency.
Can a lawyer be licensed in one state but not another?
Yes. Law licenses are granted state by state. An attorney must be licensed, or have specific permission to appear, in the state where your legal matter is being handled.
What should I do if I find a disciplinary record?
Read the specific details listed in the record, including the date and nature of the action, rather than reacting to its existence alone. If you have questions about what a listed action means, the licensing agency’s contact information is usually on the same page.
Related reading on this site
- For a broader look at working with official government and court resources, see our Court and Agency Resources section.
- If you’re worried that an offer of legal help may not be legitimate, see our Legal Scam Awareness section for common warning patterns.
- For general consumer-facing legal topics beyond attorney verification, see Consumer Legal Information.
Educational disclaimer
This article provides general legal information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. License and disciplinary information changes over time; always confirm current status directly with the official state licensing agency before making a decision. If you are facing an urgent legal deadline or emergency, contact a licensed attorney or your local court clerk’s office directly.
By LegalHelpOnline.org Legal Research & Editorial Team. Last updated: September 2026.