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Verify a lawyer’s license
Use this independent guide to verify an attorney’s license through an official attorney license lookup. It is free and takes about two minutes.
How to check a lawyer's license
Every state keeps a public record of who can practice law. A lawyer who is suspended, inactive, or never licensed there cannot legally handle your case.
- Get the full nameUse the name on the lawyer's website, business card, or fee agreement. A bar number, if listed, is even better.
- Open your state's lookupUse the links below for the states we cover. For other states, search for the state bar's lawyer directory.
- Confirm the statusLook for active status or good standing in the state where your accident happened.
- Check for public disciplineMost lookups show past suspensions, reprimands, or probation. One old issue may not be a dealbreaker, but ask about it.
- Match the detailsThe name, city, and firm should line up with what the lawyer told you.
State bar attorney search and license lookups
Official attorney directories and licensing authorities for all 50 states.
States with lawyer directories on this site
Other state attorney record searches
A–M state attorney records 23 states
What the status means
Exact wording varies by state, but most lookups use terms like these.
- Active, or in good standing
- Licensed and allowed to practice. This is what you want to see.
- Inactive
- Still a lawyer, but not currently allowed to practice. They should not be taking your case.
- On probation
- Allowed to practice under conditions set after a discipline case. Read the public record.
- Suspended
- Not allowed to practice for a period of time.
- Disbarred or resigned
- No longer licensed. Some resignations happen while a discipline case is pending.
Other checks worth a minute
- Board certification. Some states certify lawyers as specialists after extra testing and peer review. Florida, for example, certifies civil trial lawyers. It is a good sign, though many excellent lawyers are not certified.
- Reviews in context. Look at how many reviews there are and read the middle ratings, which often talk about communication.
- A real office. Make sure the address is a working office and not only a mail drop.
- A written fee agreement. Injury fee agreements should always be in writing. See How contingency fees work.
If something seems wrong
You can file a complaint with the state bar or the agency that handles lawyer discipline. If a firm listed here has lost good standing, report it to us and we will review the listing.