Where to Look for Your CNA License Number
Your CNA license number is printed on your physical certification card, usually in the upper right or lower left corner. If you still have the card you received when you passed your exam, that number is your starting point. The number is typically six to eight digits and may be preceded by your state abbreviation — for example, "CA 1234567" for California.
If you cannot locate your card, your state's nursing board website has a public license lookup tool where you can search by your name and see your license number, expiration date, and current status. This is the fastest route when your card is lost or you need to verify the number quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Your CNA license number appears on your physical certification card and is also stored in your state nursing board's database.
- Every state maintains a free public lookup tool on its nursing board website where you can search for your license number by name.
- If you cannot find your card and the online lookup does not return results, contact your state nursing board directly by phone or email.
- Your license number stays the same throughout your career unless your state changes its numbering system, which is rare.
Using Your State Nursing Board's Online Lookup
Each state's nursing board runs a searchable database of active and inactive licenses. To use it, go to your state nursing board's official website — search "[your state] nursing board" or "[your state] board of nursing" — and look for a link labeled "License Verification," "License Lookup," or "Search Licenses."
Enter your full name as it appears on your certification card. Some boards also let you search by license number if you have a partial number. The results will show your license number, the date it was issued, when it expires, and whether it is currently active. Write down the number exactly as it appears, including any state prefix or dashes.
If your name has changed since you were certified, search under both your current name and your former name. Some boards update their records when ready after a name change; others take several weeks. If you still do not see your license, move to the next step.
Contacting Your State Nursing Board Directly
If the online lookup does not return your license, call or email your state nursing board. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and the approximate year you were certified. Have your Social Security number ready — most boards ask for it to confirm your identity before releasing information.
The nursing board can tell you whether your license is on file, why it might not appear in the public database (sometimes inactive licenses are hidden from the searchable tool), and what your license number is. They can also print and mail you a replacement card if yours was lost, though this usually takes two to four weeks and may cost a small fee.
If you were certified in one state and have since moved, you may need to contact the board in the state where you originally earned your CNA certification, not your current state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that recognize licenses from other states, but the original issuing state always has your records.
What to Do If Your License Has Expired
If your search shows your license has expired, you still have a license number — it does not disappear. However, you cannot work as a CNA until you renew it. The renewal process and timeline vary by state. Some states let you renew online; others require you to retake the exam or complete continuing education hours.
Contact your state nursing board to learn what renewal looks like in your state and whether you can renew when ready or if there is a grace period. Many states allow you to renew for a set period after expiration without reexamining, but waiting too long may require you to take the full certification exam again.
Keeping Your License Number Safe
Once you have your license number, write it down and store it somewhere you can find it quickly — a note in your phone, a document on your computer, or a photo of your card. You will need it when you explore for jobs, renew your license, or transfer your certification to another state.
Some employers ask for your license number during the hiring process so they can verify your certification independently. Having it memorized or easily accessible saves time and prevents delays in your hiring paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my CNA license number from another state if I move?
It depends on your new state's reciprocity rules. Some states recognize CNA licenses from other states without requiring a new exam; others require you to take their state exam or complete additional training. Contact your new state's nursing board to find out what you need to do. Your original license number stays with your original state's records.
What if I never received a physical card?
Contact the nursing board in the state where you took your exam. Some boards issue cards automatically; others only send them if you request one. The board can confirm your license number and either mail you a replacement card or provide the number over the phone.
Is my CNA license number the same as my nursing license number?
No. A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) license and an RN (Registered Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) license are separate credentials with different numbers. If you have both, each one has its own number issued by the nursing board.
Do I need my license number to renew my CNA certification?
Most states ask for it but do not require it. You can usually renew using your name and date of birth. However, having your license number on hand speeds up the process and reduces the chance of the board looking up the wrong record if your name is common.
What happens if I lose my CNA card after I find my license number?
Your license number does not change. You can request a replacement card from your state nursing board, usually for a small fee. In the meantime, you can show employers your license number and direct them to the state's online lookup tool to verify your certification.