Where to find someone's Connecticut license information
Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection runs a public database where you can search for active professional licenses. The search tool is free and available on the DCP website at ct.gov/dcp. You can look up licenses for doctors, nurses, contractors, electricians, plumbers, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and dozens of other professions regulated by the state.
The database shows whether a license is currently active, expired, or has been disciplined or revoked. You cannot see the person's Social Security number or home address — only their professional credentials and license status. This is useful if you are hiring someone for work and want to verify they are licensed, or if you need to check whether someone's license is still valid.
The search works best when you know the person's last name and first name. You can also search by license number if you have it. The system will return results showing the license holder's name, license type, license number, and current status.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection maintains a free public license database at ct.gov/dcp that you can search by name or license number.
- The database covers regulated professions including medical providers, contractors, real estate agents, and cosmetologists, but not all occupations.
- Search results show whether a license is active, expired, suspended, or revoked, plus the license type and issue date.
- You will need at least the person's last name to search; having their first name or license number makes the search faster and more accurate.
How to search the Connecticut license database step by step
Go to the Department of Consumer Protection website at ct.gov/dcp. Look for the "License Lookup" or "Professional License Search" link — it is usually on the homepage or under a "Consumers" or "Search" section. Click the link to open the search tool.
Enter the person's last name in the required field. If you know their first name, enter that too — it narrows the results and reduces the chance of pulling up the wrong person. If you have their license number instead, you can search by that alone. Leave the other fields blank unless you know specific information like the license type or county.
Click the search button. The system will display all matching results with the person's name, license number, profession, and current status. If you see multiple people with the same name, look at the license type and issue date to find the right person. Click on a result to see more details, including any disciplinary history or license restrictions.
What the license status means
Active means the license is current and the person is legally allowed to work in that profession in Connecticut. Expired means the license was not renewed by the important date and the person should not be working in that field unless they renew it. Suspended means the license has been temporarily taken away, usually because of a violation or unpaid fees. Revoked means the license has been permanently cancelled and the person cannot work in that profession in Connecticut.
If you are hiring someone and their license shows as expired or suspended, do not hire them for that work. Ask them to show you proof that they have renewed or resolved the issue before you proceed. If a license shows as revoked, that person is not permitted to work in that profession in Connecticut.
Professions you can look up in Connecticut
The Connecticut license database covers most regulated professions, but not all jobs require a state license. You can search for doctors, dentists, nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare providers. You can also look up contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other skilled trades. Real estate agents, brokers, appraisers, and mortgage lenders are searchable, as are cosmetologists, estheticians, and barbers.
Other searchable professions include accountants, engineers, architects, security guards, private investigators, and funeral directors. If you are unsure whether a particular profession is regulated in Connecticut, try searching for it in the database. If no results appear, that occupation may not require a state license.
What you cannot find in the license database
The Connecticut license lookup does not cover occupations that do not require state licensing, such as general contractors in some situations, handymen, or many service businesses. It also does not show federal licenses — for example, if someone holds a DEA license to prescribe controlled substances, that information comes from a federal database, not Connecticut's.
The database does not include personal information like home address, phone number, or email. It shows only professional credentials and disciplinary history. If you need more detailed information about a licensed professional, you may need to contact the specific licensing board or agency directly.
What to do if you find a problem with someone's license
If you discover that someone is working without a valid license, or if their license is suspended or revoked, you can file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Protection. The DCP website has a complaint form you can fill out online, or you can call their consumer complaint line to report the issue.
Provide as much detail as you can: the person's name, the type of work they were doing, when and where the work took place, and why you believe they are not properly licensed. The DCP will investigate and take action if the person is indeed working illegally. This protects other consumers from hiring unlicensed workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for someone's license if I only know their first name?
The search requires at least a last name to return results. If you only have a first name, you will need additional information like their license number, the type of license, or the county where they work. Having more details makes the search more accurate.
What does it mean if someone's license shows as "inactive"?
An inactive license usually means the person has let their license lapse or has voluntarily put it on hold. They are not currently authorized to work in that profession. You should not hire them for licensed work unless they can show you proof that they have reactivated or renewed their license.
How often is the Connecticut license database updated?
The database is updated regularly, but there can be a delay between when a license status changes and when the update appears online. If you need the most current information, contact the Department of Consumer Protection directly by phone or through their website.
Can I look up licenses for people who work in other states?
No, the Connecticut database only shows licenses issued by Connecticut. If someone is licensed in another state, you will need to search that state's licensing board. Most states have their own online license lookup tools on their professional regulation websites.
Is the information in the license database public record?
Yes, professional license information is public record in Connecticut. Anyone can search the database and see the results. This is by design — it allows consumers to verify that someone is properly licensed before hiring them.