What a Texas license lookup does and where to find it
A Texas license lookup lets you search for information about someone who holds a professional license issued by the state — a doctor, nurse, contractor, real estate agent, electrician, or dozens of other professions. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) runs the main public search tool, and many individual licensing boards also keep their own searchable databases.
The reason to look someone up is straightforward: you want to know if they are actually licensed, whether their license is active or expired, and whether any complaints or disciplinary actions are on record. This matters before you hire someone for work or medical care, or if you want to report a problem with someone you already hired.
The search is free and open to anyone. You do not need to create an account or provide personal information to use it.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) runs a single searchable database for most professional licenses at license.texas.gov.
- You can search by license number, name, or business name, and results show whether the license is active, expired, or has been disciplined.
- Some professions like real estate agents and insurance agents have separate databases run by their own licensing boards.
- A license lookup tells you the license status and history but does not tell you about complaints that were filed but not acted on.
How to search the main TDLR database
Go to license.texas.gov and look for the "License Lookup" or "Search Licenses" option on the homepage. You will see a search box where you can enter information three different ways: by the person's name, by their license number (if you have it), or by the business name they work under.
Type what you know and click search. The results page will show you the license holder's name, license number, license type, the date it was issued, the date it expires or expired, and the current status — whether it is active, inactive, expired, or revoked. If there have been disciplinary actions, those appear on the record too, usually with a date and a brief description.
If you search by name and get multiple results, look for the right person by checking the license type and the city or county where they work. License numbers are unique, so if you have that, your search will be exact.
Professions with separate lookup databases
Not every Texas professional license goes through TDLR. Some licensing boards run their own search tools, and you will need to know which one to use.
Real estate agents and brokers are licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Search at trec.texas.gov under "License Holder Search." Insurance agents are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Search at tdi.texas.gov under "License Lookup." Attorneys are licensed by the State Bar of Texas. Search at texasbar.com under "Find a Lawyer" or "Lawyer Referral."
If you are not sure which board licenses a particular profession, start with the TDLR database. If the person does not appear there, search online for "[profession name] license Texas" to find the right board's website.
What the results tell you and what they do not
A license lookup result tells you the current status of the license and its history with the state. If the license is active, the person is currently authorized to work in that field in Texas. If it is expired, they are not — though they may be able to renew it. If it is revoked or suspended, the license has been taken away or temporarily removed, usually because of a violation or disciplinary action.
The record also shows any disciplinary actions the licensing board has taken: fines, suspensions, probation, or other penalties. These appear with dates and sometimes a brief summary of what happened.
What a lookup does not show you is complaints that were filed but dismissed, or complaints that are still under investigation. It only shows actions the board actually took. If you want to know about pending complaints or investigations, you may need to contact the licensing board directly by phone or through their website.
Why someone might not appear in the database
If you search for someone and they do not show up, it could mean several things. They may not be licensed in Texas — they might work in another state, or they might work in a field that does not require a state license. They may have let their license expire and it is no longer in the active database. Or you may have spelled their name differently than it appears on their license.
Try searching again with a different spelling, or search by business name instead of personal name. If you still do not find them and you believe they should be licensed, contact the relevant licensing board directly. They can tell you whether that person holds or has ever held a license in Texas.
How to report a problem with a licensed professional
If you find a license record and you want to file a complaint about that person's conduct, the licensing board has a process for that. Most boards accept complaints through their website or by mail. The TDLR website usually has a "File a Complaint" link, and individual boards like TREC and TDI have their own complaint forms.
When you file, you will need to describe what happened, when it happened, and what you believe the person did wrong. The board will investigate if the complaint falls within their authority. Keep in mind that not every complaint results in disciplinary action — the board has to find that a rule was actually broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up someone's license if I do not know their name?
Not through the main TDLR database. You need either a name, a license number, or a business name to search. If you know only the type of license or the city where they work, contact the licensing board directly and they may be able to help you narrow it down.
Does a license lookup show criminal history?
No. A license lookup shows only the status of the professional license and disciplinary actions taken by the licensing board. It does not include criminal records, civil lawsuits, or other legal history. For that information, you would need to search court records or use a background check service.
How often is the license database updated?
The TDLR database updates regularly, but not in real time. Changes can take a few days to appear. If you need to know the current status of a license right away, call the licensing board directly rather than relying on the online search.
What if the license shows as expired but the person is still working?
An expired license means the person is not currently authorized to work in that field in Texas. If someone is working without an active license, you can file a complaint with the licensing board. They investigate unlicensed practice and can take enforcement action.
Is the information on a license lookup public record?
Yes. License information is public record in Texas, which is why the state makes it searchable online. Anyone can look up anyone else's license status without permission.