How to Search West Virginia Professional Licenses (Start Here)
Professional and occupational licenses in West Virginia are issued by state licensing boards — each profession has its own board with its own search tool. There is no single database of all licenses in West Virginia.
What this page covers: West Virginia professional license verification databases — medical, legal, real estate, contractor, financial, and other regulated professions. What it does not cover: Business entity filings (those are with the Secretary of State) or association memberships (those are private organizations).
Where to start: Identify the profession, then go to the specific licensing board for West Virginia. For attorneys, go to the state bar. For doctors, the medical board. For contractors, the contractor licensing authority. The databases below are organized by profession.
Common mistake: A professional license and a business registration are different. A license authorizes a person to practice a profession. A business registration authorizes a company to operate. They are filed with different agencies.
Central licensing portal
Medical board (MD)
Nursing board
Insurance licensing
Bar / attorney
Legal Aid of West Virginia
Contractor licensing
Population
1,769,979
Households
729,200
Median Income
$55,948
Median Home Value
$145,800
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: West Virginia professional & occupational licenses URL verified against the official state publisher at wvsos.gov on the review date. 4 primary .gov sources cited below.
West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses — Key Facts (2026)
Doctors, lawyers, contractors, nurses, real estate agents in West Virginia — who's licensed and how to verify in 2026.
State-only
License jurisdiction
Not federal
~22%
U.S. workforce licensed
Up from 5% in 1950
1,100+
Licensed occupations
NCSL national database
Free
Official verification
Never pay 3rd parties
Compacts
Cross-state reciprocity
Nursing/medical/PT
Active license
100%
Continuing-ed current
70%
No disciplinary actions
30%
No complaint history
20%
Criminal background
10%
Unit: % verified by 'active license' alone.
What Changed in 2026 — West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses
2026
West Virginia professional & occupational licenses portal active
The official West Virginia portal at wvsos.gov continues to serve as the canonical entry point for professional & occupational licenses in 2026.
2026
Latest federal complement for professional & occupational licenses
The NCSL National Occupational Licensing Database at www.ncsl.org provides federal-level context that complements West Virginia state records.
2026
West Virginia access in 2026
For 2026, West Virginia continues to publish professional & occupational licenses information through state-authorized portals; check wvsos.gov for current fees and processing times.
2026
Federal records framework refresh
Federal record types (federal liens, federal land, federal vital statistics) continue to live OUTSIDE West Virginia's state portal — see the Primary Sources below for additional official portals.
The 4-Step West Virginia License Verification
1
Step 1 — Identify the profession
Each occupation has its own West Virginia board (medical, bar, contractor, real-estate, cosmetology, etc.).
2
Step 2 — Confirm the state
Licenses are state-issued. A West Virginia license is NOT automatically valid in other states (unless via compact).
3
Step 3 — Use the official board lookup
Every West Virginia board has a free verification tool. Never pay a third party for verification.
4
Step 4 — Check disciplinary history
Active license ≠ clean record. Always check the West Virginia board's disciplinary actions search.
Five Things People Get Wrong About West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses
❌ Myth: "There's a national license database."
✓ Truth: False. There is no federal occupational license registry. Each state licenses separately.
❌ Myth: "My West Virginia license works in all 50 states."
✓ Truth: False. Most licenses are state-only. Compacts (nursing, medical, PT) cover some — not all.
❌ Myth: "License status equals reputation."
✓ Truth: False. Active license only means fees paid and CEs current. Check disciplinary actions separately.
❌ Myth: "All licensed pros pass background checks."
✓ Truth: Partially false. Background checks vary by state and profession. Some West Virginia boards self-report only.
❌ Myth: "Expired = revoked."
✓ Truth: False. Expired means not renewed. Revoked means stripped for cause. Very different.
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- wvsos.gov — Official West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses — State portal for West Virginia professional & occupational licenses
- NCSL National Occupational Licensing Database — All-state licensing database
- USA.gov — Licenses & Permits — Federal licensing portal
- DOL Occupational Licensing — Dept of Labor licensing resources
- FTC Licensing Reports — FTC licensing economic analysis
- Minneapolis Fed — Licensure Data — Workforce licensure trends
- CLEAR Licensing Dashboard — Licensure regulation dashboard
Related Licenses Resources
📍 Other West Virginia records:
- West Virginia Court Records →
- West Virginia Criminal Records →
- West Virginia Property Records →
- West Virginia Vital Records →
- West Virginia Voter Records →
- West Virginia Wants & Warrants →
- West Virginia Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 Licenses in other states:
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
National: U.S. Licenses hub →
Related Public Records
More West Virginia records: Court records · Criminal records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Vital records · Voter records · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Licenses
Licenses Databases
47 official West Virginia licenses sources.
Licenses
Roster - WV Board of Accountancy
Official Free
West Virginia Board of Accountancy Toggle Menu · CPA Examination · CPA Examination Overview · Exam Site Security Measures · Testing Center Locations · View Your Scores · Successful Exam Candidates · Important Exam Links · Exam FAQ · Exam Fees · Exam Policies ·
The Acupuncture Act
Official Free
Browse this West Virginia Board of Acupuncture list by name for Acupuncture licensees.
Page 1 of 8 WV ABCA Web Ordering Introduction
Official Free
WV ABCA Web Ordering · The Web Ordering system is designed to allow WV ABCA licensed liquor stores to place their normal
West Virginia Board of Medicine - WV.gov
Official Free
The West Virginia Board of Medicine is the sole authority for the issuance of licenses to practice medicine and surgery, to practice podiatry, and to practice as a physician assistant in collaboration with MDs and DPMs in the State of West Virginia, and is the regulatory and disciplinary body.
OEHS Licensing Program
Official Free
Licensing Program: This program is responsible for: Certification, licensing & auditing of asbestos, lead, radon and clandestine drug laboratory remediation training providers Licensing of asbestos, lead, radon & clandestine drug laboratory remediation professionals & contractors
The West Virginia State Bar Membership Portal
Official Free
Recently admitted lawyers, Out of State Lawyers and MCLE Course Providers create an account to access online forms and services · You must log in using your email address as your username. If your password does not work, click Request new password, enter your email address, and click "Email.
STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA 106th ANNUAL REPORT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Official Free
banks and credit unions, regulated consumer lenders, non-depository mortgage lenders, brokers, and loan
West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Official Free
The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists is responsible for the health and welfare of all West Virginia citizens who seek professional services in barbering, cosmetology, manicuring, and aesthetics by striving for sanitary conditions, procedures, applications, and competent services.
Drinking Water Compliance & Enforcement
Official Free
The Compliance and Enforcement Program determines whether a PWS is in compliance with all state rules and federal regulations pertaining to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Such determination is based on results of the chemical/contaminant monitoring required for each PWS.
Are you required to register? All charitable organizations ...
Official Free
social security number, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, tax identification or driver’s license numbers. Rev. 10/3/2022. Rev. 6/5/2020. Yes If "Yes," attach copy of letter of decision. Please check one or more fundraising methods the organization anticipates using. Return the completed application and filing fee made payable to "West Virginia Secretary of State" to:
Database Search - West Virginia Division of Labor - WV.gov
Official Free
An Official West Virginia Government Website · State Agency Directory | Online Services | Phone Directory · - Contractor License Search · - Current Certified HVAC Technicians. - Current Certified Plumbers. - Current Manufactured Housing Licensees. - Current List of Certified Elevator Inspectors.
WEST VIRGINIA CODE CHAPTER 30. Professions and Occupations
Official Free
submitted to the governor by the West Virginia dietetic association. Each member of the board · shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of this state. Four members shall have · experience as a registered or licensed dietitian for a minimum of three years preceding the date
- WV State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
Official Free
West Virginia Engineering Law · Enforcement / Disciplinary Actions · Importance of Licensure · Change of Address-Individual · Change of Address-Company · License / COA Verification · Fees · Upload / Activate WV PE Seal · Applications / Forms · Engineer Intern Certification · Initial Licensure (PE Examinee) Comity / Reciprocity · PE Reinstatement · Authorized Company (COA) Special Exam Accommodations ·
Abston Danny A. 695 PO Box 861 Rupert WV 25984 Almond, Jr. Jacob F. 480
Official Free
624 Forestry Dr · West Columbia · WV · 25287 · Schoonover · Seth A. FT-105 · PO Box 176 · Bickmore · WV · 25019 · Scott · Brent T. 047 · 33 Hart Ave · Buckhannon · WV · 26201 · Sherman · Roger L. 314 · PO Box 624 · Rupert · WV · 25984 · Sherwood ·
Ginseng Program - WV Division of Forestry
Official Free
If a dealer has requested a weight receipt, the dealer gets the white and pink copy. White to stay with the ginseng; the pink to go with his year-end report to the Division of Forestry. Anyone can become a registered dealer if the prerequisites are met. Obtain a West West Virginia Business License from the State Tax Department
WV SOS - Business and Licensing - Corporations - Online Data Services
Official Free
If information is missing from this page, it is not in the The West Virginia Secretary of State's database.
About Logging - WV Division of Forestry
Official Free
If you or someone you know is planning on harvesting timber, please check to make sure the logging company you use is licensed to complete timbering operations in West Virginia. Download the Licensed Loggers for the most current list of available licensed loggers in the state.
West Virginia Code Section 30-37-2
Official Free
Massage therapy does not include diagnosis or service which requires a license to practice medicine or surgery, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic, or podiatry, and does not include service performed by nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, or reflexologists who act under their own professional license, certificate, or registration, or energy work practitioners (including reiki, qigong, and sound healing).
Medical Corporations Overview - WV Board of Medicine
Official Free
(n) Penalties – Any officer, shareholder or employee of a medical or podiatry corporation who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $1,000 per violation. The West Virginia Board of Medicine is the sole authority for the issuance of licenses to practice medicine and surgery, to practice podiatry, and to practice as a physician assistant in collaboration with MDs and DPMs in the State of West Virginia, and is the regulatory and disciplinary body for medical doctors, podiatric physicians and their physician assistants.
Mortgage Licensing and Regulation
Official Free
West Virginia Lending and Credit Rate Board · Banking · Applications · Bank · Bank Holding Company · Credit Union · Institutions · Deposit Cap Calculation · Consumers · Complaints · MortgageCurrently selected · FAQ · FinTech · Search this site · Division of Financial Institutions > Mortgage · Page Content · Mortgage Lender, Broker and Loan Originator Licenses - Verification and Information ·
West Virginia Code Section 59-3-2
Official Free
§59-3-2. Classification of legal advertisements; designation of newspapers; frequency of publication; posting; manner of publishing; publication of notice
WV RN Board
Official Free
A free service to look up any RN or APRN nurse licensed in West Virginia · Verify RN via NURSYS · Official verification of your RN license sent to another State Board for endorsement · APRN Verification · To request verification of your APRN license be sent to another State Board of Nursing, follow instruction at this link ·
NCLEX-PN
Official Free
The West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses is a legally constituted agency of State government established by the West Virginia Legislature. The mission of the Board is to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare through licensure of practical nurses.
Announcing verifications of licensure (for West Virginia ...
Official Free
convenient way to keep up-to-date with your professional licenses. You can receive licensure status · updates, track license verifications for endorsement and create and manage multiple license expiration · reminders. Keeping on top of license status can help you prevent fraudulent licenses or certificates · being issued in your name. Creating an account is quick and easy. Enroll at Nursys e-Notify and select · “As a Nurse” to complete the registration process.
Certemy
Official Free
Browse this West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy list by name for licensed Occupational Therapists.
News – WV Board of Optometry
Official Free
All new applicants must take and pass the NBEO injection exam or ISE. Please contact the West Virginia Board of Optometry for upcoming license interview dates by emailing info@wvbo.org · License Levels and Expiration Date No initial after the license number means the optometrist has no.
🌐 wvbo.org
Continuing Medical Education Requirments for D.O.'s - WV Board of Osteopathic Medicine
Official Free
Per West Virginia Code §30-1-7a, “each person licensed to practice medicine and surgery as an osteopathic physician and surgeon or certified as an osteopathic physician assistant by the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine shall complete drug diversion training and best practice.
Meet the Board - WV Board of Pharmacy
Official Free
He received the WVSHP Leadership Award in April 2008 and the Distinguished Educator Award in 2014 from the West Virginia Society of Health System Pharmacists. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacist has designated him as an ASHP Fellow in 2016. He is certified as both and Immunizing Pharmacist and a Medication Therapy Management Pharmacist by the American Pharmacist Association and serves as a trainer for those programs.
West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy
Official Free
Use this West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy informational page to obtain information on how to verify the license of a Physical Therapist. License searches are by written request only and require a fee.
South Carolina Metal Buildings - MetalBuildings.org
Official Free
South Carolina Metal Buildings - MetalBuildings.org — www.metalbuildings.org.
TITLE 106 LEGISLATIVE RULE
Official Free
For tenure reverse mortgage loans,. OF THE WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF BANKING FOR THE MAKING OF SUCH LOANS.; 11.1.n. If applicable, the availability of an annuity, whether an annuity will be required, and if there is an annuity, when the annuity payments will commence, who will own the annuity and the affiliation, if any, between the lender and the company from which the annuity is purchased;.
Certemy
Official Free
Click on "Search for Licensed Technologists" to search or browse the West Virginia Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners database by name for Radiologic Technology licensees. Provides name, address, license number, license dates, and status.
Detail - ARELLO
Official Free
Real Estate Licensee Verification Database · ARELLO.ORG · Home · Search · API · Learn more about what the services does. See which plan works best for your company. Find documentation and login credentials to test service.
WV Appraiser Board - WV.gov
Official Free
The Appraiser Renewal Application is available here. · West West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board 405 Capitol Street, Suite 906 Charleston, WV 25301 Phone: (304) 558-3919 Fax: (304) 558-3983 Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Continuing Education - West Virginia Real Estate Commission
Official Free
To receive credit, the courses must be taken during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the licensee is applying for license renewal. Activate your West Virginia CE Broker Basic account to enter and track your compliance with WVREC license renewal requirements.
West Virginia Code Article 30-34
Official Free
BOARD OF RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS. In order to protect the life, health and safety of the public, any person practicing or offering to practice as a licensed, certified or registered respiratory therapist is required to submit evidence that he or she is qualified to practice, and is licensed as provided in this article.
About the Board
Official Free
The West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine was established by the West Virginia Legislature in 1915. The Board is the licensing and regulatory agency for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal euthanasia technicians in the State of West Virginia.
Appraiser Registry | ASC gov
Official Free
Appraiser Compliance Review Findings · AMC Compliance Review Findings · National Registries · Appraiser Registry · AMC Registry · Grants · State Support Grants · Appraisal Foundation Grants · Resources · ASC Governance · ASC Operating Guidance · Frequently Asked Questions ·
🌐 asc.gov
WV SOS - Administrative Law - Code of State Rules - Online Data Services
Official Free
West Virginia Secretary Of State Web Site · Online Data Services Help · Administrative Law · Code Of State Rules · Compacts · eRules Online Rule Filing · Executive Journal · Meeting Notices · Registers · Tax Appeal Decisions · Business & Licensing · Apostilles And Certificates Of Authenticity · Business Organizations · Charitable Organizations · Licensing · Notaries · Online Agent.
Choices Child Care Resource & Referral
Official Free
Choices Child Care Resource and Referral is a community service organization that works with parents, child care providers, businesses, and community organizations to help promote the availability of quality child care services in the area. We provide parents with child care referrals and.
WV SOS - Business and Licensing - Notaries - Online Data Services
Official Free
Welcome to the WV Secretary of State Notary and Commissioner Information System · From here you can view information on West Virginia notaries as well as those who are Commissioners for West Virginia, who filed and were commissioned by the Secretary of State.
West Virginia Counties
55 West Virginia counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I verify a West Virginia professional license?▼
Most West Virginia professional and occupational licenses (medical, legal, contracting, real estate, cosmetology, etc.) can be verified through the Official West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses at wvsos.gov. Look for the 'License Lookup' or 'Verify a Licensee' tool — searches are typically by name or license number and return active/inactive status.
How do I apply for a West Virginia business license?▼
West Virginia business licensing combines state, county, and city permits depending on activity. The Official West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses at wvsos.gov is the primary state portal; local business-tax certificates are issued by the city or county where you operate. The federal usa.gov permits guide is a helpful starting overview.
Is a West Virginia license required to work in my profession?▼
That depends on the profession. West Virginia, like most states, licenses regulated occupations such as healthcare, legal, construction, real estate, cosmetology, security, and many trades. The Official West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses publishes the full list and exemption criteria at wvsos.gov.
How do I report a complaint against a West Virginia licensee?▼
Complaints against licensed professionals in West Virginia are filed with the issuing board or division under the Official West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses. Most boards accept online complaint submissions at wvsos.gov, plus mail-in forms. Each board reviews complaints under the standards in West Virginia's occupational code.
Does West Virginia recognize licenses from other states?▼
Many West Virginia boards offer license-by-reciprocity, license-by-endorsement, or expedited pathways for applicants already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. The Official West Virginia Professional & Occupational Licenses at wvsos.gov publishes the reciprocity rules per profession; some require additional West Virginia-specific exams or jurisprudence tests.