We are currently processing forms on the date noted below. Please allow at least 4 weeks before submitting a Contact Us Form to request a status update.
| Request | Currently Reviewing Items Received |
|---|---|
| Certification and/or Verification |
9/26/2025 |
A license indicates that an individual has met the minimum requirements of the Education Law to enter practice or use a professional title within New York State (NYS). A license is valid for the life of the holder unless revoked, annulled, or suspended by the Board of Regents. The Education Law requires that individual licensees periodically register with the Department and pay a fee in order to actively practice or use a professional title within NYS.
The Department issues certification of licensure, for a $20 fee, to provide a licensee’s official information on the basis of licensure for a variety of purposes. Certification requests can only be submitted by the licensee and can only be sent to the licensee or the licensing authority of another state or jurisdiction. The Department also issues written verification of licensure, for a $10 fee, confirming an individual is licensed in NYS and their registration status. To determine which request you need to make for your specific purposes please see the information and forms below. Fee payment can only be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or American Express).
You can view an official online verification of any New York State professional license at no cost by using our Online Verification Service. You can also search our Enforcement Actions for any disciplinary information on licensees.
| Certification | Verification |
|---|---|
|
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| Online Written Certification Form | Online Written Verification Form |
Common Questions and Answers:
- New York State (NYS) terms "certification" and "verification"
In New York State (NYS) the terms "certification" and "verification" may differ from those utilized in your jurisdiction. It is important you understand NYS's terminology, so the correct request is submitted.
In New York State, certification of licensure provides a licensee's official information on the basis of licensure, where as a verification of licensure confirms an individual is licensed in NYS and their current registration status. A certification of a NYS permit provides a permit holder's permit history.
- I just submitted my request for a certification of licensure or a verification of licensure, how long will it take to be processed?
Requests are processed in the order they are received. You can typically expect your certification of licensure or verification of licensure to be sent out within 3-4 weeks. Please note processing time can vary.
Further questions may be directed to the Certification & Verification Unit by emailing oprau@nysed.gov or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 390.
- The form requested a mailing address. Does NYS provide certification of licensure or verification of licensure via email, fax, or through online portals?
Certifications of licensure and verifications of licensure currently will only be provided via first class mail through USPS.
Certification and verification requests are mailed based on the recipient address information that requestors provide on the online certification/verification form. Be sure to provide the recipient address exactly how it should appear on the envelope. All information provided in the recipient address fields will appear on the outside of the envelope. Be sure NOT to include any unintended personal identifying information in the recipient address fields which you do not want to appear on the outside of the envelope.
- How can I provide my examination information and scores to the licensing authority of another state or jurisdiction?
New York State issues certifications of licensure which provide a licensee's basis of licensure including their examination information, pass date, and scores. To request this information, you must complete the Online Written Certification Form.
- The licensing authority of another state or jurisdiction I am applying to has a verification/certification form I am supposed to provide to the New York State Board. Where can I submit this form?
We do not complete forms from other states or jurisdictions. We have standardized letters we send out. Be sure to complete the online form above which best provides the information the state board/jurisdiction is requesting. Further questions may be directed to the Certification & Verification Unit by emailing oprau@nysed.gov or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 390.
- Engineering, Land Surveying and Geology: How do I request Certification of Successful Completion of Licensure Examination or Intern Certificates?
For information on requesting Certification of Successful Completion of Licensure Examination or Intern Certificates see the Engineering, Land Surveying or Geology webpage.
- Pharmacy Interns: How do I request written certification or verification of internship hours or clinical experience?
The Department does NOT provide written certification or verification of internship hours or clinical experiences. Contact the state board where you are seeking licensure to inquire whether they will accept an affidavit, from your pharmacy school or the preceptor who supervised your internship, attesting to your completed internship dates/hours. An online verification of an intern permit can be performed using our Online Verification Service (under the pharmacist profession).
- I am a Permit holder in NYS. How can I certify/verify my permit to a licensing authority of another state or jurisdiction, or employer?
Certifications of NYS permits can only be provided to permit holders, licensing authorities of another state or jurisdiction, or employers. Please note, most states and jurisdictions require certifications/verifications to be sent directly from the licensing authority.
To request a certification of a permit, complete the Online Written Certification Form and when prompted to do so indicate that you are a Permit holder. Make sure to input your permit number excluding the leading character "P".
- How do I request proof of supervised hours as a Certified Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Psychoanalyst?
The NYS Board offices for these professions composed letters which detail the supervised hours required to obtain licensure in New York State. These letters, listed below, are provided alongside a Certification of Licensure when issued. - How do I request copies of documentation I submitted as a part of my application for licensure in New York State?
Certification or Verification of NYS Licensure
If you are looking for documentation to provide to the licensing authority of another state or jurisdiction, the Department can provide a certification of licensure or verification of licensure. Please see the chart above.Education Credentials/Evaluations
The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions evaluates education only to determine if it meets the requirements for New York State licensure. These evaluations are not released or intended to be used any other purpose. For example, they cannot be used for the purpose of demonstrating to an institution or agency that your foreign degree/diploma is equivalent to a domestic degree. If that is your intent, you must have your educational evaluation performed by a private evaluation service. Be sure to contact the agency/institution to which you are applying to determine that the service you choose is acceptable for their purposes.Application Materials
If you need documents submitted as part of your licensure application, you can submit an official FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) request. Please note that not all documents are releasable under FOIL and any documents requested can only be released to the initial requestor, NOT third parties. The New York State Education Department website has more information regarding FOIL requests.