Finding a Maine doctor's license online
Maine's medical licensing board publishes a searchable database of every licensed physician, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner in the state. You can search by the doctor's name, license number, or city to see their current license status, any disciplinary history, and what type of medicine they practice. The database is free and takes about two minutes to use.
The board that runs this database is the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. It is part of Maine's Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. The search tool is on their website and works whether you are checking on a doctor before your first appointment or verifying credentials for any other reason.
Key Takeaways
- Maine's Board of Licensure in Medicine maintains a free public database where you can search any licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner by name or license number.
- The search results show whether the license is currently active, expired, or suspended, plus any disciplinary actions the board has taken.
- You can also see what type of license the person holds and whether they have any restrictions on their practice.
- The database is updated regularly and is the official source for Maine medical license information.
How to search the Maine medical license database
Go to the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine website. Look for the link labeled "License Verification" or "Search Licensees." Click it and you will see a search box.
You can search three ways: by the doctor's last name, by their first and last name together, or by their license number if you have it. Type what you know and click Search. The results will show every person in the database matching that name or number.
Click on the person's name to open their full record. This page shows their license type, the date it was issued, whether it is currently active, and any disciplinary history. If the license is expired or suspended, that will be clearly marked.
What the license record tells you
A Maine medical license record includes the person's name, license number, and the type of license they hold. Maine issues separate licenses for physicians (MDs and DOs), physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. The record shows which category the person falls into.
You will also see the date the license was first issued and the date it expires or expired. If a license has been renewed, the record shows the most recent renewal date. An active license means the person is currently permitted to practice in Maine.
If the board has taken any disciplinary action—such as a reprimand, fine, or restriction on what the person can do—that information appears on the record. This includes cases where the board investigated a complaint and found no violation. You can usually click through to read more detail about what happened.
What to do if you cannot find someone
If a search returns no results, the person either does not hold a Maine medical license, the name is spelled differently than you entered it, or they may be licensed in another state instead. Doctors who work in Maine but are licensed in New Hampshire or Vermont will not appear in Maine's database.
If you know the person works in Maine but does not show up, try searching with just their last name, or try different spelling variations. If that does not work, contact the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine directly by phone or email. Their contact information is on the website. They can tell you whether someone is licensed in Maine and why they might not appear in the search.
Checking licenses from other states
If a doctor is licensed in another state, you will need to search that state's medical board database instead. Every state maintains its own licensing board and its own public search tool. The Federation of State Medical Boards runs a website called DocInfo that lets you search across multiple states at once, though it is less detailed than searching a single state's database directly.
Some doctors hold licenses in more than one state. If someone practices in Maine but is licensed elsewhere, they may also hold a Maine license. It is worth searching Maine's database first, then checking the state where they primarily practice if you do not find them.
Understanding license types and restrictions
Maine issues different types of medical licenses depending on the person's training and what they are allowed to do. A physician (MD or DO) has completed medical school and residency training. A physician assistant has completed a shorter training program and works under a physician's supervision. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with additional advanced training.
Some licenses come with restrictions. For example, a doctor might be licensed to practice only in a hospital setting, or only in a specific medical specialty, or only under the supervision of another physician. These restrictions appear on the license record. If you see a restriction and are not sure what it means, the board's contact information is on the website and they can explain it.
When to call the board directly
Contact the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine if the database does not answer your question. Common reasons to call include: you cannot find someone in the database and want to know if they are licensed; you want to understand what a restriction on a license means; you have a question about disciplinary history; or you want to report a concern about a doctor's conduct.
The board's phone number and email address are on their website. They can usually answer questions within one business day. If you are reporting a concern about a doctor, the board has a formal complaint process. The website explains how to file a complaint and what happens next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see why a doctor was disciplined?
Yes. The license record shows what action the board took and usually includes a summary of why. You can often click through to read the full case details or the board's decision. If the information is not clear, call the board and ask them to explain the specific case.
What does it mean if a license is expired?
An expired license means the person is no longer permitted to practice medicine in Maine. They may have let it lapse, retired, or moved to another state. Do not see a doctor whose Maine license is expired, even if they claim they are still practicing.
Do I need to search before every appointment?
No. If you are seeing a doctor at a hospital or established clinic, that facility has already checked their license. You might search once when you first choose a doctor, or if you have a specific concern about their credentials or history.
Can I search for dentists or other health professionals?
No. Maine's Board of Licensure in Medicine covers only physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Dentists, nurses, therapists, and other health professionals are licensed by different boards. The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation website lists all the licensing boards and their search tools.
Is the database updated in real time?
The database is updated regularly but not necessarily the moment a change happens. If you need to know whether a very recent action was taken on a license, call the board directly rather than relying on the online search.