Where to find your PADI certification online
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) keeps a record of every certification you've earned through their PADI Training Record system. You can look up your own certification by visiting the PADI website directly — you don't need to contact anyone or wait for a response. The fastest way is to go to padi.com, click "Find a Diver" in the top navigation, and enter your name and date of birth.
The system will show your certification level, the date you earned it, and which dive shop or instructor issued it. This is the official record PADI maintains, so what appears here is what dive operators around the world will see when they verify your card before a dive trip.
If you've lost your physical card or it's damaged, you can order a replacement directly from PADI through the same system. The replacement card takes about two weeks to arrive and costs a small fee that varies by country.
Key Takeaways
- The PADI Training Record lookup at padi.com is the official way to verify your certification and requires only your name and date of birth.
- Your certification level, issue date, and issuing instructor or shop will all appear in the online record.
- You can order a replacement card through PADI's website if your physical card is lost or damaged.
- Dive shops and resorts use the PADI Training Record to verify your certification before taking you on a dive, so keeping your information current matters.
- If your record doesn't appear online, contact the dive shop where you were certified — they may not have submitted your paperwork yet.
What information you'll need to look up your record
PADI's lookup tool is straightforward and requires only two pieces of information: your full name (as it appears on your certification) and your date of birth. You do not need your certification number, your instructor's name, or the name of the dive shop where you trained.
If you have your physical card, your PADI number is printed on it — but you won't need it for the lookup. The name and birthdate combination is enough for PADI's system to find your record.
What to do if your certification doesn't appear in the system
If you search and your name doesn't show up, the most common reason is that your instructor or dive shop hasn't submitted your paperwork to PADI yet. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how busy the shop is. Check back after a week or two.
If you were certified more than a few weeks ago and still don't see your record, contact the dive shop or instructor who certified you directly. They have your original paperwork and can either resubmit it or tell you whether there was a problem with your certification. Keep the name and location of the shop handy when you call.
In rare cases, a name spelling error or a different date of birth in the system can prevent a match. If the shop confirms they submitted your paperwork but you still can't find it, ask them to check what name and birthdate they entered into PADI's system.
How dive shops verify your certification before a dive
When you book a dive trip or show up at a dive shop, they will ask to see your certification card. Many shops now verify your card by looking you up in the PADI Training Record system themselves — they enter your name and birthdate just as you would, and confirm that your level matches the dive you want to do.
Some shops still accept a physical card without checking the online record, but this is becoming less common. Having your card on hand is always the safest option, but if you've lost it, most shops will verify you online before letting you dive.
If you're traveling and don't have your card with you, call the dive shop ahead of time and ask whether they can verify you through the PADI system. Most will say yes, but confirming in advance prevents delays on the day of your dive.
Ordering a replacement card from PADI
If your card is lost, damaged, or worn out, you can order a replacement through PADI's website. Go to padi.com, find the "Find a Diver" section, and look for the option to order a replacement card. You'll need to verify your identity using your name and date of birth, and PADI will mail a new card to your address.
The replacement card is identical to your original and carries the same certification level and issue date. It typically arrives within two weeks. The cost varies by country — in the United States it is usually between $15 and $25, but check PADI's website for the exact price in your location.
While you wait for your replacement card, you can still dive. Show the dive shop your PADI Training Record lookup on your phone, or ask them to verify you in their system. Most shops will accept this as proof of certification.
Understanding your certification level on your record
Your PADI record will show your highest certification level — for example, Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, or Rescue Diver. This level determines the maximum depth you can dive and the types of dives you can do. A dive shop will always check that your level matches the dive they're offering.
If you've taken specialty courses (like Nitrox, Deep, or Navigation), those may appear separately on your record depending on which version of PADI's system the shop uses. The main certification level is what matters for booking a dive.
Your record also shows the date you earned your certification. This date never changes, even if you take advanced courses later — it's the date of your first PADI certification.
Keeping your PADI information current
PADI's system is permanent — once your certification is recorded, it stays there. You don't need to renew or update anything unless you move and want to change the address on file for your replacement card.
If you've changed your name since you were certified (through marriage, legal change, or other reasons), contact PADI directly to update your record. You'll need to provide proof of the name change. This matters because dive shops match the name on your card to your ID, so a mismatch can cause problems when you book a dive.
If you take additional PADI courses after your initial certification, your instructor will submit that paperwork to PADI, and your record will be updated to reflect your new level. This usually happens within a few weeks of your course completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up someone else's PADI certification?
No. PADI's system is designed so that only you can look up your own record using your name and date of birth. Dive shops can verify a diver's certification if that diver is present and provides their card or consent, but the general public cannot search for other people's records.
What if I took my certification with a different diving organization, not PADI?
PADI's lookup system only shows PADI certifications. If you were certified through SSI, NAUI, or another organization, you'll need to contact that organization directly to verify your record. Most dive shops can verify certifications from other organizations if you show them your card.
How long does it take for my certification to show up in the PADI system after I finish my course?
It typically takes one to three weeks for your instructor to submit your paperwork and for PADI to process it. Some instructors are faster than others. If it's been more than a month, contact the dive shop where you trained and ask them to check on the status.
Do I need to bring my physical card if I can look myself up online?
It's still a good idea to carry your physical card when you dive. While most shops can verify you online, some still prefer to see the card, and having it on hand prevents any delays. If you're traveling and don't have it, let the shop know in advance so they can plan to verify you through PADI's system.
What if my name on my PADI record doesn't match my current ID?
Contact PADI directly with proof of your name change (marriage certificate, legal change document, or updated ID). They can update your record so it matches your current identification. This is important because dive shops will compare your card name to your ID before you dive.