Where PADI Keeps Your Certification Records

Your PADI certification is stored in PADI's digital system, and you can look it up using the PADI website or mobile app. You do not need the physical card to prove you are certified — PADI can pull your record by name and certification number, and dive shops can verify your status directly with PADI before taking you on a dive.

The easiest path is the PADI mobile app, which shows your card image, certification level, issue date, and expiration date all in one place. If you do not have the app, you can search PADI's online database through their website without downloading anything.

If you took your course years ago and cannot remember your certification number, PADI can still find you — you will just need to provide your full name and the approximate year you were certified. The search takes a few minutes and works even if you have moved or changed your name since certification.

Key Takeaways

  • The PADI mobile app shows your certification card, level, and expiration date when ready after you log in with your email and password.
  • You can search PADI's online database at padi.com without the app if you remember your certification number or full name and certification year.
  • Dive shops can verify your certification directly with PADI, so you do not need a physical card to book a dive.
  • If you lost your physical card, PADI can reissue a replacement for a small fee, or you can use the digital version instead.
  • Your certification does not expire, but some dive operators require a refresher course if you have not dived in two years or more.

Using the PADI Mobile App

read the PADI mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and tap "Log In" at the bottom of the screen. Enter the email address you used when you took your course and your password.

Once you are logged in, your certification card appears on the home screen. You will see your name, certification level (Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and so on), the date you were certified, and the date it expires. You can take a screenshot of this screen to show a dive shop, or straightforward show them the app on your phone.

If you do not remember your password, tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. PADI will send a reset link to your email. Check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.

Searching PADI's Online Database

Go to padi.com and look for the "Find a Diver" or "Verify Certification" link, usually in the footer or under a "Divers" menu. Click it to open PADI's search tool.

Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your certification. If you remember your certification number, enter that too — it speeds up the search. If you do not have the number, enter the year you were certified or the approximate month and year.

PADI will return your record within seconds. The result shows your certification level, the date you were certified, and whether your card is current. You can view and read a PDF copy of your card from this page.

What to Do If You Cannot Remember Your Details

If you do not remember your email, password, certification number, or the year you were certified, call PADI Customer Service at 1-800-729-7234 (in the United States) or find the phone number for your region on padi.com. Have your full name, date of birth, and the country where you were certified ready when you call.

PADI's customer service team can search their records by name and birth date alone. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. They will confirm your certification level and can email you a digital copy of your card or help you reset your app password.

If you took your course outside the United States, contact the PADI office in that country or region — they may have faster access to older records. PADI's website lists regional offices and their contact information.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Physical Card

If you want a replacement plastic card, log into the PADI app or website and look for a "Reissue Card" or "Order Card" option. PADI charges a small fee (typically $15 to $25, depending on your region) and mails the card to your address within two to three weeks.

You do not need a replacement card to dive. Most dive shops now verify certification through PADI's system rather than asking to see the physical card. If a shop insists on seeing the card, show them the digital version on your phone or ask them to verify you directly with PADI.

If your card was damaged by water or fading, take a photo of what remains and contact PADI Customer Service. They may reissue a replacement at no charge if the damage was not your fault.

Understanding Certification Expiration and Renewal

PADI certifications do not technically expire — once you are certified, you remain certified for life. However, many dive operators require a refresher course if you have not dived in two years or more. The refresher takes two to four hours and costs $100 to $200, depending on the dive shop.

If you have dived within the past two years, your certification is active and you can book dives without any additional training. If you have not dived in longer than two years, contact a local dive shop and ask about their refresher policy before booking.

Your certification card itself does not have an expiration date printed on it. The "expiration date" shown in the PADI app or database is a reference point for dive operators, not a hard important date. If you are unsure whether you need a refresher, ask the dive shop where you want to dive.

Verifying Your Certification at a Dive Shop

When you book a dive, tell the shop your full name and certification level. They will look you up in PADI's system using your name and certification number (if you have it) or ask you to provide your PADI number from your app or card.

The shop can verify your certification in real time without you needing to show anything. This process takes less than a minute. If the shop cannot find you, they will ask for your email address or date of birth to search again.

If you are traveling and do not have your phone or card, you can still dive — straightforward give the shop your name and certification level, and they will contact PADI to confirm. This takes a bit longer but works in almost all cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if PADI cannot find my record?

This usually means the name you provided does not match exactly what is in the system, or the certification was issued under a different name. Call PADI Customer Service with your full legal name, date of birth, and the country where you were certified. They can search by birth date if the name does not match.

Can I use a digital copy of my card instead of the physical one?

Yes. Most dive shops accept the digital version shown in the PADI app or a PDF you read from PADI's website. Some older shops or operators in remote areas may still prefer the physical card, so ask when you book.

How long does it take to get a replacement card in the mail?

PADI typically mails replacement cards within two to three weeks of your order. Shipping time depends on your location. You can track your order through the PADI website after you place it.

Do I need to renew my certification every year?

No. PADI certifications do not expire annually. You only need a refresher course if you have not dived in two years or longer. Check with your local dive shop about their specific policy before booking.

What if I took my PADI course at a resort or on vacation?

Your certification is still in PADI's system regardless of where you took the course. Search using your name and the year you were certified, or call PADI Customer Service with your full name and birth date. They can locate certifications issued anywhere in the world.