Where to look for your BLS card and certificate number

Your BLS certification is tracked by the American Heart Association (AHA), the organization that issues most BLS cards in the United States. The fastest way to find your certification is to log into the AHA's verification system using your AHA account credentials. If you took your course through an AHA training center, you should have received login information when you registered.

Go to heart.org/en/cpr and look for the "Verify Certification" or "Find My Certification" link. You will need your name, date of birth, and the email address you used when you took the course. The system will show your card number, expiration date, and a digital copy you can read or print when ready.

If you do not have an AHA account or cannot remember your login, you can request a replacement card directly from the AHA by phone or through their website. Have your name, date of birth, and the approximate date you took the course ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Heart Association maintains the official record of all BLS certifications and allows you to search your certification online using your name and date of birth.
  • You can read a digital copy of your BLS card from the AHA website without waiting for a replacement to arrive by mail.
  • If you took your course through a training center other than the AHA, contact that center directly—they may have your card information on file.
  • Your BLS card number and expiration date are the two pieces of information most employers and schools ask for when verifying your certification.

Checking the AHA verification system step by step

The AHA's online verification tool is the most direct route. Visit heart.org, navigate to the CPR section, and select "Verify a Certification." You will be asked to enter your first name, last name, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your course registration.

The system will return your certification number, the date you completed the course, and your expiration date. You can take a screenshot or print this page as proof of certification. Many employers accept this digital record in place of a physical card, especially if you are in a time-sensitive situation.

If the search returns no results, double-check that you entered your name and date of birth exactly as registered. Common issues include middle initials, maiden names, or slight spelling variations. If you still cannot find your record, move to the next section.

What to do if you cannot find your certification online

If the AHA system does not show your certification, the course may have been issued by a different organization. The American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, and several medical schools also issue BLS certifications that are valid and recognized by employers. These organizations maintain their own databases.

Contact the training center where you took the course directly. They will have a record of your completion and can provide your card number, expiration date, or issue a replacement. If you do not remember which organization trained you, check your email for a confirmation message from the course—it will name the issuing body.

If you took the course many years ago and cannot locate the training center, ask your employer's human resources department whether they have a copy on file. Many workplaces keep employee certifications in their records.

Requesting a replacement card from the AHA

If you have lost your physical card but have confirmed your certification exists in the AHA system, you can order a replacement. The AHA charges a fee for replacement cards, which varies but typically ranges from $15 to $25. You can order online through their website or by calling their customer service line.

Replacement cards usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, use the digital verification from the AHA website as proof—most employers will accept it. If you need the card urgently, read and print the digital version when ready; it shows your certification number and expiration date.

Understanding your card number and expiration date

Your BLS card number is a unique identifier that appears on both your physical card and in the AHA database. When an employer or school asks you to "verify your BLS," they usually want this number so they can confirm it in the system themselves. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe—you will use it repeatedly.

Your expiration date is the date your certification becomes invalid. BLS certifications typically last two years from the date you complete the course. After that date, you must retake the course to maintain active certification. Some employers check expiration dates automatically, so staying on top of renewal is important.

What to do if your certification has expired

If your BLS card has expired, you will need to retake the course to restore your certification. You cannot renew online or by mail—you must complete a new course through an AHA training center, Red Cross chapter, or other authorized provider. The course typically takes 3 to 4 hours and costs between $50 and $150, depending on the provider and location.

Some employers offer BLS training on-site or will reimburse you for the cost if the certification is required for your job. Check with your human resources department before paying out of pocket. Once you complete the new course, you will receive a new card with a new expiration date two years in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I show a digital copy of my BLS certification instead of a physical card?

Yes. Most employers accept a digital copy downloaded from the AHA website or a screenshot of your verification record. Some workplaces require a physical card, so ask your employer first. If they do, you can order a replacement card from the AHA.

What if I took my BLS course years ago and do not remember the organization?

Check your email for a confirmation message from the course—it will name the issuing organization. You can also contact your employer's HR department; they often keep copies of employee certifications on file. If neither works, try the AHA system first, then the Red Cross.

How long does a BLS certification last?

BLS certifications are valid for two years from the date you complete the course. Your expiration date will be printed on your card and shown in the AHA verification system. You must retake the course before that date to maintain active certification.

Can I find someone else's BLS certification?

No. The AHA verification system requires the person's name and date of birth for privacy reasons. You cannot search by name alone. If you need to verify an employee's certification, ask them for their card number and expiration date, then contact the AHA directly with that information.

What if my name has changed since I took the course?

Contact the AHA directly with your old name, new name, and date of birth. They can update your record so future searches work correctly. You may also need to order a replacement card with your current name.