Occupational therapist license lookup by state
Ben Argeband, Founder & CEO of Heartbeat.ai — Keep it simple and auditable.
What’s on this page:
Who this is for
This hub is for recruiters verifying OTs quickly—agency recruiters, in-house TA, and credentialing ops—who need a repeatable way to confirm license status across states without slowing submittals.
Occupational therapy licensure is state-based. Your workflow has to be consistent even when each state’s portal behaves differently.
Quick Answer
- Core Answer
- Use each state board’s public verification page to confirm an OT’s license number and license status, capture expiration if shown, and log the source URL and date.
- Key Insight
- Most verification failures come from missing audit trail details (URL, date, exact status label) or from name-only matches that don’t uniquely identify the OT.
- Best For
- Recruiters verifying OTs quickly.
Compliance & Safety
This method is for legitimate recruiting outreach only. Always respect candidate privacy, opt-out requests, and local data laws. Heartbeat does not provide medical advice or legal counsel.
Framework: The “Audit Trail” Rule: log source URL + date
When you run an occupational therapist license lookup, treat it like a record you may need to defend later (client audit, internal QA, credentialing review). The Audit Trail Rule keeps your team aligned:
- Source URL: the exact verification page you used (not just the board homepage).
- Date checked: the date you viewed the record.
- Captured fields: credential type shown, license number, license status label, expiration if shown, and any public discipline indicators if displayed.
The trade-off is… you spend a little more time per candidate, but you stop redoing checks and you reduce “we can’t prove it” escalations.
Step-by-step method
Step 1: Confirm which state(s) matter for the job
- State where the OT will practice (facility location).
- Any additional states required by the client’s onboarding policy.
- States the candidate claims licensure in (only if relevant to placement).
Step 2: Use the official state verification tool (not a third-party directory)
Go to the state’s occupational therapy licensing board site and find the public verification tool (often labeled “Verify a License,” “License Lookup,” or “License Search”). Search by license number when possible; name-only searches can return multiple matches.
Step 3: Capture the minimum fields (every time)
- Credential type shown (confirm it’s occupational therapist if multiple types appear)
- License number
- License status (exact label as shown)
- Expiration date (if shown)
- Discipline/public order indicator (if shown)
- Source URL (or navigation path if the URL is session-based)
- Date checked
Verified in this workflow means: license number match + license status label captured + source URL/path + date logged.
Step 4: Use a consistent definition for “license status”
License status definition (operational): the status label displayed on the state board’s verification record at the time you checked (for example: Active, Inactive, Expired, Lapsed, Suspended). Record the exact label and do not reinterpret it.
Step 5: If the record is ambiguous, escalate with a clean note
When you see multiple matches, missing fields, or unclear labels, don’t guess. Log the URL + date + what you saw, then escalate to your credentialing/compliance workflow.
Diagnostic Table:
Use this to make fast, consistent decisions based on what the board page shows.
| What you see on the board page | What it means for recruiting workflow | What to capture (Audit Trail) | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status shows “Active” (or equivalent) | Likely eligible to proceed (subject to client rules) | Credential type shown, license #, license status label, expiration if shown, source URL/path, date checked | Move forward; set a recheck reminder near start date or expiration |
| Status shows “Expired/Lapsed” | Start-date risk; may require renewal/reactivation | Status label, expiration if shown, URL/path, date checked | Ask candidate for renewal plan; flag risk early to client |
| Status shows “Inactive” | May exist but not currently active for practice under that state’s rules | Status label, any public notes, URL/path, date checked | Confirm client policy; escalate if the role requires active status |
| Discipline/public order link appears | Needs careful review; may affect eligibility | Status label, discipline indicator, link to public order if available, date checked | Escalate to credentialing/compliance; keep notes factual |
| No expiration date shown | You can’t infer currency from the record alone | Status label, “expiration not displayed,” URL/path, date checked | Request candidate documentation if your client requires expiration on file |
| Multiple matches for the same name | High risk of mis-verification | Search terms used, list of possible matches, URL/path, date checked | Re-search using license #; do not mark verified until uniquely matched |
Weighted Checklist:
Score each verification so your team is consistent across states. Total 100 points; set your own pass threshold based on client risk tolerance.
- 40 pts: State board record found and clearly matches candidate (license number match preferred); if name-only search returns multiple matches, require license # before marking verified
- 20 pts: License status label captured exactly as shown (no paraphrasing)
- 15 pts: Expiration date captured (or “not displayed” recorded)
- 10 pts: Credential type confirmed as occupational therapist (not an assistant credential)
- 10 pts: Audit Trail logged: source URL (or navigation path) + date checked
- 5 pts: Recheck reminder set (before start date and/or near expiration if shown)
Outreach Templates:
Use these to get what you need from the candidate without creating long back-and-forth.
Template 1: License number request (fastest path)
Subject: Quick license verification for your OT submission
Hi [First Name] — to finalize your submission, can you confirm your OT license number(s) and the state(s) they’re in? If you have the expiration date handy, include that too. Thanks.
Template 2: Clarify ambiguous board match
Subject: Quick check: matching your license record
Hi [First Name] — I’m seeing multiple matches on the state verification page for your name. Can you send your license number (or the exact name format on your license) so I can confirm the correct record?
Template 3: Credential type confirmation
Subject: Confirming credential type for verification
Hi [First Name] — the state page shows multiple credential types. Can you confirm your credential is listed as occupational therapist and share the license number so I verify the correct record?
Directory: occupational therapist license lookup by state (all states + DC)
How to use this directory (TL;DR):
- Open your state’s official starting point below.
- Click into “Verify a License” (or similar) and search by license number when possible.
- Log credential type shown, license status label, and your audit trail (URL/path + date).
Uniqueness hook (DIRECTORY_TABLE): In your internal copy of this table, keep a “URL persistence” column. Mark whether the verification result page is bookmarkable/shareable. If it is not, log the click-path you used so your audit trail still works later.
A–C
| State | Official starting point | Where to click | What to capture | URL persistence note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy | “License Verification” / “Verify a License” | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Bookmarkable detail page? If not, log click-path |
| Alaska | Alaska CBPL | Professional license search for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Session-based results possible; log navigation path |
| Arizona | Arizona OT Board | “License Verification” / “License Search” | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record stable detail URL if available |
| Arkansas | Arkansas OT (ADH) | Find license verification/search link | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | If routed to statewide lookup, log tool name + filters |
| California | California Board of Occupational Therapy | “License Verification” | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Capture detail URL if stable; otherwise log steps |
| Colorado | Colorado DPO | “Verify a License” and filter for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Confirm whether search URL persists; record |
| Connecticut | Connecticut DPH | Practitioner license verification for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | If session token present, log navigation path |
D–I
| State | Official starting point | Where to click | What to capture | URL persistence note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Delaware DPR | “Search for a License” | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record whether detail page has permanent URL |
| District of Columbia | DC Health | Professional license verification for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log exact tool used if multiple exist |
| Florida | Florida OT Board | “License Verification” | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Capture stable detail URL if available |
| Georgia | Georgia SOS | Professional license search for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log profession filter used |
| Hawaii | Hawaii PVL | “License Search” for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Check if result URL persists after refresh |
| Idaho | Idaho DOPL | License search/verification | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log stable detail URL if available |
| Illinois | Illinois IDFPR | License lookup/verification for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Confirm OT vs assistant if multiple types appear |
| Indiana | Indiana PLA | “License Lookup” | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log profession selection used |
| Iowa | Iowa HHS | Find OT license verification/search | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | If routed to statewide lookup, log tool name + filters |
J–M
| State | Official starting point | Where to click | What to capture | URL persistence note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | Kansas licensing portal starting point | Use license lookup/verification and filter for occupational therapy | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log exact tool + filters used |
| Kentucky | Kentucky OT Board | License verification/search | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record whether detail page is stable |
| Louisiana | Louisiana OT Board | License verification | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record URL persistence; log steps if needed |
| Maine | Maine PFR | License search for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log search tool + filters |
| Maryland | Maryland DOH | Find OT license verification | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record stable URL vs session flow |
| Massachusetts | MA Allied Health Board | License verification/search | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Confirm credential type label; log exact label |
| Michigan | Michigan LARA | “Verify a License” for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Often stable detail pages; confirm and record |
| Minnesota | Minnesota OT Board | License verification | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record whether detail page is shareable |
| Mississippi | Mississippi MSDH | Find OT license verification/search | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log exact verification page used |
| Missouri | Missouri PR | Licensee search for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log profession filter + whether detail page persists |
| Montana | Montana Boards (DLI) | License lookup/verification for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log navigation path if URL not stable |
N–R
| State | Official starting point | Where to click | What to capture | URL persistence note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | Nebraska DHHS | Find license verification for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log whether board page or statewide lookup was used |
| Nevada | Nevada OT Board | License verification/search | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Capture stable detail URL if available |
| New Hampshire | NH OPLC | License lookup for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record whether detail page is permanent |
| New Jersey | NJ Consumer Affairs | License verification/lookup | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log exact board/credential selected |
| New Mexico | New Mexico RLD | License lookup for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record whether portal uses session-based results |
| New York | NYSED OP | “Verify a License” | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Confirm stable record page; record URL |
| North Carolina | NC OT Board | License verification | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Capture stable detail URL if available |
| North Dakota | ND OT Board | License verification/search | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record URL persistence + search method used |
| Ohio | Ohio OTPTAT Board | License verification | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Confirm whether record link is permanent |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma state portal | Use site search for “occupational therapy license verification” and follow the official tool | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Expect redirects; log click-path if URL isn’t stable |
| Oregon | Oregon OTLB | License verification/search | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record whether detail page is shareable |
| Pennsylvania | PA Department of State | “Verify a Professional” for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log profession filter + whether detail page persists |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Health | License verification for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record exact verification tool used |
S–W
| State | Official starting point | Where to click | What to capture | URL persistence note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | SC LLR | License lookup for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Confirm stable URL vs session flow |
| South Dakota | South Dakota DOH | Find OT license verification | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log navigation path if URL not persistent |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Health Professional Boards | License verification for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record exact board page + tool used |
| Texas | Texas TDLR | License search for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Often stable record pages; confirm and record |
| Utah | Utah DOPL | License lookup for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log profession filter + whether detail page persists |
| Vermont | Vermont SOS | Professional regulation license lookup | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record exact search tool + filters used |
| Virginia | Virginia DHP | License lookup/verification | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Capture stable detail URL if available |
| Washington | Washington DOH | Provider credential search for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Record whether credential detail page is permanent |
| West Virginia | West Virginia OT Board | License verification/search | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Log URL persistence; capture detail link if available |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin DSPS | License lookup for OT | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Confirm OT vs assistant if multiple types appear |
| Wyoming | Wyoming state portal | Use site search for “occupational therapy license lookup” and follow the official tool | Credential type, license #, license status, expiration if shown, URL/path, date | Expect redirects; log click-path if URL isn’t stable |
Note: This directory routes you to official starting points. Some states run OT verification inside a broader professional licensing portal. When that happens, your audit trail should include the portal name and the filters you used.
If you’re verifying other roles too, keep your process consistent across specialties by using the broader state license lookup hub.
Common pitfalls
- Marking verified on a name-only match. If the board search returns multiple people, require a license number (or another unique identifier your internal process allows) before you mark it verified.
- Not recording the exact status label. “Looks active” isn’t auditable. Record the board’s exact license status label.
- Assuming expiration is always displayed. If it’s not shown, record “expiration not displayed” and request documentation if your client requires it.
- Credential type mix-ups. If the portal lists multiple credential types, confirm the record is for an occupational therapist before proceeding.
- Dead links in your notes. Some portals use session-based URLs. Log the navigation path when needed.
How to improve results
1) Standardize your verification note template
Use one consistent note format in your ATS/CRM so anyone can audit it later:
- State:
- Credential type shown:
- License #:
- License status (exact label):
- Expiration (or “not displayed”):
- Discipline indicator (if shown):
- Source URL (or navigation path):
- Date checked:
2) Add a recheck trigger that matches your placement workflow
Set a reminder at the point it matters operationally (before submittal, before start date, and near expiration if shown). This reduces last-minute surprises.
3) Measurement instructions (required)
Measure this by… tracking Verification Cycle Time (time from “verification started” to “verification logged with URL/path + date”) and Recheck Rate (rechecks / total verifications) weekly. If Recheck Rate climbs, your team is likely missing fields or relying on non-persistent URLs without logging the navigation path.
Legal and ethical use
Use license verification for legitimate recruiting, credentialing, and compliance workflows. Respect opt-outs and privacy requests, and follow applicable data laws in the jurisdictions you operate in.
Heartbeat does not provide legal counsel. If your client requires a specific verification standard or documentation retention policy, follow that policy and have counsel/compliance review your process.
Evidence and trust notes
State licensure is state-based and requirements vary. For directional guidance on state licensure (not a verification source), see: AOTA state licensure information.
How we approach data quality and auditability in recruiting workflows: Heartbeat trust methodology.
If you’re building an OT outreach workflow alongside verification, pair this with occupational therapist contact data so your team can move from verified eligibility to connectable outreach without losing time.
FAQs
What should I capture during an occupational therapist license lookup?
Capture: state, credential type shown, license number, license status (exact label), expiration date if shown (or “not displayed”), discipline indicator if shown, source URL (or navigation path), and date checked.
Why do some state sites not show an expiration date?
Some boards don’t publish expiration publicly. Record “expiration not displayed” in your audit trail and request candidate documentation if your client requires expiration on file.
How do I avoid verifying the wrong person when names match?
Prefer searching by license number. If you must search by name and multiple matches appear, do not mark verified until you can uniquely match the record (typically via license number).
What does “license status” mean in this workflow?
It means the exact status label shown on the state board verification record at the time you checked. Record the label as displayed and avoid reinterpreting it.
Where should I start if I’m verifying multiple healthcare roles?
Use the broader state license lookup hub to keep your verification workflow consistent across roles and states.
Next steps
- Copy the verification note template into your ATS/CRM and require URL/path + date for every OT verification.
- Use the directory tables to route to the right state starting point, then capture license status consistently.
- When you’re ready to operationalize sourcing + outreach alongside verification, start free search & preview data.
About the Author
Ben Argeband is the Founder and CEO of Swordfish.ai and Heartbeat.ai. With deep expertise in data and SaaS, he has built two successful platforms trusted by over 50,000 sales and recruitment professionals. Ben’s mission is to help teams find direct contact information for hard-to-reach professionals and decision-makers, providing the shortest route to their next win. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn.
