How do I check a lawyer's license with the state bar?

Updated October 6, 2026 · General information, not professional advice

How to check a lawyer's license with the state bar, step by step

1. Find your state's licensing agency. Lawyers are licensed by a state agency in each state, often the state bar or an office of the state's highest court. The American Bar Association keeps a state-by-state list of these agencies.
2. Use the attorney search. Most agencies have an online "find a lawyer" or "attorney search" tool. Search by last name, and narrow by city if the name is common.
3. Confirm it's the right person. Match the full name, firm, address, and bar or registration number if they gave you one.
4. Read the status. Look for "active," "in good standing" or "eligible to practice."
5. Look for discipline. Many states list public discipline on the same page or link to it.
6. Call the agency if anything is unclear. Staff can usually confirm a lawyer's status by phone.

What the lawyer license lookup shows

• Status: active, inactive, retired, suspended, disbarred or resigned
• Admission date, which shows roughly how long they've been licensed
• Contact details on file
• Public discipline, such as a reprimand, probation, suspension or disbarment, in many states with links to the decision

A license lookup does not rate a lawyer's skill or results. Private complaints that were dismissed are usually not shown.

In some states, the voluntary state bar association is a different organization from the agency that licenses lawyers. If you can't find a search tool on the bar association's site, look for the state supreme court's attorney registration or admissions office instead. The ABA's state-by-state list points to the correct agency for each state. Searches are free, and you don't need to create an account.

Licensed in the right state?

A lawyer generally must be licensed in the state where your case will be filed. A lawyer licensed elsewhere may be allowed to appear in one case with a court's permission, usually alongside a local lawyer. Being licensed in one state does not automatically allow practice in another. If your accident happened in a different state from where you live, ask which state's courts would hear the case and check the lawyer's license there.

Some states also certify lawyers as specialists in areas such as personal injury trial law. Where that exists, the certifying body will list it.

What status terms mean

• Active / in good standing: licensed and allowed to practice.
• Inactive: licensed but not currently allowed to practice, often by choice.
• Suspended: not allowed to practice for a period, for discipline or administrative reasons such as unpaid dues or missed education requirements.
• Disbarred: license revoked.

Status labels differ somewhat from state to state, so read the agency's explanation of its own terms if one is provided, or call to ask.

Other ways to check out an injury lawyer

A license check confirms a lawyer may practice, but you'll want more information before hiring:

• Court records: many state and county courts have online case searches that show whether a lawyer files and tries injury cases.
• Firm website and biography: look for experience with your type of case and where they practice.
• Specialty certification: where a state offers certification in personal injury or civil trial law, it means the lawyer met added experience and testing requirements.
• Referrals: ask friends, family, or another lawyer you trust.
• The consultation itself: clear explanations, written fee terms and realistic expectations are good signs.

If something seems wrong

If someone claims to be a lawyer but doesn't appear in the lookup, don't sign anything or pay money. You can report unauthorized practice of law to the state licensing agency. If a licensed lawyer took client money improperly, many states have a client protection fund that may reimburse some losses.

injurylawyers.si can list injury law firms near your ZIP code; check any lawyer's license before you hire them. This page is general information, not legal advice.