Official NPPES registry data
NPI number lookup
Search the National Provider Identifier registry by NPI number, provider name or organization. Results come straight from the CMS NPPES registry.
What is an NPI number?
An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a unique 10-digit number that identifies a U.S. health care provider in standard administrative and financial transactions. Individuals hold Type 1 NPIs and organizations hold Type 2 NPIs. The number carries no meaning about the provider, it never expires, and CMS issues it for free through the NPPES system.
How to read a result
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| NPI | The provider’s 10-digit identifier |
| Type | NPI-1 (individual) or NPI-2 (organization) |
| Taxonomy | Specialty code and description, with a primary flag |
| Practice location | Where the provider practices, as self-reported |
| Last updated | When the registry entry last changed |
Frequently asked questions
Is NPI lookup free?
Yes. Searching the NPI Registry is free, and so is getting an NPI. This site queries the public CMS registry and charges nothing.
Does an NPI number mean a provider is licensed?
No. An NPI is an identifier, not a credential. It does not verify a license, certification or good standing, so check the relevant state licensing board for that.
Why can’t I find a provider?
Search by last name plus state first, and try fewer fields. Names must match the registry spelling, and the registry only lists providers who have an NPI. Use a trailing asterisk as a wildcard, for example “smi*”.
How do I check whether an NPI number is valid?
The tenth digit is a check digit. Use the NPI validator to test the format and check digit instantly. A valid format does not prove the number is assigned to anyone.
How current is the data?
Results are fetched from the CMS NPPES registry when you search and cached here for up to an hour. Providers are responsible for keeping their own registry entries up to date.
What is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 NPI?
Type 1 (NPI-1) numbers belong to individual providers. Type 2 (NPI-2) numbers belong to organizations such as clinics and hospitals. Read the full explanation.