Pharmacy verification
How to run a pharmacy license check
To check a pharmacy license: use the state board of pharmacy's online license lookup for the state where the pharmacy is located, confirm the license
To check a pharmacy license: use the state board of pharmacy's online license lookup for the state where the pharmacy is located, confirm the license is active and unencumbered, and — if the pharmacy ships across state lines — confirm it holds a nonresident license in your state too. The NABP also lists accredited pharmacies.
What you need to know
Every state board of pharmacy maintains a public license lookup. Entering the pharmacy's name or license number tells you whether the license is active, its expiration, and whether there are disciplinary actions on record — the basic 'is this a real, current pharmacy' check.
The cross-state wrinkle matters for mail-order compounding: a pharmacy located in one state and shipping to yours generally needs a nonresident (or 'out-of-state') license in your state. Checking both the resident and your-state license closes a common gap.
The NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) adds another layer with accreditation programs and verification resources. None of this is insider information — it's designed for public use, and it's the difference between trusting a claim and confirming it.
| Check | How | Confirms |
|---|---|---|
| Resident license | State board lookup (pharmacy's state) | Active, good standing |
| Nonresident license | Your state's board lookup | Legal to ship to you |
| Disciplinary history | Board records | No serious actions |
| Accreditation | NABP resources | Independent verification |
- Look up the resident license on the pharmacy's state board
- Confirm active status and no serious disciplinary actions
- Confirm a nonresident license for your state if it ships in
- Cross-reference NABP resources
What the evidence shows
- This guidance reflects FDA compounding information, USP standards, and state board of pharmacy resources.
- Verification steps here are public and checkable.
What the evidence does not show
- That following these steps makes a compounded product FDA-approved — it does not.
- That this page replaces personalized medical or pharmacist advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a pharmacy's license?
Use the state board of pharmacy license lookup; confirm active status and a nonresident license for your state.
What is a nonresident license?
An out-of-state license letting a pharmacy legally ship into your state.
Related: pharmacy verification hub · safety hub · cost calculator. Compounded medications are not FDA approved.
Not medical advice. This page is consumer education, not medical advice, and does not recommend a dose, product, or provider. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Talk with a licensed clinician about your situation.