How to check a home's state license yourself

Why checking the license matters

A current state license or certification is one of the first things to confirm before you consider any adult family home, adult foster care home, or board-and-care home. Rules vary widely by state, but in general, a license means the home has met basic state requirements and is overseen by a state agency.

A license does not mean a home is perfect, and it does not guarantee that it will be the right fit for your family member. It is simply an important starting point. You should still tour the home, ask questions, and make sure the home can meet the person's day-to-day needs.

HearthRow is a free matching and information service. We help families find and connect with licensed or certified homes near them, but we are not a care provider, medical professional, or government agency. Always confirm the home's current license yourself and with your state's licensing agency before you decide.

Step 1: Ask for the home's full legal name and license details

Start by asking the home for a few basic facts. You do not need to share medical records or private financial information to do this. You are only confirming identity and licensing.

Ask for:
- The full legal business name
- The street address
- The license or certification number, if they have it
- The name of the state agency that regulates the home
- The type of license they hold

The exact license name may differ by state. One state may say "adult family home." Another may say "adult foster care" or "residential care home." That is normal. What matters is whether the home is currently licensed or certified for the kind of non-medical residential care it says it provides.

If a home avoids these questions or gives unclear answers, slow down and verify everything directly with the state.

Step 2: Search the state's licensing website

Most states have an online lookup tool for licensed care settings. Try searching online for your state plus words like "adult family home license lookup," "adult foster care licensing," or "board and care license search."

When you find the official state website, compare the listing with what the home told you. Check:
- The exact home name
- The address
- License status, such as active, current, or in good standing
- The date the license was issued or renewed
- Whether there are limits on capacity or resident type
- Any inspection reports, complaint findings, or enforcement actions, if your state posts them

Take your time reading the page. Some state websites are easy to use. Some are not. If you cannot tell whether the listing matches the home, call the state agency and ask them to explain what you are seeing.

Step 3: Call the state agency if anything is unclear

A phone call can help when online records are confusing or incomplete. Tell the licensing office that you are a family member trying to confirm whether a small residential home is currently licensed.

You can ask:
- Is this home currently licensed or certified?
- What type of home is it licensed as?
- Is the license active right now?
- Has the home had recent inspections?
- Are inspection summaries or complaint findings available to the public?
- Is there anything else a family should verify before choosing this home?

Keep your questions simple and practical. Licensing staff may not give opinions about whether a home is "good" or "bad," but they can often confirm status and explain public records.

Because rules vary by state, always rely on your own state's agency for the final answer.

What to look for beyond the word "licensed"

A home can say it is licensed, but families should still look closely at what that means. Licensing categories, allowed services, staffing rules, and training requirements vary widely by state.

As you review the home and its records, ask:
- How many residents can live there?
- What help with daily activities does the home provide?
- Are there limits on the level of care they can support?
- Who is usually in the home during the day and overnight?
- What happens if a resident's needs change?

This is also a good time to talk about cost in plain terms. Room-and-board is usually paid privately. In many states, Medicaid waivers may help with the personal-care part, but programs and eligibility vary by state and should be confirmed independently with the state Medicaid office or another official source. Typical costs vary widely, so any price you hear is only an estimate, not a quote. You can also read more in our guides to costs and services.

Tour the home before you decide

Even if the license is current, a tour still matters. A license check tells you the home exists in the state's system. A visit helps you see whether the place feels safe, respectful, clean, and comfortable for the person you love.

During a tour, notice:
- Whether residents seem treated with dignity
- Cleanliness and smell
- How meals, privacy, and shared spaces are handled
- Whether staff speak kindly and clearly
- Whether you feel rushed or pressured

Ask to see the home's current license posted, if your state requires that. Compare the name and address on the document to the state record you found. If anything does not match, ask why.

If you want help finding homes to contact, HearthRow can help you get matched with licensed or certified homes near you at no cost. Some homes pay HearthRow a flat fee when we connect them with a family. It never changes what you pay, and you are never under any obligation.

A simple checklist to keep with you

When emotions are high, it helps to have a short list. You can use this as you call, search, and tour.

• Get the home's full legal name and street address
• Ask for the license or certification number
• Find the official state licensing website
• Confirm the license is current and matches the address
• Read any public inspection or enforcement notes
• Call the state agency if anything is unclear
• Tour the home in person before deciding
• Confirm costs, services, and house rules directly with the home

There is no perfect checklist that fits every state. But these steps can help you slow down, verify the basics, and make a more informed decision.