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State Controlled Substance Registration

A medical license and a DEA registration are not always enough, because some states add their own registration for prescribers of controlled substances.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026. General information, not legal or compliance advice.

What it is

Certain states issue a separate controlled substance registration, permit or certificate, sometimes through the medical board and sometimes through a pharmacy board or health department. The name, the fee and the renewal date vary.

Why it matters for tracking

• It can have its own expiration date that does not match your license.
• It may have its own education requirement.
• It may be required before the DEA registration for that state can be issued or used.

How to find out

Search the board's website for controlled substance registration, or ask the board directly. The licensee lookup sometimes lists the registration separately. Our state pages list the board for each jurisdiction, though they do not yet record every state registration.

Keep it with your records

Store the certificate and renewal receipt with the license it depends on, and give it its own reminder.

Limits of this guide

Rules and fees change, and this guide is general information, so confirm the details with the relevant board or agency before you act.