Quick Answer
Heritage Web verifies your licenses and certifications against official government and professional databases. Verified credentials display a verification badge on your public listing, while unverified credentials still appear but without the badge.
Overview
When you add licenses or certifications to your profile, Heritage Web checks them against official sources like state licensing boards, medical board databases, and bar association records. This verification process protects consumers and builds trust in your professional listing.
Verification happens per-license—you can have some credentials verified (with badges) and others unverified (displayed without badges) on the same profile.
How Verification Works
Step 1: You Submit Your Credentials
Enter your license details including the license name, number, country, state (if applicable), and the date you acquired it.
Step 2: Heritage Web Checks Official Databases
During the approval process, your credentials are checked against sources such as:
State licensing board databases
Bar association records
Medical board registries
DEA registration systems
Professional certification bodies
Step 3: Results Are Applied
Each license receives an individual status:
Status | What It Means | Public Display |
Verified | Confirmed against official database | Shows verification badge ✓ |
Unverified | Could not be confirmed (database unavailable or credential type not verifiable) | Displays without badge |
What Gets Verified
Heritage Web can verify many professional credentials, including:
Legal: State bar licenses, federal bar admissions, patent bar registration
Medical: Medical licenses (MD, DO), nursing licenses, dental licenses, DEA registration
Real Estate: Salesperson and broker licenses, appraiser licenses
Financial: CPA licenses, insurance licenses, securities licenses (Series 7, 63, etc.)
Other Regulated Professions: Contractor licenses, engineering licenses (PE), teaching certificates
Why Some Credentials Don't Get Verified
Not all credentials can be verified. This happens when:
The issuing authority doesn't have a publicly accessible database
The credential type is newer or less common
International credentials may not have accessible verification systems
Unverified credentials still display on your profile—they just won't show the verification badge.
Annual Re-Verification
Heritage Web automatically re-checks verified credentials each year to ensure they remain active and valid. If issues are found:
You'll receive a notification
Your license status will be updated
Expired or suspended licenses are excluded from lead matching
Important Notes
Critical credentials must verify: Foundational licenses like state bar or medical licenses must verify for your listing to be approved
Verification badges build trust: Visitors see which credentials have been independently confirmed
Keep information current: Report any changes to your license status promptly
FAQs
Why doesn't my credential show a verification badge? Not all credentials can be verified against public databases. Your credential still displays—it just won't have the badge. This doesn't mean your credential is invalid.
How long does verification take? Verification happens during the listing approval process. Sponsor listings are typically reviewed within 1 business day; free listings within 2-3 business days.
What if my license was verified incorrectly? Contact support with your official documentation. We'll review and correct any verification errors.
Do I need to renew my verification? No—Heritage Web automatically re-verifies credentials annually. Just keep your license information updated if you renew with a new license number.