Canadian · Professional Licensing
CPSO doctor & number lookup.
Looking for a doctor in Ontario? Search the CPSO Physician Register by last name, first or middle name, or CPSO number. This page explains the identifier and links to the College’s live register for the official record.
Use the official register for the answer: a CPSO number is an assigned identifier, not a self-checking code. This page cannot confirm a doctor’s registration or practice status; use the Physician Register for that record.
What a CPSO number is
A CPSO number is the numeric registration identifier assigned to an Ontario physician. CPSO’s published data specification represents it as a six-digit numeric field. The number alone does not establish current registration or practice status. You'll usually find it on:
- A doctor's letterhead, prescription pad, or referral letter
- Clinic or hospital signage and staff directories
- A specialist's business card or email signature
A number that matches the published field shape still tells you nothing about whether it is current or attached to an active licence. Confirm it in the official Physician Register.
Search for a doctor in Ontario
Search the CPSO Physician Register by CPSO number or doctor’s name. For more filters, use the College’s Advanced Search. The College’s result is the authoritative place to review the record and any public information it provides.
Why you'd check a CPSO number
The most common reasons someone looks up a CPSO number: confirming a new family doctor or specialist is actually licensed before an appointment, an employer or clinic verifying a physician's credentials before hiring, checking that a referral came from a real, currently-licensed doctor, and confirming there's no public discipline history before choosing a provider.
What the Physician Register actually shows
CPSO's register returns a physician's registration class (for example, independent practice), specialty, practice locations, and any public discipline decisions or restrictions on their licence. It does not show whether a doctor is accepting new patients — CPSO is explicit that this information isn't tracked in the register.
Frequently asked questions
What does a CPSO number look like?
CPSO’s published data specification uses a six-digit numeric field. That format alone cannot tell you whether a number is genuine or current.
Can I validate a CPSO number without visiting the register?
No. A format check cannot confirm registration or practice status. The Physician Register is the authoritative source.
What if a doctor doesn't show up in the register?
They may not be licensed to practise in Ontario, may be registered under a different name, or their licence may have lapsed. Try the College's Advanced Search, or contact CPSO directly if you still can't find them.
What can I search for in the CPSO Physician Register?
The quick search accepts a CPSO number or a last, first, or middle name. The Advanced Search adds filters such as location, specialty, hospital privileges, and language.
Format explainer only — not a verification tool
This page describes what a CPSO number is and looks like. It does not check anyone's licence status, and nothing you might type here is transmitted anywhere. Use the official CPSO Physician Register linked above to confirm a physician is currently licensed.