Maryland Social Work License Verification: Lookup & Status
Verify a Maryland social worker, LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, board-approved supervisor, renewal status, complaint history or license verification record using the official Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners workflow.
Quick answer: fastest official way to verify a Maryland social work license
The fastest official route is the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners online license verification page. Enter either the last name or the license number, then open “View Details” to read the full record. The Board explains that the website is the primary source for license verification and that paper verification letters are no longer generated.
Search by the 5-digit license number when possible. The Maryland verification page says the license number should be entered without the “A” or “G” prefix. If you only know a last name, the tool supports partial or wildcard-style searching by entering the first few characters of the last name.
Check the exact license level before relying on the record. Maryland social work licenses include LBSW, LMSW, LCSW and LCSW-C. The old LGSW designation was changed to LMSW, so users looking for “Maryland LGSW verification” should check the LMSW record.
Maryland Social Work License Help Finder
Choose your task below. This helper does not collect names, license numbers, Social Security numbers, addresses, payment details or client information. It only routes you to the correct official Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners path.
Choose your Maryland social work task
Use the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners license verification page. Search by last name or license number without the “A” or “G” prefix, then open View Details.
Open license verificationMaryland Board of Social Work Examiners fast facts
Official board
Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners under the Maryland Department of Health.
Board phone
Phone: 410-764-4788. Toll free: 1-877-526-2541.
Board address
4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.
Fax and email
Fax: 410-358-2469. Main email: mdh.socialwork@maryland.gov.
What this Maryland social work license guide covers
This guide is built for patients, employers, credentialing teams, agencies, licensees, supervisors, applicants and social workers who need more than a simple lookup link.
Who should verify a Maryland social work license?
Different users need different details. A patient may only need to confirm that a therapist is licensed, while an employer may need license level, expiration, board-approved supervision status, discipline review and renewal documentation.
Clients and families
Verify that the social worker appears on the Maryland Board website, then check license level, current status, expiration date and whether the license level fits the service being offered.
Employers and credentialing teams
Record the Board lookup source, license number, status, expiration, license level, discipline review and the verification date before allowing social work services or clinical duties.
Licensees and renewal users
Use the Board’s renewal page and online renewal login when renewal opens. Keep CE certificates, license number, Social Security last four and a way to save or print receipts ready.
Supervisees and supervisors
Check license status, supervisor approval, required supervision forms and whether the supervisor’s credentials match the level of supervision required.
Maryland social work license lookup fields and search rules
The Maryland Board license verification page is direct but specific. It asks users to begin a search with either the last name or the license number. The search result list should be opened through “View Details” before relying on the record.
| Search method | How to use it | Best use case | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| License number | Enter the 5-digit number without “A” or “G” when those letters appear in other materials. | Employer verification, credentialing, exact-person checks and avoiding similar-name records. | Entering the prefix letter and assuming the record does not exist when the search fails. |
| Last name | Enter the last name and review similar-name results carefully. | When the license number is not available. | Selecting the wrong person with a similar last name. |
| Wildcard / partial last name | Enter the first few characters of the last name when spelling is uncertain. | Hyphenated names, name changes, spelling variations or incomplete information. | Giving up after one exact-name search. |
| View Details | Open the detailed record from the result list before making a decision. | Checking license level, status, expiration and disciplinary actions. | Relying only on the result list without opening the full record. |
Maryland social work license levels: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW and LCSW-C
Maryland license level matters because it affects scope, supervision, independent clinical practice and employer credentialing. Do not treat all social work licenses as interchangeable.
| License level | Common meaning | What to verify | Important caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| LBSW | Licensed Bachelor Social Worker. | Current status, expiration, practice limits and supervision requirements where applicable. | LBSW CE requirement is lower than master/clinical levels, but license scope is also different. |
| LMSW | Licensed Master Social Worker. Maryland’s former LGSW designation was changed to LMSW. | Current status, expiration, role fit, supervision and whether the work is clinical or non-clinical. | Do not assume LMSW means independent clinical practice authority. |
| LCSW | Licensed Certified Social Worker. | Current status, expiration, scope, role fit and board discipline. | Confirm whether the role requires certified-clinical authority instead. |
| LCSW-C | Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical. | Current status, clinical authority, expiration, discipline, supervision approval if applicable and telehealth/client-state concerns. | Clinical practice, supervision and private practice decisions should be confirmed through Maryland Board rules. |
| Board-approved supervisor | A licensee approved or recognized for supervision duties under Maryland rules. | License status, supervisor approval, supervision forms, CE supervision requirement and supervision contract details. | Do not count supervised hours unless the supervisor and forms meet Board requirements. |
How to verify a Maryland social work license online
Open the official Maryland BSWE verification page
Start from the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners license verification page, not a private directory or old screenshot.
Search by license number or last name
Use license number when available. Enter the 5-digit license number without “A” or “G.” If using last name, try partial spelling when needed.
Open View Details
Click View Details on the matching record. Do not rely only on the search result line.
Confirm license level and status
Check whether the record is LBSW, LMSW, LCSW or LCSW-C, then confirm status, expiration and whether the level matches the service or job role.
Review disciplinary actions
Look for any disciplinary actions, public orders or Board notes shown on the detailed verification page.
Print or save verification proof
Licensees can print verification directly from the Board website. Employers and credentialing teams should save the date checked, license number, status and reviewer initials.
Maryland social work license status guide: active, expired, inactive, disciplinary and no record found
A name appearing in a result list does not automatically prove safe practice authority. Read the full detail page and interpret the status in context.
| Status or issue | Practical meaning | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| Active / current-looking status | The license appears current, but level, expiration, discipline and scope still matter. | Save the detailed record and confirm the license level matches the service or role. |
| Expired / not renewed | The license may not authorize current social work practice in Maryland. | Do not rely on it until renewal, reinstatement or re-licensure appears in the official record. |
| Inactive / not actively practicing | Inactive or non-practicing information does not necessarily prove current service authority. | Check Board rules and contact the Board before relying on practice authority. |
| Disciplinary action shown | The license may have public sanctions, restrictions, probation, suspension, revocation or other board history. | Read the full public information and escalate for employer, credentialing or client-safety review. |
| Pending application | An application or exam process is not the same as an issued Maryland license. | Wait for issued license status before relying on the credential. |
| No record found | Could mean wrong spelling, old name, wrong license number format, unlicensed status or a record under another name. | Try the 5-digit license number without prefix, partial last name search and direct Board contact if needed. |
Maryland Social Work Status Next-Step Helper
Save the Board record and confirm license level, status, expiration, discipline and scope before relying on the license.
Maryland social work license renewal, CE credits and 2026 renewal portal
The Maryland Board’s renewal page states that the 2026 license renewal portal opens July 15, 2026. The online renewal workflow asks licensees to select a licensure category, enter the 5-digit license number without “A” or “G,” enter the last four digits of the Social Security number, update personal information, answer renewal questions and report continuing education details.
Renew online
Use the Board renewal page and official login route when renewal opens. Save a copy of the completed application and receipt.
CE credits
LMSW, LCSW and LCSW-C need 40 total CE units. LBSW needs 30 total CE units for renewal.
Required training areas
Renewal includes required anti-oppressive social work practice, ethics and supervision credits when applicable.
| Renewal item | LBSW | LMSW / LCSW / LCSW-C | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total CE units | 30 total credits. | 40 total credits. | CE must be completed before renewal according to Board rules. |
| Category I minimum | At least 15 Category I units. | At least 20 Category I units. | Keep certificates and course documentation. |
| Anti-oppressive practice | 3 Category I units. | 3 Category I units. | Board renewal page identifies this as a required area. |
| Ethics | 3 units, Category I or II. | 3 units, Category I or II. | Do not confuse general CE with required ethics credit. |
| Supervision | Only if Board-approved supervisor requirement applies. | 3 units, Category I or II, for applicable Board-approved supervisors. | Supervisor renewal rules can change by approval date; verify Board instructions. |
Maryland social work supervision forms and board-approved supervisor checks
Supervision can affect licensure eligibility and clinical practice. The Maryland Board has posted new supervision forms and states that the new forms are available for use, while old forms signed and dated prior to June 1, 2026 may continue to be accepted.
Contract for Supervision
Use the Board’s current supervision contract form for the applicable license level and supervision relationship.
Supervision Verification Form
Use the Board’s supervision verification form and instructions so supervised experience is documented correctly.
Do not risk hours
Invalid or poorly documented supervision can delay licensure. Confirm supervisor status and forms before counting hours.
Maryland social work application, ASWB exam and re-licensure workflow
The Maryland Board states that an individual must be licensed by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners to practice social work in Maryland or refer to oneself as a social worker. Application status, exam eligibility and ASWB steps support licensure, but they do not replace an issued active license record.
| Task | Official route | What it means | User warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply for LBSW, LMSW, LCSW or LCSW-C | Maryland BSWE online application page. | Starts a Board review process for the selected license level. | Application submission is not license issuance. |
| ASWB examination | ASWB exam process plus Maryland Board eligibility requirements. | Supports licensure when required for the license level. | Passing an exam is not the same as an active Maryland license. |
| Re-licensure after expiration | Maryland BSWE re-licensure application route. | Used when a prior license has been expired and must be restored through Board process. | Do not practice until official Board authority is confirmed. |
| School social worker credential | Maryland State Department of Education plus active Maryland social work license requirements. | School social work may require additional education/certification elements. | A Board license and school certification are not the same record. |
Maryland social work complaints, disciplinary actions and Board process
The Maryland Board accepts complaints against licensed social workers. The official complaint process asks individuals to complete the complaint form and authorization for release of information form online, then print, sign and mail the forms to the Board.
Complaint form route
Complete the Board complaint and release forms, print them, sign them and mail them with supporting documentation.
Open complaint instructionsBoard review and investigation
The Board reviews complaints and may refer matters for investigation if it believes there may be a violation of the Social Work Practice Act.
Read Board complaint processPublic discipline
Formal discipline can include probation, suspension, revocation, reprimand, fines or other Board action, and may be publicly reported.
Check license detail recordMaryland social work license verification proof checklist
A clean verification file helps clients, agencies, employers, credentialing teams and supervisors avoid relying on stale screenshots, old certificates or incomplete search results.
Record these items
- Official Board verification URL used.
- Date and time checked.
- License number and licensee name.
- License level: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW or LCSW-C.
- Status and expiration date.
- Disciplinary action review note.
- Supervisor approval note if relevant.
- Reviewer name or initials.
Do not rely only on these
- Résumé, email signature or website bio.
- Old paper verification letter.
- Old wall certificate or wallet card photo.
- ASWB exam passage alone.
- NPI or insurance profile alone.
- Therapist directory profile.
- Application status before license issuance.
- Unverified screenshot from a third party.
How to avoid fake Maryland social work lookup, renewal and complaint pages
License lookup and renewal searches can lead to private pages, ads, outdated posts or fake support numbers. Before entering identity, payment or complaint information, confirm that you are using the official Maryland Board or Maryland Department of Health system.
Safer signs
- The page is on health.maryland.gov or a Board-linked Maryland health verification portal.
- The license verification page lets you search by last name or license number.
- The page does not charge you to view a public license lookup.
Red flags
- A private site claims to be the official Maryland Board.
- A page demands urgent payment to prevent license loss.
- A renewal or verification page does not match the Board route.
- A result shows no detail page or no Board source.
Best habit
Open the Maryland Board website first, then choose verification, renewal, application, supervision, complaint or contact links from the Board page.
People also search for Maryland social work license verification
This guide also covers related searches such as Maryland BSWE license lookup, Maryland LBSW verification, Maryland LMSW lookup, Maryland LCSW-C verification, social work renewal and Maryland social work complaint forms.
Bing and GEO deep dive into Maryland social work verification workflows
License status workflow
Search the Maryland Board verification page by 5-digit license number or last name, then open View Details and document license level, status and expiration.
Renewal workflow
Use the Board renewal page when the portal is open, keep CE certificates ready, enter the 5-digit license number without prefix and save the receipt.
CE audit workflow
Keep CE documentation organized. Maryland requires 40 CE units for LMSW, LCSW and LCSW-C, and 30 CE units for LBSW.
Supervision workflow
Confirm supervisor approval, license status, supervision contract, supervision verification form and applicable supervision CE before counting hours.
Complaint workflow
Use the official complaint form and release form, print and sign them, then mail them to the Board with supporting documentation.
Application workflow
Application and ASWB exam status are not license issuance. Verify final active Maryland license status before practice or credentialing reliance.
Official Maryland social work license verification source links
Use these official and high-trust resources for final lookup, renewal, supervision, complaint, application and contact decisions.
- Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners License Verification
- Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners home page
- Maryland social work license renewal page
- Maryland social work continuing education FAQ
- Maryland social work supervision information
- Maryland social work complaint instructions
- Maryland social work online application information
- Maryland BSWE FAQ page
- Maryland BSWE staff and contact resources
- Association of Social Work Boards
Maryland Social Work License Verification FAQs
How do I verify a Maryland social work license?
Use the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners online license verification page. Search by last name or 5-digit license number without the “A” or “G” prefix, then open View Details to confirm the license record.
What is the official source for Maryland social work license verification?
The Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners website is the primary official source for Maryland social work license verification. The Board no longer generates paper verification letters for routine license verification.
Can I search a Maryland social work license by last name?
Yes. The Maryland verification page allows searching by last name. If spelling is uncertain, you can enter the first few characters of the last name to perform a partial or wildcard-style search.
Should I include A or G when searching a Maryland social work license number?
No. The Maryland Board verification page says to enter the license number without the “A” or “G” prefix. Use the 5-digit license number for the cleanest search.
What happened to the Maryland LGSW license designation?
Maryland’s former Licensed Graduate Social Worker designation was automatically changed to Licensed Master Social Worker, or LMSW. Users looking for an LGSW record should check the LMSW license record.
How many CE credits do Maryland social workers need for renewal?
LMSW, LCSW and LCSW-C licensees need 40 total continuing education units. LBSW licensees need 30 total continuing education units. Category and required-topic rules also apply.
When does the Maryland 2026 social work renewal portal open?
The Maryland Board renewal page states that the 2026 license renewal portal opens July 15, 2026. Licensees should use the Board renewal page and official login route when the portal is open.
How do I file a complaint against a Maryland social worker?
Use the Maryland Board complaint page, complete the complaint form and authorization for release form, then print, sign and mail the documents to the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners at 4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.
Is ASWB exam passage proof of a Maryland social work license?
No. ASWB exam passage may support a Maryland license application, but it is not the same as an issued active Maryland social work license. Verify final license status on the Board website.
How do employers document Maryland social work license verification?
Employers should record the official Board source, date checked, license number, licensee name, license level, status, expiration date, discipline review note and reviewer initials before relying on the credential.