NPPES NPI Registry is a free directory for finding active National Provider Identifier records. NPPES assigns unique NPIs to health care providers and health plans. Searches can use an NPI number or type, taxonomy, provider or organization name, authorized official, location, postal code, and address type. CMS offers public web search, an API, and downloadable files. The search page displays at most the first 2,100 records; hourly query limits also apply, and bulk queries must use the DDS file. Downloadable ZIP files include reference files for other names, practice locations, and endpoints. CMS recommends Version 2 files, since Version 1 monthly and weekly downloads are no longer supported as of March 3, 2026. The listed September 14, 2026 monthly Version 2 file is 1,105.79 MB. Registry records and downloadable data are subject to FOIA disclosure, and active records cannot be suppressed or opted out. CMS does not provide technical support for working with dissemination files.
Who it is for
The directory suits providers, enumerators, CMS staff, and others in the health care industry who need to look up active NPI records. Users needing larger data queries can use the DDS file or downloadable files.
What is good
- Free access through web search, API, and downloads.
- Search by provider, organization, taxonomy, or location.
- ZIP downloads include name, location, and endpoint references.
- Version 2 dissemination files are recommended.
What to know first
- Search results stop at the first 2,100 records.
- Hourly query limits apply.
- Active NPI records cannot be suppressed or opted out.
- CMS offers no technical support for dissemination files.
Verdict
NPPES provides several ways to look up or obtain active NPI records, with detailed search fields and downloadable data. Check query limits, file versions, and the public-disclosure terms before relying on it for a workflow.
Get started with NPPES NPI Registry
- Open the NPI Registry website.
- Search the public directory by NPI, name, taxonomy, or location.
- Use the API for programmatic access, or choose a downloadable file.
- For bulk queries, use the DDS file.
- Use Version 2 dissemination files for downloads.
What the free plan stops at
The free public search displays no more than the first 2,100 records, and hourly query limits apply. Bulk queries must use the DDS file; CMS does not provide technical support for downloading, manipulating, or using dissemination files.
Questions about NPPES NPI Registry
Is the NPI Registry free?
Yes. The public search plan is listed at no cost.
Can I use an API or download records?
Yes. CMS provides the directory through an API and full downloadable files, as well as public web search.
How many search results can the public search show?
The search page limits results to the first 2,100 records. Hourly query limits also apply, and bulk queries must use the DDS file.
Which downloadable file version should I use?
CMS recommends Version 2. Version 1 monthly and weekly files are no longer supported as of March 3, 2026.
Can active NPI records be hidden from the Registry?
No. Registry records and downloadable data are subject to FOIA disclosure, and active records cannot be suppressed or opted out.
Does CMS provide technical support for dissemination files?
CMS states that it does not provide help desk or technical support for downloading, manipulating, or using those files.
NPPES NPI Registry plans and pricing
All plansCompared on healthcare provider directories
- Free plan
- Yes
- Specialty filters
- Yes
- Organization profiles
- Yes
- API access
- Yes
