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NPPES NPI Registry
What NPPES NPI Registry is
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 suits
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 it does well
- 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.
Limits
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.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| NPI Registry Public Search | active NPI records · first 2100 search results · hourly query limits | Free |
As npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- 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.
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.
Questions
Is the NPI Registry free?
Yes. The public search plan is listed as free.
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.
Facts from NPPES NPI Registry's own pages
- Access methods
- CMS provides the directory through public web search, full downloadable files and an API. · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Current data file
- The September 14, 2026 monthly Version 2 dissemination file is provided in ZIP format and is listed as 1,105.79 MB. · download.cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Digital contacts
- NPPES can capture provider endpoints such as Direct addresses, FHIR server URLs and query endpoints for electronic health information exchange. · cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Download contents
- Each zipped downloadable file includes Other Name, Practice Location and Endpoint reference files. · download.cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Download support
- CMS states that no help desk or technical support is available for downloading, manipulating or using the dissemination file. · cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- File version
- Effective March 3, 2026, NPPES no longer supports Version 1 monthly and weekly downloadable files and recommends Version 2. · download.cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Integration
- NPPES shares an API with CMS's Provider Enrollment Chain and Ownership System to update provider information. · security.cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Public directory
- The NPI Registry is a free directory of active National Provider Identifier records. · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Public disclosure
- NPI Registry and downloadable data are FOIA-disclosable, and active NPPES records cannot be suppressed or opted out. · cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- NPPES assigns unique National Provider Identifiers to health care providers and health plans. · security.cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Query limits
- Since June 25, 2024, NPPES limits the number of Registry queries that can be completed per hour, and bulk queries must use the DDS file. · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Search
- Search supports NPI number, NPI type, taxonomy, provider or organization names, authorized official names, city, state, country, postal code and address type. · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Search limit
- The search page limits results to the first 2100 records. · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Security
- NPPES uses need-to-know access, role-based controls, firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and multifactor authentication. · security.cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
- Target users
- The system's users include providers, enumerators, CMS staff and the health care industry. · security.cms.gov, 30 Sept 2026
Where NPPES NPI Registry stands on Freedom251
- Healthcare Provider Directories#4 of 16