The NPPES NPI Registry is a free public directory of active National Provider Identifier records. NPPES assigns unique NPIs to health care providers and health plans, and users can search by NPI number or type, taxonomy, provider or organization name, authorized official, location, postal code and address type. CMS offers access through the public search page, an API and downloadable files. The search page returns at most the first 2,100 records, and hourly query limits apply; bulk queries must use the DDS file. Downloadable ZIP files include reference files for other names, practice locations and endpoints. Version 1 monthly and weekly downloads are no longer supported, and CMS recommends Version 2. A listed September 14, 2026 monthly Version 2 file is 1,105.79 MB. Registry records and downloads are subject to FOIA disclosure, and active NPPES records cannot be suppressed or opted out. CMS does not provide technical support for downloading, manipulating or using dissemination files.
Who it is for
The registry suits providers, enumerators, CMS staff and health care industry users who need to look up active NPI records or access them through an API or download. Those working with bulk data should account for the DDS requirement and file handling themselves.
What is good
- Free public access to active NPI records.
- Search by NPI, taxonomy, name and location.
- Available through web search, API and downloads.
- Download ZIPs include name, location and endpoint references.
What to know first
- Search page is limited to the first 2,100 records.
- Hourly query limits apply; bulk queries require the DDS file.
- Active records cannot be suppressed or opted out.
- CMS offers no technical support for dissemination files.
Verdict
The registry offers several free ways to find or retrieve active NPI records. Search and query caps, FOIA disclosure and the lack of download support are important considerations for larger data workflows.
NPPES NPI Registry plans and pricing
All plansCompared on healthcare provider directories
- Free plan
- Yes
- Specialty filters
- Yes
- Organization profiles
- Yes
- API access
- Yes
