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NPPES NPI Registry
What it is
The NPPES NPI Registry is a free public directory for searching active National Provider Identifier records. NPPES assigns unique NPIs to health care providers and health plans. Search fields include NPI number and type, taxonomy, provider or organization name, authorized official, city, state, country, postal code, and address type. CMS makes the directory available through public web search, an API, and downloadable files. The search page returns at most the first 2,100 records, hourly query limits apply, and bulk queries must use the DDS file. CMS recommends Version 2 downloads; Version 1 monthly and weekly files are no longer supported as of March 3, 2026. The listed September 14, 2026 monthly Version 2 ZIP is 1,105.79 MB, and zipped downloads include reference files for other names, practice locations, and endpoints. Registry records and downloads are subject to FOIA disclosure, and active records cannot be suppressed or opted out. CMS says it does not offer technical support for downloading, manipulating, or using dissemination files.
For and against
For
- Free public search of active NPI records
- Search includes taxonomy and organization profiles
- Available through web, API, and downloads
- Captures provider endpoints for electronic information exchange
Against
- Search page limits results to 2,100 records
- Hourly query limits apply
- Bulk queries must use the DDS file
- No technical support for dissemination files
The verdict
The NPI Registry offers several ways to look up active records, including public search and an API. Users should account for query limits, the large listed download, and the lack of technical support for dissemination files.
Who it suits
The registry may suit providers, enumerators, CMS staff, and health care industry users looking up active NPI records. Developers can use the API, while users needing bulk queries must use the DDS file.
Plans and prices
NPI Registry Public Search
active NPI records · first 2100 search results · hourly query limits
Read 30 Sep 2026 · npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov
On the record
- Access methods
- CMS provides the directory through public web search, full downloadable files and an API.npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 2026
- Download contents
- Each zipped downloadable file includes Other Name, Practice Location and Endpoint reference files.download.cms.gov · read 30 Sep 2026
- Download support
- CMS states that no help desk or technical support is available for downloading, manipulating or using the dissemination file.cms.gov · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integration
- NPPES shares an API with CMS's Provider Enrollment Chain and Ownership System to update provider information.security.cms.gov · read 30 Sep 2026
- Public directory
- The NPI Registry is a free directory of active National Provider Identifier records.npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov · read 30 Sep 2026
- Public disclosure
- NPI Registry and downloadable data are FOIA-disclosable, and active NPPES records cannot be suppressed or opted out.cms.gov · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- NPPES assigns unique National Provider Identifiers to health care providers and health plans.security.cms.gov · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 2026
- Search limit
- The search page limits results to the first 2100 records.npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- NPPES uses need-to-know access, role-based controls, firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and multifactor authentication.security.cms.gov · read 30 Sep 2026
- Target users
- The system's users include providers, enumerators, CMS staff and the health care industry.security.cms.gov · read 30 Sep 2026
