How does the application work?
The application has four steps. These steps offer you various ways to filter and present your data.
- Step one allows you to filter the data by cities, zip codes, states, countries, etc.
- Step two allows you to filter the data by specialty (license type) if applicable
- Step three allows you to filter and/or sort the data based on specific information. For example, if you want to filter the data so that you only see licenses that were issued or will expire within certain date ranges, you can do so in Step three. You can sort the results by a combination of up to three fields.
- Step four allows you to choose how you want your results presented. You can print a list or print three common types of labels. You can also export all of the fields or just the name and address fields of the licensee records to Microsoft Excel (up to 65,536 records) or a fixed field length text file.
How do I order the CD-Rom
The CD-Rom can be ordered by completing and printing the
request form 
. Enter data directly into the form and then print it. Please make sure that you choose the professions you need and that you provide contact information in case we need to speak to you. Then print the form and send it with your payment to the address on the form. We cannot accept cash or credit cards. All payments must be made by check. The check should be made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Orders cannot be processed without payment.
Can I obtain social security numbers (SSN) or federal employer Identification numbers (FEID)?
SSN's and FEID's are protected information and are not available for public release.
Why can't I receive an Excel worksheet?
Excel is limited to 65,536 rows of data. Some of our boards have more than 65,536 licensees which does not allow Excel to be an option for those boards. An option to save the data in Excel format is available in the application. For Boards that have more than 65,536 licensees, the application allows you to filter the records to reduce the count to a manageable level.
How long will it take to receive the CD-Rom?
Unless there are issues with the payment or request, the CD-Rom is sent to you within 10 days after we receive your request and payment. In most cases the CD-Rom is sent within 5 days.
Can I pick up the CD-Rom?
Walk-in orders cannot be processed immediately. They are placed in the queue with the other orders and are processed on a first come first serve basis. The Division also needs to ensure that the payment clears the bank before releasing the CD-Rom. If you wish, your order can be held at the Division for you to pick up at a later date. We will contact you to let you know when the CD-Rom can be picked up. Otherwise, the order will be mailed.
How do I get support?
If you are having a problem with the application, please leave a message by calling 617-727-1794. Please be as specific as possible. We will call you back by the end of the next business day.
I use a Macintosh computer. Will this product work for me?
The application is not Macintosh compatible. The Division does not have the ability to produce a Macintosh compatible product. We suggest that if you order the CD-Rom that you locate and use a PC that is not a Macintosh.
Why can't I download the application from the web?
At this time, the Division does not have a means in place for requestors to pay for the application online. We anticipate that we will be able to offer online services in the future.
How was the fee determined?
The Division is allowed under the Public Records Law to recover any costs to provide this information. An approximate breakdown of these costs are: $1.00 for a blank CD-Rom; $1.00 for a CD-Rom case; $.75 for a mailer; $1.25 for postage; and, $25.00 in salaries to receive, inspect, produce, mail, reconcile payment and support the application. The Division retains none of this reimbursement. The reimbursement goes into the general fund of the Commonwealth for the benefit of all it's citizen's.
Are there help files or setup instructions included with the Application?
Yes, both Help and Setup Instructions are provided on the CD-Rom. They are in Microsoft Word format. You can also download these documents in PDF format by following the links below:
How current is the data?
On the day your CD-Rom is produced the data is typically one day old. This means that when you receive your CD-Rom the data is usually less than two weeks old.
How accurate are the addresses that you provide?
The Division maintains mailing addresses for its licensees. The address we provide to you may or may not be the home or business address. For example, if you are looking for Real Estate Salespersons in the Boston area, the address we send to you could be the home address, business address, a care of address, or any other address the salesperson wants their mail sent to. Also, it is the licensee's responsibility to update their mailing address with their Board. If the licensee changes their address and does not report the change, there is a good chance that any mail sent to them may be returned as undeliverable. In fact, the Division has over 20,000 pieces of mail returned each year as undeliverable due to licensees not notifying us of the change.
Will the database provide information regarding complaints or disciplines against licensees.
The database does not provide information regarding complaints or discipline against licensees. To see if a licensee has had a discipline please visit the Check a License page of our web site. To find out if a licensee has had complaints filed against them, please call 617-727-7406.