DEA Number
A DEA number is a unique identifier assigned by the Drug Enforcement Administration to healthcare providers and pharmacies authorized to handle controlled substances, used to track prescribing and dispensing activity.
Exam Tip
Checksum: digits 1 + 3 + 5, plus twice digits 2 + 4 + 6; the final digit of the sum must equal digit 7. Example 1234563 gives 9 + 24 = 33. A checksum alone does not verify registration or state prescribing authority; F is also a practitioner prefix.
What Is a DEA Number?
A DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) registration number is a unique alphanumeric identifier required for any practitioner, pharmacy, hospital, or other entity that manufactures, distributes, prescribes, or dispenses controlled substances. DEA registration permits specified controlled-substance activities within its schedules and business category. It does not replace state licensure or confer unrestricted prescribing authority.
DEA Number Format
DEA numbers follow a specific format that includes a built-in check digit for verification:
| Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1st character | Registrant type letter (examples: A, B, or F for practitioners; M for mid-level practitioners) |
| 2nd character | Usually the first letter of the individual surname or registered business name |
| 3rd-8th characters | Six digits |
| 9th character | Check digit |
DEA Number Verification (Check Digit Formula)
- Add the 1st, 3rd, and 5th digits together
- Add the 2nd, 4th, and 6th digits together, then multiply by 2
- Add the two sums together
- The last digit of the total should equal the check digit (9th character)
Arithmetic example only: AB1234563 (not evidence of an actual registration)
- Odd positions: 1 + 3 + 5 = 9
- Even positions: (2 + 4 + 6) x 2 = 24
- Total: 9 + 24 = 33
- Check digit = 3 (matches the last digit)
Who Needs a DEA Number?
| Registrant | Examples |
|---|---|
| Practitioners | Physicians, dentists, veterinarians, podiatrists |
| Mid-level practitioners | NPs, PAs (state-dependent) |
| Pharmacies | Retail, hospital, mail-order |
| Distributors | Drug wholesalers |
| Manufacturers | Pharmaceutical companies |
Key DEA Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DEA Form 222 | Ordering Schedule I or II controlled substances; ordinary pharmacy stock orders generally involve Schedule II |
| DEA Form 224 | New pharmacy registration |
| DEA Form 106 | Reporting theft or significant loss of controlled substances |
| DEA Form 41 | Destruction of controlled substances |
Exam Alert
The DEA number verification formula is a high-yield topic on the ExCPT. Practice the check digit calculation. Also know that the first letter indicates registrant type (for example, A/B/F = practitioner and M = mid-level). A valid checksum does not establish that a registration is active, belongs to the prescriber, or authorizes the drug and activity; verify those separately.
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Controlled Substance Schedules
Controlled substance schedules are the DEA's five-tier classification system (Schedule I through Schedule V) that categorizes drugs based on their accepted medical use, abuse potential, and likelihood of causing dependence.
Biennial Inventory
A biennial inventory is the DEA-required physical count of all controlled substances that must be conducted by registrants required to keep controlled-substance records at least once every two years to account for Schedule II-V drugs on hand.
NDC Number (National Drug Code)
The NDC (National Drug Code) is a unique 10-digit, 3-segment numeric identifier assigned to each medication product in the United States, identifying the labeler, product, and package size.
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