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
DEA number check digit: add odd-position digits + (even-position digits x 2). Last digit of the sum = check digit. First letter = registrant type (A/B = practitioner, M = mid-level).
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. It serves as both a license to handle controlled substances and a tracking mechanism for the DEA.
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 (A or B = dispensers/practitioners; M = mid-level practitioners; F = manufacturers) |
| 2nd character | First letter of the registrant's last 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)
Example: DEA # AB1234563
- 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 II controlled substances |
| DEA Form 224 | New pharmacy registration |
| DEA Form 106 | Reporting theft or 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 (A/B = practitioner, M = mid-level) and the second letter matches the prescriber's last name.
Study This Term In
Related Terms
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 every registrant (pharmacy, hospital, practitioner) 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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