This is somewhat relative. May be helpful. Most people probably know this trick, but regardless, here you go!

The last number of a DEA is a self check digit. If you ever are unsure of the validity of a DEA number, try this helpful trick:

Take the 1st, 3rd and 5th number and add together                                                    AB1234563
    1 + 3 +5 = 9
Then  take the 2nd, 4th and 6th number and add together, them multiply by 2            AB1234563
    2 + 4 + 6= 12 
                        12 x 2= 24

Now add those two numbers together
    9 + 24= 33
The last number in the above equation is a 3
The last digit should be a 3 in the DEA        AB1234563

I found this at this web site under Registration  Q&A 
 http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg/faq.htm#verify

Question:  Can you verify a DEA number?

Answer:  NO. It is DEA policy that the credentialing of a physician may be accomplished by requesting a copy of the physician's current DEA registration certificate, which indicates the issue and expiration dates.  This would satisfy  the requirements for verification of DEA registration. In addition, the DEA provides a list of active DEA registrants to the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) a component of the United States Department of Commerce. This list of active DEA registrants may be obtained from NTIS as a single purchase, monthly or quarterly by calling 1-800-363-2068 or for more information, see them on the web at www.ntis.gov/product/dea.htm.

You would use  the NPDB to find DEA actions

Hope this helps. Nedra Vogel

Good morning KAMSS members,

Does the website DEAnumber.com serve as primary source verification for DEAs? Also, does this website provide information regarding restricted DEAs? I have never noticed this, however, on copies of the DEA certificates, it will indicate if a certificate is restricted. Thanks!