In a DEA number, what does the second letter represent?

In a DEA number, what does the second letter represent?

• A. The prescriber's last name initial
• B. The license number
• C. The state code
• D. The drug schedule

Answer: (A)

DEA numbers start with two letters followed by seven digits. The first letter indicates the type of registrant (such as a practitioner or mid-level practitioner), while the second letter is the initial of the prescriber's last name. This pairing helps tie the number to a specific individual and adds a layer of verification, since the digits that follow form a unique sequence and include a check digit to confirm validity. So the second letter represents the prescriber's last name initial.

DEA numbers start with two letters followed by seven digits. The first letter indicates the type of registrant (such as a practitioner or mid-level practitioner), while the second letter is the initial of the prescriber's last name. This pairing helps tie the number to a specific individual and adds a layer of verification, since the digits that follow form a unique sequence and include a check digit to confirm validity. So the second letter represents the prescriber's last name initial.