AUGUSTA – The state Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, which licenses many types of businesses and professions, has announced the availability of a new “search engine” to let the public determine whether an individual or business holds a license issued by the department.

Commissioner S. Catherine Longley said the new online service is available for more than 100,000 professionals and businesses licensed by the department, including insurance producers, mortgage companies, real estate brokers, social workers.

Anyone with Internet access may look up a company or individual and learn the status of a department-issued license at www.MaineBusinessReg.org.