For when they decide to start posting.....
NY Search by license number within a profession:
http://www.op.nysed.gov/opsearches.htm
Last License Issued on 12/8/11 = 090128
Hmmm....my first post and I feel old already.....to answer your question, I never had the need to get my PE.....now in a role where it wouldn't hurt to have one