diff --git a/cmd/server/main.go b/cmd/server/main.go
index 84e32da..92e1afa 100644
--- a/cmd/server/main.go
+++ b/cmd/server/main.go
@@ -78,6 +78,14 @@ func main() {
 
 	queries := database.New(dbPool)
 
+	// Initialize database schema
+	log.Println("🔧 Ensuring database schema is initialized...")
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	if err := database.Initialize(ctx, dbPool); err != nil {
+		log.Fatal("❌ Database schema initialization failed:", err)
+	}
+	log.Println("✅ Database schema initialized and verified, starting server...")
+
 	// Create login attempt tracker: 5 failed attempts = 15 minute lockout
 	loginAttemptTracker := ratelimit.NewLoginAttemptTracker(5, 15*time.Minute, 5*time.Minute)