Licensing

The Educator Licensing Division oversees the licensing and federal highly qualified verification of all educators and administrators working in Minnesota public schools. The division also provides resources to assist school districts in maintaining compliance with state and federal licensure laws.

Educator License Application Type Definitions
Apply for a Minnesota Educator License through the Online Licensing System below.  Use the following license type definitions to determine the type of license application to complete.

  • First-Time Full Professional Minnesota Education License: Available to applicants who have completed a teacher or administrative licensure program or applicants applying for licensure as a school nurse, school social worker, Speech Language Pathologist, school counselor, or school psychologist.
  • Limited Full Time License: Available to applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher degree with at least a minor in the area being requested, but have not completed a teacher education program.  Application also requires a district verification form signed by the Minnesota public school district verifying a hardship in locating a fully licensed teacher for the assignment.
  • Limited Intern: Requires district and college/university signature.
  • Two-Year, Short-Call Substitute: Available to applicants who have a bachelor’s degree, but not in education. The school district must verify a hardship in locating licensed teachers.
  • Five-Year, Short-Call Substitute: Available to applicants who have completed a teacher licensure program, but do not wish to apply for a full-time license at this time. Available to related services personnel only after the issuance of a full-time Board of Teaching license.
  • Lifetime Short-Call Substitute: Available to applicants who held an education license and are currently receiving retirement annuities.  Applicants who currently have a Minnesota File Folder Number (FFN) will need to use the paper application (available below under Forms for Processes Not Yet Available Online titled “Verification of Teacher Retirement for a Lifetime Short-Call Substitute License”).  If you have never had a Minnesota FFN, you must apply using the system online for a “Lifetime Short-Call Substitute License.”

 
Online Licensing System. Log into this system to apply for a new license, renew a license, and more.

Teacher License Lookup. Search for license information on an individual educator, using their file folder number or first and last name.

Teacher Shortage Areas
The U.S. Department of Education has designated Minnesota's teacher shortage areas. View the list. For information on loan deferment, cancellation and forgiveness, please refer to the U.S. Department of Education website.

Kindergarten Endorsement Licensure Option
Individuals holding a valid Minnesota 1-6 elementary education teaching license may add kindergarten by completing an approved kindergarten methods course with practicum experience. Applicants must submit an endorsement application including the college transcript showing satisfactory completion of an approved kindergarten methods course and related fees.

Apply for a New Teacher License

District Forms

  • Request to Expedite an Application 
    This form has been updated. It is now able to be completed and saved on your computer. It MUST be printed and faxed to Minnesota Department of Education.
  • Request for a Personnel Variance 
    This form has been updated and can now be completed on a computer, but MUST still be printed and signed before submitting.

Forms for Processes Not Yet Available Online

Renew a License

Log into our secure system to renew your license or view your clock hour record. Documents below can help you prepare for renewal.
 


  • Copyright 2012
  • Minnesota Department of Education