The Licensing Division oversees the licensing and federal highly qualified verification of all educators and administrators working in Minnesota public K-12 schools. The division also provides resources to assist school districts and colleges in maintaining compliance with state and federal licensure laws.

New Minnesota Law Pertaining to Licensing: Effective Immediately!
New legislation requires all applicants for a Minnesota initial teaching license to take and pass the Minnesota Basic Skills test in order to receive a teaching license. The new law goes into effect immediately.

Along with meeting standard eligibility requirements for Minnesota licensure, in-state and out-of-state applicants  for a Minnesota teaching license must submit passing scores for the Basic Skills test as part of the licensure application. View the Teacher Testing Requirements and Testing Chart below.

We are currently updating our online application system to reflect those changes, and are actively working to notify all applicants who may be affected by the change.   We appreciate your patience as we implement these changes and encourage you to contact us with any questions.

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.

2011-2012 Teacher Shortage Areas
The U.S. Department of Education has designated Minnesota's teacher shortage areas for 2011-2012. 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.

Document Download:

• Reading Programs Approved in Minnesota 
  
• Science Licensure by Test 
  
• Licensure Fields and Rule Requirements 
  
• Alternative Pathways Announcement 
  
• Alternative Pathways Frequently Asked Questions 
  

Apply for a New Teacher License

Document Download:

• Human Relations Requirements 
  
• Teacher Testing Requirements and Testing Chart March 2012 
  This document answers frequently asked questions and provides a chart with additional test details for teacher licensure.
• New Licensure Instructions and Registration Guide 
  Gather this information before entering the Online Licensing System to apply for a new educator license.
• Early Childhood Family Education Clarification 
  

District Forms

Document Download:

• Request to Expedite an Application 
  
• Request for a Personnel Variance 
  

Forms for Processes Not Yet Available Online

Document Download:

• Application to Add a Field to an Existing Minnesota License 
  
• Application for a Nonrenewable Teaching License 
  
• Duplicate Application Form 
  
• Request to Surrender a Standard Education License 
  
• Verification of Teacher Retirement for a Lifetime Short-Call Substitute License 
  

Renew a License

Document Download:

• Human Relations Requirements 
  
• Teacher Testing Requirements and Testing Chart March 2012 
  This document answers frequently asked questions and provides a chart with additional test details for teacher licensure.
• License Renewal Instructions and Registration Guide 
  Prepare to renew your educator license.