Frequently Asked Questions

How and When to Apply for Educator License Renewal

DO NOT APPLY FOR A LICENSE THAT WILL BEGIN ON JULY 1 UNTIL AT LEAST JANUARY 1 OF THAT SAME YEAR.

Note: Requirements for license renewal differ depending upon whether an educator was licensed under PI 34 (completed an approved educator preparation program after August 31, 2004 for the first time in a particular license category (teacher, pupil services, administrator)) or under previous rules (completed an approved program prior to September 1, 2004). PI 34 licenses require completion of a Professional Development Plan (PDP) for renewal.

Will DPI contact me when my license is about to expire?

No. We expect that since it is your professional license, you will keep track of the date when it expires. If you are unsure and have lost your license certificate, you can easily view your license history using our license look-up function.

I currently hold a five-year teaching license that is valid until 2012. I also recently finished a new certification program. Do I have to renew my license now to have the new area added?

No, you can wait until 2012 to submit the renewal application for your existing license. To be licensed in the new teaching or pupil services area, submit an application and fee for an Initial Wisconsin license. Graduates of Wisconsin educator preparation programs need to submit the PI-1602-IS form (OR the PI-1602-AD form for an Initial Administration or Reading Teacher type license). Graduates of non-Wisconsin educator preparation programs need to submit the PI-1602-OS form. Then in 2012 when your existing licenses expire, you will need to submit a separate PI-1602-5R renewal application and fee.

If you would rather have all licenses on the same renewal cycle, you may renew your existing license early (at the same time that you submit the Initial Wisconsin application). If you are not working in the new area of licensure, you could choose to wait until 2012 to apply for the initial license at the same time as you renew your existing licenses. This would also keep all your licenses on the same renewal cycle. For more information, see FAQ - Adding a New License

My last five-year teaching license expired a number of years ago and I let it lapse. How do I renew that license?

You will need to reapply for another five-year license using the PI-1602-5R form with evidence of six semester credits in education courses from a regionally accredited four-year bachelor degree granting institution completed in the five years preceding the new July 1st license start date. Example: If the new license will start on July 1, 2011, credits must be completed between 7/1/2006 and 6/30/2011.

Related Resources

FAQs - Licensing Topic
5-year Substitute Teaching License
Fingerprint Cards
Initial Educators' Page - Programs completed after 8/31/2004
Professional Development Plans (PDP)

Other questions about license renewal may be directed to Educator Licensing.

Last updated on 12/10/2010 8:08:48 AM