Frequently Asked Questions

Life Licenses

What is the Wisconsin life license?

Life licenses were issued prior to 1983 based on an individual teaching for six full semesters in Wisconsin while holding a three-year license. Life licenses remain current as long as an individual continually teaches and/or takes course work that is related to the teaching area or any skill/knowledge that is related to the classroom (such as computers, languages, curriculum development, etc.). Information about life license is found in administrative rules PI 34.20.

I had a life license that was issued in 1980, but I have been out of teaching since 1999. Now I want to do substitute teaching. What do I have to do?

Your life license is currently invalid since you have been out of the teaching profession for five or more years. You can revalidate that license with the completion of six semester credits of refresher work (course work in your content area or related to education in general). In the meantime, you could apply for a substitute license (use the PI-1602-5R form) without completing any credits. That would allow you to do long-term substitute teaching in the area(s) in which you were licensed and short-term substitute teaching in everything else. If you have already been hired and do not have the six credits of refresher work completed, your school district could request a one-year non-renewable license on your behalf (use the PI-1602-5R form with a letter of request from the district attached) so that you can get the required credits completed. Note: the credits must be completed by the end (June 30th) of that one-year license period. Upon completion of the credits, submit a PI-1602-DUP - Duplicate License Request and processing fee along with your transcripts or grade reports to receive a revalidated life license.

I have a life license but have not held a K-12 teaching position for over 15 years. However I have been teaching at the college level for the past three years. Is my license still valid if I wish to return to teaching in the public schools?

A life license is valid as long as an individual is continually teaching and/or taking credits related to their education profession. Employment at the college level is accepted as experience which will keep the life license active.

I was issued a life license certificate by DPI in 1981 but I have not taught since the early 1990s. I realize my license is invalid but I have recently completed the required six credits to revalidate it. What forms do I need to submit to DPI?

Submit a PI-1602-DUP - Duplicate License Request and processing fee along with your transcripts or grade reports.

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Other questions about life licenses may be directed to Educator Licensing.

Last updated on 7/1/2009 4:24:43 PM