Renewing Your Wisconsin Educator License

PRINT THIS PAGE FOR REFERENCE

The department receives over 30,000 license applications each year. Following the tips on this page will help you submit a correct, complete and timely application which we can process for you quickly.

Apply for Renewal Before Your Current License Expires

(Be On Time)

Apply between January 1 and June 30 of the year your license expires. Do not apply prior to January 1 of the year the new license is to begin. Applying early in the year your license expires will avoid our busy summer period and allow licensing staff to act on your application more quickly.

Note: When you submit a complete, accurate application by the June 30 expiration date, your previous license does not expire until DPI has completed processing of your application. The License Look-up will verify the date your most recent application with payment was received at DPI. "When an applicant has made a timely and accurate application for the renewal of a license or a new license of a continuing nature, the existing license does not expire until the application has been finally acted upon by DPI." [Chapter 227.51(2), Wis. Stats.]

Use the Correct Application Form

(Read Instructions)

License renewal is a paper process. Be sure you download and print the current version of the application form directly from our Application Forms page. Paper copies of application forms obtained from other sources may be out of date. Read the descriptors and the application form's instruction page to ensure you have the correct form for your situation. If you apply to add a new license at the same time, you must submit a separate application form. Review the Application Forms page and the Fingerprint Help page to make sure you have all necessary forms and fingerprint cards if required.

Be Sure Your Application Is Correctly Filled Out and Includes All Required Documentation

(Check Your Work)

The usual cause of delay in issuing renewal licenses is incomplete applications: entire pages missing or unreadable, required information fields missing, required documentation missing (e.g. evidence of completion of professional growth requirement), Conduct and Competency questions left unanswered, signature and/or notarization missing, fingerprints not submitted, etc. We do not process an application until all required information is received. No exceptions are made since the information required is prescribed by state law. The best way to submit your application, if at all possible, is in one complete submission with all required items attached. If some materials must be submitted later, make sure that these items include your DPI Educator File Number which can be obtained from the License Look-up. Search by entering your name and then make a note of the six-digit file number that appears on your record. Your DPI File Number should be used in all correspondence with the department.

Mail Application with Fee Payment to DPI's Milwaukee Address:

(Follow Directions)

DPI Educator Licensing, Drawer 794, Milwaukee, WI 53293-0794

Common causes of delay in processing applications are 1) applications sent without correct fee payment and 2) applications delivered to the Madison office. Applications must be mailed to DPI's Milwaukee address with fee payment for payment processing.

Respond Promptly to DPI Requests for Additional Information

(Answer Questions)

Applicants who submit incomplete application materials are notified of specific omissions or errors which must be corrected and/or submitted. All materials must be in 'hard copy' form since license information is currently stored using an imaging system.

Allow Adequate Processing Time to Receive Your New License

(Wait Your Turn)

• Applications are processed in the order they are received
• Verify that your application was received by using our License Look-up function
• Check the approximate processing timelines for complete, accurate applications
• Processing times will be longer for incomplete applications

Back to License Application Forms Page

For questions about this information, contact licensing@dpi.wi.gov (608) 266-1027

Last updated on 7/25/2011 8:48:03 AM