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Frequently Asked Questions - General Licensing

Questions

  1. How do I get a copy of my current license?
  2. Where can I find the status of my license application?
  3. How long does it take to process my license application?
  4. Which application should I use?
  5. How much does the application cost?
  6. When will I receive my new license certificate?  Will DPI mail me a copy?
  7. What tests do I need to take for my Wisconsin license application?
  8. How can I get statutory stipulations removed from my license?
  9. How can I get my name changed on my license?
  10. I hold a life license and it shows that it is now “invalid” on License Lookup.  What should I do to make it valid again?

Answers

1.  How do I get a copy of my current license?

Since educators can now go online and print a copy of their licenses, we no longer mail them. *Note: license certificates are only available when the license status is either Current or Next License Cycle Approved.  You will need to create an account for our Educator Licensing Online system if you don't already have one. Steps to print the certificate:

  1. Access your ELO Account
  2. Navigate to the “Manage Your Existing Licenses” section of the Quick Start Menu
  3. Choose “Print license certificate” from the drop-down menu and click “Go!”

 4.  Based on your browser’s default behavior, a file will be available for you to open or download.

Note: If you are printing your license certificate before July 1, there are two pages to the document.  The first page is your current license and the second page is your new license.

2.  Where can I find the status of my license application?

When you submitted the application you should have received an email from the ELO system confirming the submission. If you did not receive this email, please check your spam inbox.

When your license is approved, you will receive a separate approval email. If our team has questions about your application or if documentation is missing, we will contact you. Otherwise, you can log back into your ELO account and see if the license was issued.

Our online license lookup page also indicates when an educator is an "Applicant" for a new license and when a renewal/extension is pending. Please also refer to the following question on processing time.

3.  How long does it take to process my license application?

Processing time for applications varies based on the type of application and when you apply.  On average it takes between 6 – 12 weeks.  Additional time may be needed if the application is incomplete, if questions were not answered completely, or if the application must be routed for additional background check information. 

4.  Which application should I use?

Please review the list of applications at Apply for an Educator License to find the application you need. If you are applying for a license for the first time or for an additional license category (teacher, pupil services, administrator), you will need to apply for an “initial" license. 

There are separate applications for candidates who completed their preparation programs in Wisconsin or out of state. 

5.  How much does the application cost?

Please see our Licensing Fees web page.

6.  When will I receive my new license certificate?  Will DPI mail me a copy?

You should be able to print your certificate as soon as you receive the email from the ELO system that your application has been approved.  The license file you download is usually two pages, with your current license being the first page and your new license being the second. School districts can view issued licensee information on our online license lookup page.

7.  What tests do I need to take for my Wisconsin license application?

See testing requirements on the Educator Preparation Programs Testing web page. In general, applicants need to pass a Praxis II subject test for licensure. As of January 31, 2014, all applicants for early childhood, elementary/regular education, special education, reading teacher, and reading specialist must pass the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test.

Registration information and testing fees are found on the appropriate testing vendor/administrator websites as you register for the tests. Out-of-state applicants must also pass the tests required by the state in which their teacher education program is located.

8.  How can I get statutory stipulations removed from my license?

At the time you apply to renew or advance your license, you may request that statutory stipulations be removed. Please attach documentation that you have completed the statutory stipulations.

9.  How can I get my name changed on my license?

You may change the name on your license on the Name and Personal Details page of your next DPI application.  If you are changing your name off-cycle, there is a $45 fee for that application.  The application to change your name off-cycle is found under Apply for a New License in ELO.  Select "Entity Self Service" in the first drop-down menu, "Entity Self Service Activities" in the second drop-down menu and "Change Name Request" in the third drop-down menu to open up the application form.

10.  I hold a life license and it shows that it is now “invalid” on License Lookup.  What should I do to make it valid again?

Please see our Life License page for detailed information.

Submit questions and comments about this information to the Licensing Online Help desk.