Educator's Licensure

Special Announcements

Licensure Renewal

UPDATE: For your convenience the renewal application will remain open through July 31, 2020 and your license will not expire if you submit your renewal by that date. Please login at https://vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov to complete and submit your open renewal application.

See important details below for renewing educators who are both employed and not employed in North Carolina public schools. Charter school employed educators should contact their school's licensure/administrative staff for renewal assistance.

License Renewal Steps for Educators Employed in a NC School System Who Have Met Renewal Credits:

Access your open Renewal application by logging in at https://vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov/
Complete the Statement of Applicant questions
Submit the application
Pay the $35 fee

Employed educators who have not met renewal credits should take no action. The license will receive a one-year extension through June 30, 2021.

License Renewal Steps for Educators Not Employed in a NC School System Who:

A. Have Met Renewal Credits

Access your open Renewal application by logging in at https://vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov/
Complete the Statement of Applicant questions
Upload documentation of renewal credits (CEUs certificates, official degree-dated transcripts, etc.)
Submit the application
Pay the $35 fee

B. Have Not Met Renewal Credits

Access your open Renewal application by logging in at https://vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov/
Complete the Statement of Applicant questions
Upload a memo requesting the extension to 6/30/2021 when prompted to provide renewal credits
Submit the application
Pay the $35 fee

UPDATE (07/06/2020): For your convenience, the renewal application will remain open through July 31, 2020. Your license will not expire if you submit your renewal by that date. Please login at https://vo.licensure.ncpublicschools.gov to complete and submit your open renewal application.

Licensure Staffing During COVID-19

Licensure is fully staffed and working remotely to process applications. There are, however, limited staff available to answer the phones Monday-Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you call and are not able to get through we thank you for your patience and encourage you to try your call at another time.

Welcome Professional Educators!

North Carolina sets the stage for your fresh ideas and enthusiasm in the public schools. North Carolina hires new educators annually who are the catalyst for meeting our Pre-kindergarten - Grade 12 classroom goals. We offer educators excellent working conditions, an abundance of opportunities for professional growth, competitive salaries and strong support from the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). With a diverse economy, an emphasis on technology and a superior quality of life, North Carolina has become one of the fastest growing states in the country. We are thrilled that you have chosen to make North Carolina your home!

Announcements

Interested in changing your career to teaching? Check out North Carolina's new Residency License.

North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) required licensure exams are outlined in policy LICN-003. Prepare and register to take SBE required licensure exams:

Apply Now for a NC Educator License

The NCDPI Online Licensure System will assist you through the application process. Begin by creating a licensure account. Simply click NCDPI Registration at the bottom left of the online application system main page.

Contact the Licensure office by phone at 800-577-7994 (toll-free within North Carolina) or (919) 716-1800.

If you are calling because you are having trouble logging in to the online licensure system or for password resets, please press 3.
If you have general licensure questions, please press 2 to speak to a Licensure Specialist.
If you are checking on the status of an application that you have already submitted, please press 1.