Applying for a License or Authorization

5 Steps to Applying for Any License or Authorization

eLisensure Process: 1. find your role here at the Educator Licensing site. 2. Review the appropriate application checklist. 3. Assemble and scan required information. 4. Register and log in to eLicensing to complete your application. 5. Receive your credential by email in 4-6 weeks

Preparing for eLicensure

Do not start an application until you've reviewed the checklist associated with the license or authorization you are seeking. All applications require that you obtain and upload items such as transcripts, worksheets and/or signed documents. You will not be able to complete your application without them.

Important Notes:

By signing an application, you are verifying that the application is complete and that all questions within have been answered truthfully.
Should CDE require additional information to evaluate your application or if CDE has not received your fingerprint-based background checks from CBI/FBI, your application will be deemed "incomplete" and you will have 90 days to provide that information or for your account to be updated.
State statute prohibits the refunding of any application evaluation fee.
Once you have submitted an application, please check your status online regularly to ensure you have met all requirements.

I want to apply for a:

License Type:

Authorization Type:

Teacher License

Apply for a Teacher License

First-time Colorado teacher license (in-state)
Teachers from outside Colorado (out-of-state/out-of-country)
Alternative teacher license (in-state candidates only)
Interim authorization to initial teacher license (not for exchange educators)
Initial to professional teacher license
First master teacher certificate

Renew a Teacher License

Substitute Teacher Authorization

Apply for a Substitute Teacher Authorization

One-year substitute authorization (district-specific)
Three-year substitute authorization (min. bachelor's degree required)
Five-year substitute authorization (valid out-of-state teacher or valid/expired Colorado Teacher License required)

Renew a Substitute Teacher Authorization

Three-year substitute authorization renewal
Five-year substitute authorization renewal (valid or expired Colorado Teacher License required)

Special Services Provider (SSP) License

Note: special education teachers should complete the teacher application

Apply for a SSP License

First-time Colorado special services provider license (in-state)
Special services providers from outside Colorado (out-of-state/out-of-country)
Initial to professional special services provider license

Renew a SSP License

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Authorization

Apply for a CTE Authorization

Renew a CTE Authorization

Professional CTE authorization renewal/ reinstatement

Principal License

For building-level leaders (principal, assistant principal) who have completed an approved principal preparation program

Apply for a Principal License

First-time Colorado principal license (in-state)
Principals from outside Colorado (out-of-state/out-of-country)
Alternative principal preparation authorization
Interim authorization to initial principal license
Initial to professional principal license

Renew a Principal License

All Other Initial Authorizations

Select one of the links below if you are seeking an authorization for the first time in one of these areas:

Apply for an Authorization

Administrator License

For district-level leaders (superintendent, director of special education or director of gifted education) who have completed an approved district-level administrator preparation program

Apply for an Administrator License