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Individuals who have submitted an application to the Illinois State Board of Education for a license, endorsement, or approval can learn more about the application process by clicking one of the headers below. ​

 Endorsement Application

To qualify for an evaluation, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  1. View the requirements for Illinois licensure​ to determine what endorsements and grade levels are available so you apply appropriately.
  2. Create an account in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). Once you create an account you can apply for the desired credential.  View screen-by-screen tutorials under “ELIS How-To Demonstrations” for assistance.
  3. Have your regionally accredited institution send official* transcripts directly to ONE of the following addresses: Please send other documentation that pertains to the license for which you applied to licensureforms@isbe.net.​​

*Note: Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.  If sent by educator, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the educator.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.

 Substitute Teacher Application

  1. Apply for the Substitute License in your ELIS account.
    A $50 application fee will be assessed electronically when the application is completed.  (Please have credit card, debit card, or prepaid card available.)   View screen-by-screen tutorials under “ELIS How-To Demonstrations” for assistance.
  2. Have your regionally accredited institution send official* transcripts directly to ONE of the following addresses:

*Note: Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.  If sent by educator, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the educator.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid. 

 Paraprofessional Application

  1. Apply for the Paraprofessional License in your ELIS account.
    A $100 application fee will be assessed electronically when the application is completed.  (Please have credit card, debit card, or prepaid card available.)   View screen-by-screen tutorials under “ELIS How-To Demonstrations” for assistance.
  2. If you need college transcripts submitted, have your regionally accredited institution send official* transcripts directly to ONE of the following addresses: Please send other documentation that pertains to the license for which you applied to licensureforms@isbe.net​.

*Note:  Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.  If sent by educator, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the educator.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees​. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.

 Professional Educator License Application (Non-Entitlement)

  1. Apply for the Professional Educator License in your ELIS account.
    A $150 application fee will be assessed electronically when the application is completed.  (Please have credit card, debit card, or prepaid card available.)   View screen-by-screen tutorials under “ELIS How-To Demonstrations” for assistance.
  2. Have your regionally accredited institution send official* transcripts directly to ONE of the following addresses:

  3. Please send other documentation that pertains to the license for which you applied to​ licensureforms@isbe.net.

    3. If applying via reciprocity, please upload your valid, comparable out-of-state license on your IMAGES tab in your ELIS account.

*Note: Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.  If sent by educator, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the educator.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees​. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.

 Application Fees

Each license type listed below requires the payment of the associated fee with submission of the application in ELIS.

License Type Associated Fee
Professional Educator License (PEL)
  • Out of State or Out of Country Applicants
  • In-State Applicants through Entitlement

$150
$100
Substitute teaching license $50
Short-term substitute teaching license $25
ELS-Paraprofessional $100
ELS-Career and Technical Educator (CTE) $100
ELS-Visiting International Teacher (VIT) $150
ELS-Chief school business official (CSBO) $100
ELS-Transitional Bilingual Educator (TBE) $100
A​pprovals $50
Subsequent Endorsements $50​

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