Licensing Services
Page Contents
General Components for Licensure
- You must hold an assigned social security number (issued by the US Social Security Administration) in order to apply.
While there are many different routes to take to be issued an educator license in Virginia, the below components are generally what will determine eligibility:
- Bachelor's Degree (except for the Technical Professional License) from a nationally recognized college/university as reflected on official transcripts with a conferral date.
- Completion of content-area knowledge by coursework.
- Completion of a professional studies coursework.
- Completion of prescribed assessments.
- Student teaching/practicum/experience in the endorsement area.
- Completion of statutory licensure requirements.
These components may be satisfied through an approved traditional route to licensure (teacher preparation program) or an approved alternate route to licensure.
Virginia Licensure Online (VALO):
Virginia Licensure Online (VALO), the Commonwealth’s new, enhanced teacher licensing system, has been opened for all applicants for teacher licensure. VALO is replacing the current eGOV online licensing portal and provides applicants with the ability to submit and pay associated fees for the following requests:
- Application for an Initial License
- Add a degree or an additional endorsement to a valid license
- View and Print an active license
- Address or name change
- Application for Licensure Renewal (Only available for individuals who are not currently employed with a Virginia public school division or nonpublic school)
The eGOV online licensing portal was taken offline on December 31, 2024. If you previously submitted a renewal application through eGov and additional documentation has been requested by VDOE, you will now need to submit the documentation by mail to the following address:
Virginia Department of Education
Office of Licensure and School Leadership
PO Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218
Paper Applications
A paper application and supplemental documents may be submitted by U.S. mail according to the instructions outlined in the application packet found at Licensing Forms & Information. HOWEVER: even if submitting hard copies of materials, it is still necessary to register for an VALO account and log in to VALO periodically for important updates and correspondence.
PLEASE NOTE: Communications from VDOE are only shared via the VALO system. Applicants will receive an email confirmation after submission of an initial application, then all other correspondence with be within VALO. Applicants are advised to log in to VALO on a regular basis to review updates. The Office of Licensure relies on applicants to monitor the VALO system for important information about their license requests, including requests for additional information and documentation. Refer to the VALO Documents Guide for guidance on how to access or view notifications and other documents in VALO.
Licensure Fees
A list of fees can be found on the Fee Schedule for Licensure. Although fees for initial licenses, license renewal, adding/evaluating for an endorsement, adding a degree to an existing license, and other actions may continue to be paid by personal check, money order, certified check, or cashier’s check made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia, we are pleased to offer online payments through VALO as well.
Individuals submitting a request in VALO for an initial application, license renewal, or to add a degree or endorsement to an existing license can pay for these requests online within VALO.
Individuals submitting requests by mail or through their employer should continue to submit their payments in the form of a personal check, money order, certified check, or cashier’s check made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.
If you are submitting a paper application or another request by mail, please submit all documentation with your payment to the following address:
Virginia Department of Education
Office of Licensure and School Leadership
PO Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218
Applications and/or requests will not be processed until the complete application or request and payment has been received. All requests are processed in the order they are received. If you have questions, please call 804-786-2302.
Active License Search
This site provides information concerning active teaching and educator licenses only, as issued by the Virginia Board of Education. Licenses that are inactive (expired), pending action, or on hold are not included in this query. Local licenses also are not included.
Helpful Hints
In addition to the information provided on these page, please refer to the HELPFUL HINTS document for guidance on common topics of inquiry. Although this document is not comprehensive, users may find it helpful in addressing logistical, technical, and general questions related to licensing, fees, communications and more.