Licensing Services

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.

Apply for an Initial License or Renew an Existing License

Virginia Licensure Online (VALO):

For First-Time Initial Applicants Effective November 30, 2023

Virginia Licensure Online (VALO), the commonwealth’s new, enhanced teacher licensing system, has been opened for new or initial applicants for teacher licensure.  If you are applying for licensure in Virginia for the first time, use VALO to complete your application.  

First-time new or initial applicants now register their account and pay for their licensure application through VALO.  Please do not register or pay through eGOV. 

Refer to the VALO User Guide for guidance on getting started and navigating VALO.

PLEASE NOTE:  Communications are only shared via the VALO system; applicants will not receive email notifications or US mail correspondence.  As such, applicants using VALO 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, including requests for additional information, documentation, etc., and to communicate updates with their employer.  Refer to this VALO Documents Guide for guidance on how to access or view notifications and other documents in VALO.

If you already have an existing account or have started an application prior to November 30, 2023, in the eGOV Online Licensing Portal, please DO NOT create a separate VALO account.  Continue to use the eGOV Online Licensing Portal to complete your existing application process (refer to section below). 

eGOV Online Licensing Portal: 

For For All Renewals and For First-Time Applications Started or Submitted Prior to November 30, 2023

While the commonwealth transitions to a new, improved licensure system, the eGOV Online Licensing Portal remains the tool for renewing your current license.  Please use the eGOV Online Licensing Portal for all renewals until further notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants completing their applications through eGOV  are advised to log in to eGOV periodically for important updates and correspondence.  Communications are only shared via the eGOV system; applicants will not receive email notifications or US mail correspondence. The Office of Licensure relies on applicants to monitor the eGOV system for important information, including requests for additional information, documentation, etc., and to communicate updates with their employer.

If you started or submitted an application in the eGOV Online Licensing Portal for new or initial teacher licensure prior to November 30, 2023, please DO NOT create a separate VALO account.  Continue to use the eGOV Online Licensing Portal to complete your existing application process and pay for your application. 

Licensure Fees and Online Payment Option

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 please to offer online payments as well:

• Those using VALO (or eGOV prior to November 30^th 2023) for initial licensure applications and licensure renewal will be prompted to complete payment during that process and should NOT use the "Pay Now" button below.
• For those requests not submitted via VALO or eGOV, online payments may be completed through the “Pay Now” button below.
  • Individuals taking advantage of this Pay Now online payment option will be redirected to a third-party online payment vendor outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia network. Credit card payments are processed by Elavon's secure hosted payment website. The Office of Licensure and School Leadership will not have access to credit card information submitted on this third-party site.
  • Once your payment has been processed via the Elavon website, you must print a copy of your receipt and include it with your application or request. Mail all documentation 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 application and/or request and receipt has been received in the mail. Applications and/or 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.