Licensing FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

I completed the requirements to add an endorsement. How do I get the endorsement on my teaching license?
See the Instructions to Add an Endorsement (PDF).

I want to add an endorsement and renew my license at the same time. How do I do that?
To avoid paying two fees, you will want to send both applications to KSDE together. If you are adding the endorsement by just passing the content test, get the application from the KSDE website. The application to renew your license is found on the same site. You need to send both forms directly to KSDE with payment.

If you have completed all the coursework and Praxis test for an additional endorsement, you will want K-State to recommend you for the endorsement, so paperwork must be sent to our office. See the Instructions to Renew and Add an Endorsement (PDF).

I tried to submit my online application, but it was rejected, telling me to fill out a paper application. Why?
License applications ask about a prior history of felonies, crimes involving theft, drugs, or a child, denied licenses, or teaching offenses. If you have been involved in any of these activities, you will need to provide documentation about them. Therefore, you are asked to submit a paper application, along with the documentation. The application can be picked up in our office, and must be submitted to our office. We will verify your education program and forward all information to KSDE.

How long after I submit my online application to K-State will I receive my license?
Once you submit your application to K-State, we check to see that you have all the required transcripts and scores. If we have all of your information, we try to have the application approved and sent to KSDE within 10 days. At that point, you are sent an automated email explaining the payment process for KSDE. You may need to check your Junk mailbox to find this email. After KSDE receives your payment, you can typically expect your license in 4-6 weeks.

If you are a recent graduate applying for your first Initial License, we ask that you submit your application about 2 weeks before you complete your final classes. We must hold your application until your degree is posted, typically 2 weeks after finals.

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Where do I get my fingerprints done?
The fingerprint cards and mailing envelope are available in the Licensing Office (13 Bluemont Hall). You can get your fingerprints taken at many police stations. In Manhattan, the K-State Campus Police Department will do the fingerprinting for you. There is usually a charge for the service. The fingerprint card is then put into the addressed envelope along with a $44 check to Kansas State Department of Education for the background check.

When should I get my fingerprints/background check done?
All applicants for an initial Kansas license must submit one fingerprint card for the purpose of a KBI and FBI background clearance report. We suggest that you do this about 6 weeks before you apply for your license.

How long are my background check (fingerprints) valid?
The background check expires after 6 months if you are not licensed. If you have your fingerprints done more than 6 months before you get a license, you will need to have them redone.

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I have an Emergency Substitute License and had to do a background check to get it. Do I need to have another background check to get my Initial License?
An emergency substitute license is in effect for an academic school year (July 1 – June 30). Your background check will be good for 6 months after your license expires (December 30). If you are graduating in the fall semester, you may want to renew your Emergency Substitute License to avoid having to redo the background check.

How do I upgrade my Initial Teaching License to a Professional Teaching License?
To move from the Initial Teaching License to the Professional Teaching License, KSDE requires that you complete a one year mentorship, monitored by the school district. This process does not involve KSU. Contact KSDE to get more information on this process.

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How do I upgrade my Initial Specialist or Leadership license to a Professional Specialist or Leadership License?
To move from the Initial Specialist or Leadership License to the Professional License, you must complete a one year mentorship, monitored through the school district. This process does not involve KSU. Contact KSDE to get more information on this process.

I just completed my degree in Education. Which license am I ready for?
If you have just completed your degree in Education and passed the PLT and content test, you are ready for the Initial License. (link to Initial License above) If you haven’t passed both tests, you can apply for a One Year Non-Renewable License. Use the same form as above, but mark One Year Non-renewable as the type of license desired.

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