How to reinstate your Alabama teaching license through ALSDE

To reinstate your Alabama teaching license, you contact the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) directly and submit a reinstatement request along with required documents. The process depends on why your license lapsed — whether it expired while you were inactive, you let it lapse intentionally, or it was revoked for cause. ALSDE will review your request, verify your teaching history, and either restore your license or tell you what additional steps are needed.

The timeline typically runs four to eight weeks from submission to decision, though this extends if ALSDE needs additional information from you. You cannot teach in Alabama public schools while your reinstatement is pending — you must wait for written approval before returning to the classroom.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the ALSDE Educator Certification office at 334-242-8070 or by mail to request a reinstatement form specific to your situation.
  • You will need to provide proof of your original teaching credential, government-issued photo ID, and documentation of any professional development completed since your license lapsed.
  • If your license was revoked rather than straightforward expired, reinstatement requires additional review and may involve conditions set by ALSDE.
  • Once reinstated, you must renew your license on Alabama's regular renewal schedule, which typically occurs every five years.

Gather your personal and credential documents

Before contacting ALSDE, collect the documents you will need. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current contact information ready. Locate your original teaching certificate or any documentation showing your previous license number and the date it was issued. If you no longer have the original certificate, a copy or even a reference to the license number will help ALSDE locate your file.

If your license expired while inactive, you may also need proof that you have completed any continuing education requirements that accumulated during the lapse. Some teachers are required to complete professional development hours before reinstatement is granted. Check your last renewal notice or contact ALSDE to learn what the current requirement is for your certificate type and the years you were inactive. Having this documentation ready before you call speeds up the conversation and prevents back-and-forth delays.

Contact the ALSDE Educator Certification office

Call the ALSDE Educator Certification office at 334-242-8070 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Tell them you want to reinstate your teaching license and describe your situation — whether your license expired, you voluntarily let it lapse, or it was revoked. They will tell you which reinstatement form to use and what documents to send with it.

You can also write to the office at Alabama State Department of Education, Educator Certification, 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Include a letter stating your name, former license number (if you have it), and the reason you are seeking reinstatement. Request the reinstatement form and a list of required documents. Mailing takes longer than calling, but creates a paper record of your request and gives you written confirmation of what ALSDE needs from you.

Complete and submit the reinstatement form

Fill out the reinstatement form completely and accurately. Include your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and all contact information. Answer all questions about your teaching history, any breaks in employment, and whether you have taught in another state since your Alabama license lapsed. Incomplete forms cause delays because ALSDE will have to contact you to fill in missing information.

Attach copies (not originals) of all required documents. These typically include a government-issued photo ID, proof of your original teaching credential, and documentation of any professional development completed. If you have taught in another state, include verification from that state's education department. Do not send original certificates — ALSDE will ask for originals only if your reinstatement is approved and you need to update your file. Keep copies for your own records.

Submit by mail or in person

Mail your completed form and documents to the ALSDE Educator Certification office at the address listed above. Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof of delivery. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks from the date ALSDE receives your packet. Write down the tracking number and keep it with your records so you can follow up if you do not hear back within that timeframe.

If you live in or near Montgomery, you can deliver your reinstatement packet in person to the ALSDE office at 50 North Ripley Street during business hours. Bring the original form and copies of all documents. Ask for a receipt showing the date you submitted your reinstatement request. In-person submission does not speed up processing, but it confirms ALSDE has received your materials on a specific date and eliminates mail delays.

What happens after you submit

ALSDE will review your reinstatement request and verify the information you provided. If your license straightforward expired and you meet the current requirements, reinstatement is usually straightforward. If your license was revoked or if there are gaps in your teaching history, ALSDE may request additional information or documentation before making a decision. You may receive a phone call or letter asking for clarification or additional materials.

You will receive written notice of ALSDE's decision by mail. If your reinstatement is approved, the letter will include your new license number and the effective date. If additional information is needed, the letter will specify what you must provide and by what date. If reinstatement is denied, the letter will explain the reason and whether you have the option to appeal or reapply. Keep this letter in a safe place — you will need it to prove your license status to employers.

Renew your license after reinstatement

Once your license is reinstated, you become part of Alabama's regular renewal cycle. Most Alabama teaching licenses renew every five years. ALSDE will send you renewal information and instructions before your license expires. You will need to complete any required professional development hours and pay the renewal fee to keep your license active.

Mark your calendar with your reinstatement effective date plus five years. This is when your next renewal will be due. Staying on top of renewal important date prevents your license from lapsing again and avoids having to go through reinstatement a second time. Set a reminder six months before the renewal date so you have time to complete any required coursework.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take?

Processing typically takes four to eight weeks from the date ALSDE receives your complete reinstatement packet. If ALSDE needs additional information, the timeline extends until you provide it. Calling ahead to confirm what documents are required can prevent delays.

Can I teach while my reinstatement is pending?

No. You cannot teach in Alabama public schools on an expired or revoked license. You must wait for written approval from ALSDE before returning to the classroom. Some districts may hire you conditionally pending reinstatement approval, but you cannot legally teach until your license is active.

What if my license was revoked, not just expired?

Revocation is more serious than expiration and requires additional review. ALSDE will examine the reason for revocation and may impose conditions on reinstatement, such as completing specific coursework or professional development. Contact ALSDE to learn what your specific situation requires before submitting a reinstatement request.

Do I need to take the teacher certification exam again?

Not usually. If you are reinstating an expired license, you do not retake the exam. If your license was revoked or if Alabama's certification requirements have changed significantly since your license was issued, ALSDE will tell you during the reinstatement review whether new testing is required.

What if I taught in another state after my Alabama license lapsed?

Include verification from that state's education department showing your teaching history and current license status. ALSDE uses this information to confirm your continued professional standing. Some states will provide this verification by letter or through an online portal — ask the other state's education department how to request it.