What you need to do to get your teaching license back
Reinstating a New Hampshire teaching license depends on why it lapsed and how long ago it expired. If your license has been inactive for fewer than five years, you can usually reinstate it by submitting a reinstatement request to the New Hampshire Department of Education, Bureau of Credentialing. If it has been inactive for more than five years, you will likely need to complete new requirements — which may include coursework, a background check, or passing current exams — rather than straightforward reactivating the old license.
The first step is to contact the Bureau of Credentialing directly to find out your specific situation. They will tell you whether your license can be reinstated as-is, what conditions explore, and what documents or fees are required. This conversation will save you time and money because the path forward depends entirely on your individual record.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the New Hampshire Department of Education, Bureau of Credentialing to learn whether your license qualifies for reinstatement or requires new requirements.
- Licenses inactive for fewer than five years usually reinstate with a request form and fee, while licenses inactive longer may require new coursework or exams.
- You will need to provide proof of identity, your original license number or Social Security number, and payment of the reinstatement fee.
- The Bureau of Credentialing processes reinstatement requests and can tell you in one call what your next steps are.
How to contact the Bureau of Credentialing
The New Hampshire Department of Education, Bureau of Credentialing handles all teacher license matters, including reinstatement. You can reach them by phone, email, or mail. Having your original license number or Social Security number ready will speed up the conversation.
When you contact them, explain that your license lapsed and ask them to review your record. They will tell you the date your license expired, whether it is still within the reinstatement window, and what you need to do next. If you do not have your license number, they can look up your file using your name and date of birth.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive fewer than five years
If your license has been inactive for fewer than five years, reinstatement is usually straightforward. You will need to submit a reinstatement request form, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof of identity. The Bureau of Credentialing will send you the form when you contact them, or you may find it on the New Hampshire Department of Education website.
Some licenses may also require you to show that you have completed continuing education hours during the inactive period, depending on the type of license and when it expired. The Bureau will tell you whether this applies to you. If it does, you will need to gather documentation of those hours from the institutions or programs where you completed them.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive five years or longer
If your license has been inactive for five years or more, you cannot straightforward reinstate it. Instead, you will need to meet current requirements for a new license in your teaching area. This may include passing the current content exam for your subject, completing a teacher preparation program, or meeting updated coursework requirements.
The Bureau of Credentialing will explain which requirements explore to your specific license type and subject area. Some teachers in this situation find it faster to complete a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program than to piece together individual requirements. Others may find that a few specific exams or courses are all that stands between them and a new license. The Bureau can point you toward programs and resources in New Hampshire.
Background checks and other requirements
All reinstatement requests require a current background check. New Hampshire requires fingerprinting through the state police and a federal criminal background check. The Bureau of Credentialing will tell you how to arrange this — you may be able to do it online or at a designated location in your area.
You will also need to provide proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport. If you have moved since your license was issued, have your current address ready. Some reinstatement requests also require proof that you have not been subject to disciplinary action in another state or by another licensing body.
Fees and processing time
Reinstatement fees vary depending on your license type and whether you are reinstating an existing license or meeting requirements for a new one. The Bureau of Credentialing will quote the exact fee when you contact them. Payment is usually made by check or online, depending on the method they offer.
Processing time for reinstatement requests typically ranges from two to four weeks, though it can take longer if the Bureau needs additional information from you or if your background check takes time to process. Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new license certificate in the mail.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked rather than straightforward allowed to lapse, reinstatement is more complex and may not be possible. A suspension is temporary and may have conditions for lifting it; a revocation is permanent. The Bureau of Credentialing will tell you which status applies to your license when you contact them.
If your license was suspended, the Bureau will explain what conditions you must meet to have the suspension lifted. If it was revoked, you may be able to petition for reinstatement, but this is a formal process with no may provide of success. The Bureau can explain your options and what a petition would require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot teach in New Hampshire public schools with an inactive or expired license. If you have a job offer pending reinstatement, let your employer know the expected timeline. Some schools will hold a position while waiting for reinstatement to be approved.
What if I completed teaching in another state after my New Hampshire license lapsed?
Teaching experience in another state does not automatically count toward New Hampshire reinstatement, but it may reduce the coursework or exam requirements if you are meeting current requirements for a new license. Tell the Bureau about your out-of-state experience when you contact them.
Do I need to retake the Praxis exam to reinstate my license?
It depends on how long your license has been inactive and what type of license you hold. If you are reinstating an existing license within five years, you usually do not need to retake the exam. If you are meeting current requirements for a new license, you may need to pass the current version of the exam for your subject area.
Can I reinstate my license online?
You will need to contact the Bureau of Credentialing by phone or mail to start the process, but some steps — such as background check submission and fee payment — may be completed online. The Bureau will guide you through which steps can be done online and which require paper documents or in-person visits.
What happens if I miss the five-year important date for straightforward reinstatement?
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you will need to meet current requirements rather than straightforward reinstate. This is a longer process, but it is not a barrier to getting back into teaching. Contact the Bureau to learn what the current requirements are for your license type.