How to Reinstate Your Lapsed Tennessee Teacher License

What you need to do to get your Tennessee teaching license active again

If your Tennessee teaching license has lapsed, you can reinstate it by submitting a reinstatement request to the Tennessee Department of Education and Workforce (TDEW), paying the reinstatement fee, and meeting any continuing education or background check requirements that have accumulated since your license expired. The process takes between two to four weeks from the time TDEW receives your complete request. You do not need to retake the Praxis exams or complete a new teacher preparation program unless your license has been inactive for more than five years or your subject area has changed significantly.

The exact steps depend on how long your license has been inactive and whether you held a standard teaching license, administrative license, or other educator credential. TDEW maintains separate reinstatement pathways for each, and the fee structure varies by license type and years of inactivity.

Key Takeaways

You must submit a reinstatement request directly to the Tennessee Department of Education and Workforce, not through an online portal — contact them by phone or mail to request the form.
Reinstatement fees range from $75 to $150 depending on your license type and how long it has been inactive, and you must pay this fee before TDEW will process your request.
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you will likely need to complete additional continuing education hours or pass a content exam in your subject area.
A current background check is required for all reinstatements, and you may need to submit fingerprints through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation if your previous clearance has expired.
Once reinstated, your license is valid for the remainder of the current renewal cycle, after which you follow the standard renewal process every five years.

Determine your license type and inactivity period

Before contacting TDEW, identify what type of license you held and when it expired. Standard teaching licenses, administrative licenses (principal, assistant principal), and specialized credentials (school counselor, speech-language pathologist, school psychologist) each have different reinstatement requirements. Check your old license document or contact TDEW directly at 615-532-4885 to confirm your license type and expiration date.

The length of time your license has been inactive matters significantly. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, reinstatement is straightforward. If it has been inactive for five years or longer, TDEW may require you to complete continuing education units (CEUs), retake a content exam, or both. Some subject areas with ongoing changes — such as special education or English language learner instruction — may require updated training even if your license expired recently.

Request the reinstatement form from TDEW

Contact the Tennessee Department of Education and Workforce's educator licensure office by phone at 615-532-4885 or by mail at 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243. Ask specifically for the "License Reinstatement Request Form" for your license type. TDEW does not post this form on their website; you must request it directly. When you call, have your name, date of birth, and former license number ready if you have it.

You can also visit the TDEW office in person during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time) to pick up the form and ask questions about your specific situation. If you are out of state, mailing is your best option — allow five to seven business days for the form to arrive.

Complete the reinstatement form and gather required documents

The reinstatement form asks for your personal information, license history, current employment status, and confirmation that you have not been subject to any disciplinary action since your license lapsed. You will also declare whether you have completed any continuing education or professional development since your license expired — this information helps TDEW determine whether additional training is required.

Gather these documents before submitting your request:

A completed reinstatement form (signed and dated)
A government-issued photo ID copy
Proof of a current background check or authorization for TDEW to conduct one (fingerprints through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation)
Documentation of any continuing education completed since your license expired, if applicable
The reinstatement fee (check or money order; TDEW does not accept credit cards by mail)

If you have been employed as a teacher or educator in another state since your Tennessee license lapsed, bring documentation of that employment. TDEW may waive some continuing education requirements if you have maintained active teaching practice elsewhere.

Submit your request and pay the reinstatement fee

Mail your completed form, documents, and fee to the address on the reinstatement form. TDEW processes requests in the order they are received. The reinstatement fee is typically $75 for a standard teaching license or $100 to $150 for administrative licenses, but confirm the exact amount when you request the form, as fees can change. Do not send cash — use a check or money order made payable to the Tennessee Department of Education and Workforce.

Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you want confirmation that TDEW received your request, include a self-addressed stamped postcard with your submission and ask them to return it signed. Processing normally takes two to four weeks from receipt, though it may take longer during peak renewal periods (typically April through June).

Complete background check and continuing education if required

TDEW will contact you if your reinstatement requires a background check update or continuing education. If they request fingerprints, you will need to visit an authorized Tennessee Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting location — many police departments, sheriff's offices, and private security companies offer this service for a small fee (usually $10 to $25). The fingerprint card must be submitted to TDEW within the timeframe they specify, typically 30 days.

If continuing education is required, TDEW will specify the number of hours and the subject areas. You can complete these hours through accredited providers, university courses, or professional development workshops. Keep certificates of completion and submit them to TDEW before your reinstatement is finalized. Some educators complete this requirement while waiting for TDEW to process their initial request, which can speed up the final approval.

Receive your reinstated license and understand your renewal cycle

Once TDEW approves your reinstatement, you will receive written confirmation and a new license document by mail. Your reinstated license is valid for the remainder of the current five-year renewal cycle. For example, if you reinstate in 2024 and the current cycle ends in 2026, your license is good through 2026. After that, you follow the standard renewal process every five years, which involves paying the renewal fee and completing required continuing education.

Keep your reinstatement confirmation letter in a safe place — you may need it to prove your license status to a school district or employer. If you do not receive your license within six weeks of approval, contact TDEW to confirm it was mailed and request a replacement if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retake the Praxis exam to reinstate my license?

Not usually. If your license has been inactive for fewer than five years and your subject area has not changed, you do not need to retake Praxis. If TDEW determines that your subject area has undergone significant changes or your inactivity period exceeds five years, they may require a content exam, but they will notify you of this requirement when you submit your reinstatement request.

What if I was disciplined or had complaints against my license before it lapsed?

You must disclose any disciplinary history on your reinstatement form. TDEW will review your record and may deny reinstatement if there are unresolved complaints or if you were subject to suspension or revocation. Contact TDEW before submitting your request if you have concerns about your history.

Can I reinstate my license if I am currently teaching in another state?

Yes. If you have maintained an active teaching license in another state, TDEW may waive or reduce continuing education requirements for reinstatement. Provide documentation of your current out-of-state license and employment history when you submit your request.

How much does reinstatement cost?

Reinstatement fees for standard teaching licenses are typically $75, and administrative licenses range from $100 to $150. Confirm the exact fee for your license type when you request the reinstatement form, as amounts may vary by credential and years of inactivity.

What if my background check comes back with issues?

TDEW will contact you if your background check raises concerns. You have the opportunity to respond and provide context. Depending on the issue, reinstatement may be delayed, conditional, or denied. Contact TDEW when ready if you receive a notice about your background check results.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.