As a Professional Educator License (previously a "Certificate") holder you are responsible for keeping your license registered whether you are currently teaching, retired, or teaching in another state. There is no way to "freeze" your account. If you do not register your license within 6 months of your expiration date you are considered lapsed.
The reinstate process is completed online through the ELIS Educator License Information System.
Create or login into ELIS at www.isbe.net:
To create an ELIS account:
Click on TEACHERS; click on Log in to ELIS; click on Log in to your ELIS account under Educator access; click on Sign up Now found on the left hand side of this page and fill in your information
or Log in to your existing ELIS account
Click on "Reinstate" and follow the prompts.
Two options to reinstate your lapsed license:
1. Pay $500.00 plus back fees via credit card payment (this will reinstate your license instantly) or,
2. Provide proof of 9 semester hours (see below) in the endorsement area on your existing license. Once you choose this option, your license will go from lapsed status to pending review. The transcript will be evaluated at the State Board level. It is our understanding you will receive email notification once the coursework is approved or denied. Once approved log into ELIS and pay your back fees. (Our office suggests that you check you ELIS account periodically and try to register). 9 semester hour reinstate option: the coursework must be within the last 5 years and applicable to the endorsement held on your existing lapsed license.
Transcript option: submit official sealed official transcript to: Madison County Regional Office of Education, 157 North Main, Madison County Administration Building, Suite 438, Edwardsville, IL, 62025.
OR: Electronic transcripts can be emailed to either: maschroader@co.madison.il.us or rrfreese@co.madison.il.us (Please note: we do not accept e-scripts forwarded from the applicants, only those officially sent from the university.)
Our office we will scan the transcript into your ELIS account for the State Board of Education to review or,
Mail directly to:
Illinois State Board of Education
100 North First Street, S-306
Springfield, IL 62777
(Lapsed Licenses 23 IL. Admin. Code 25.450: all licenses must be registered within 6 months of issuance or within 6 months since the expiration of its last renewal/registration.)
Lapsed Illinois License coursework method 105 ILCS 5/21-14
The Regional Offices of Education does not have the authority to approve coursework for the reinstatement of the lapsed license. The Illinois State Board of Education will not pre- approve courses towards the reinstatement of the lapsed license.
The license may be reinstated once the applicant has (1) demonstrated proficiency by completing 9 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the content area that most aligns with the educator's endorsement area or areas within the last 5 years, and (2) paid all back fees owed from the time of expiration of the license until the date of reinstatement. No individual may be employed in a public school requiring educator licensure without a valid registered license. The State Board of Education will review your official sealed transcript showing the 9 semester. You will receive notification from the Illinois State Board of Education upon approval. Once approved, register the license through your ELIS account.
Elementary or Early Childhood endorsement-Coursework in any endorsement area on the license (excluding methods), core content courses (English language arts, math, science, or social science),technology courses related to teaching, ESL/bilingual methods, cross categorical special education methods, and any reading courses are acceptable. Methods courses in areas outside of ESL/bilingual, special education, or reading are not acceptable.
Secondary Education or K-12 Special endorsement-coursework in any endorsement area on the license (excluding methods), technology courses related to teaching, ESL/bilingual methods, cross-categorical special education methods, and any reading courses are acceptable. Methods courses in areas outside of ELS/bilingual, special education, or reading are not acceptable.
Special Education PK-21 endorsement-Coursework in any endorsement area on the license (excluding methods), special education coursework, core content courses (English language arts, math , science, or social science), technology courses related to teaching, ESL/bilingual methods, cross categorical special education methods, and any reading courses are acceptable. Methods courses in area outside of ELS/bilingual, special education, or reading are not acceptable.
Administrative endorsement –Coursework in any endorsement area on the license (excluding methods) technology courses related to teaching, ESL/bilingual methods, cross-categorical special education methods, and any reading courses are acceptable. Methods courses in areas outside of ESL/bilingual, special education, or reading are not acceptable.
School Service Personnel endorsement –Coursework in any endorsement area on the license (excluding methods), technology courses related to teaching, ESL/bilingual methods, cross categorical special education methods, and any reading course are acceptable. Methods courses in areas outside of ESL/bilingual, special education, or reading are not acceptable.