How to Renew Your Teaching License in Kansas (2026 Guide)

Last updated March 2026

Renewing your Kansas teaching license is manageable if you stay organized — but the requirements differ depending on whether you hold an Initial or Professional license, and the state uses its own point system that can be confusing the first time around.

This guide covers everything you need to know about renewing your teaching license in Kansas in 2026: how many Professional Development Points (PDPs) you need, what counts, how college credits convert to PDPs, and how to submit through the KLAS system.

The Basics: Kansas Teaching License Renewal at a Glance

• Renewal cycle: Every 5 years (Professional License) or every 2 years (Initial License)
• PDPs required: 160 PDPs (Professional License) or 40 PDPs (Initial License)
• Governing body: Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE)
• Where to renew: Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS) — ksde.gov
• Renewal fee: $60 (set annually by the State Board of Education)
• License expiration: June 30 of the renewal year

Your license expiration date is on your current license. You can also verify your status through the KLAS system at ksde.gov.

Understanding Professional Development Points (PDPs)

Kansas uses Professional Development Points instead of hours or credits. The conversion is simple: 1 PDP equals 1 hour of professional development activity. For college coursework, 1 semester credit hour equals 20 PDPs.

The number of PDPs you need depends on your license type:

• Professional Teaching License: 160 PDPs per 5-year cycle (equivalent to about 32 hours per year)
• Initial Teaching License: 40 PDPs per 2-year cycle (equivalent to about 20 hours per year)

If you hold a Professional License and have a graduate degree, you may qualify for a reduced PDP requirement. Check the KSDE website for current thresholds, as these can change.

What Counts as PDPs in Kansas?

Kansas accepts several types of professional development toward your PDP requirements:

• Workshops, seminars, and approved PD activities — 1 hour of participation = 1 PDP
• College or university coursework — Semester credit hours from a regionally accredited institution (1 semester hour = 20 PDPs)
• District-approved professional development — Activities that are part of your district's PD programming

Converting College Credits to PDPs

If you prefer taking college courses, the math works in your favor. A single 3-credit graduate course gives you 60 PDPs — more than a third of the Professional License requirement. Three such courses (9 credit hours = 180 PDPs) would exceed the 160 PDP requirement entirely.

This makes college coursework an efficient option if you're also working toward a master's degree or additional endorsement.

Initial License vs. Professional License

Kansas issues two main types of teaching licenses, and the renewal requirements are different for each:

License Type	Renewal Cycle	PDPs Required
Initial Teaching License	2 years	40 PDPs
Professional Teaching License	5 years	160 PDPs

The Initial License is your entry-level license. After meeting experience requirements and completing the necessary PDPs, you can upgrade to a Professional License. If you're currently on an Initial License, talk to your district's HR department about what you need to make the transition — moving to a Professional License gives you a longer renewal cycle and more flexibility.

The Renewal Timeline

Kansas teaching licenses expire on June 30 of the renewal year. You should have all your PDPs completed and your application submitted through KLAS before that date.

Example: If your Professional License expires June 30, 2026, you need 160 PDPs accumulated over the current 5-year cycle, with your renewal application submitted before the expiration date.

Pro tip: The KSDE sets the renewal fee annually before July 1, so the fee amount could technically change from year to year. As of 2026, it's $60 — but verify the current fee when you're ready to submit.

How to Submit Your Renewal: The KLAS Portal

Kansas uses the Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS) for all licensure actions, including renewals. Here's the process:

1. Log in to KLAS at ksde.gov using your educator credentials. If you haven't created an account, you'll need to register first.
2. Review your PDP status. Check your accumulated PDPs to make sure you've met the requirement (160 for Professional, 40 for Initial).
3. Upload documentation. Provide certificates of completion, transcripts, or other evidence for PD activities that aren't already reflected in the system.
4. Submit your renewal application. Complete the application and verify all information is accurate.
5. Pay the $60 renewal fee. Payment is processed online through KLAS.
6. Receive confirmation. KSDE will process your application and issue your renewed license.

Approved PD Providers: Where to Earn Your PDPs

Kansas accepts PDPs from a range of sources. To make sure your professional development counts, stick with these approved provider types:

• School districts — District-run PD programs are a reliable source of PDPs and are pre-approved
• Colleges and universities — Any regionally accredited institution; remember, 1 semester credit = 20 PDPs
• KSDE-approved workshops and seminars — Check with the provider to confirm their activities are approved for Kansas PDPs
• Professional organizations — Many education-focused organizations offer PD that qualifies for Kansas PDPs

Before paying for any PD course or workshop, confirm with the provider that their activities count toward Kansas PDP requirements. Not all online PD platforms are approved.

What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?

If your Kansas teaching license expires, you cannot legally teach in a Kansas public school. Your district will be notified of the lapse.

Kansas does allow expired licenses to be renewed, but the process depends on how long the license has been lapsed. For recent expirations, you may be able to renew by completing the required PDPs and paying the standard fee. For longer lapses, you may need to meet additional requirements — contact KSDE directly for guidance on your specific situation.

The safest approach: don't let it lapse. Set reminders early and track your PDPs throughout the cycle.

Special Situations

Graduate Degree Holders

If you hold a Professional Teaching License and have a graduate degree, you may qualify for reduced PDP requirements. The specific thresholds are set by KSDE and can change, so check the current rules on the KSDE licensure page to see if you qualify for a reduction.

Upgrading from Initial to Professional License

If you hold an Initial License, you're renewing every 2 years with 40 PDPs. Once you've met the experience requirements (typically 2-3 years of successful teaching), you can apply to upgrade to a Professional License. This moves you to the 5-year cycle. Talk to your district's HR or KSDE directly about the upgrade process.

Out-of-State PD

College coursework from any regionally accredited institution counts toward your Kansas PDPs, regardless of where the institution is located. Workshops and seminars completed out of state can also count, but verify with KSDE that the activity qualifies for Kansas PDPs before relying on it for your renewal.

Fees at a Glance

Action	Fee
Professional License renewal	$60
Initial License renewal	$60
Late renewal	Contact KSDE for current policy

Note: The renewal fee is set annually by the State Board of Education before July 1 and could change from year to year.

Your Renewal Checklist

1. Find your license expiration date (June 30 of your renewal year)
2. Set a calendar reminder at least 12 months before expiration
3. Determine your license type and PDP requirement (160 for Professional, 40 for Initial)
4. Check if you qualify for reduced requirements (graduate degree holders on a Professional License)
5. Track your PDPs throughout the renewal cycle — don't wait until the last year
6. Keep certificates of completion and transcripts organized for upload
7. Log in to KLAS and submit your renewal application before June 30
8. Pay the $60 fee and save your confirmation

Stay on Top of Your Renewal

Kansas makes the process relatively straightforward through the KLAS system, but 160 PDPs is a significant amount of professional development to track over 5 years. The key is to log your activities as you go rather than trying to reconstruct your PD history at renewal time.

For a full breakdown of Kansas license types, fees, and PDP requirements, visit the ChalkReady Kansas page.