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

Last updated March 2026

Renewing your Minnesota teaching license is manageable once you understand how the system works. Minnesota has a unique approach — your district's relicensure committee plays a central role in approving and tracking your professional development hours. That's different from most states, where the state agency handles everything directly.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to renew your teaching license in Minnesota in 2026: how many clock hours you need, how the district relicensure committee fits in, how to submit through the PELSB system, and how to stay on track.

The Basics: Minnesota Teaching License Renewal at a Glance

• Renewal cycle: Every 5 years
• Hours required: 125 clock hours of professional development
• Governing body: Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
• Where to renew: PELSB Educator System online portal at education.mn.gov
• Renewal fee: $67

Your license is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. Check your status in the PELSB Educator System if you're not sure when yours expires.

Understanding the 125 Clock Hour Requirement

Minnesota requires 125 clock hours of professional development per 5-year renewal cycle. That's 25 hours per year on average — a steady but achievable pace if you plan ahead.

Clock hours must be reported through your district's continuing education relicensure committee. This is a key difference from many other states: your district committee reviews and approves your PD activities, not just the state. More on that below.

What Counts as Clock Hours in Minnesota?

Minnesota accepts a variety of professional development activities toward your 125 clock hours:

• Continuing education clock hours from approved providers
• University or college coursework (1 semester credit = 15 clock hours)
• School district-approved professional development
• National Board Certification activities
• PELSB-approved coursework

University coursework is a particularly efficient option. A single 3-credit graduate course gives you 45 clock hours — more than a third of your total requirement.

The District Relicensure Committee: How It Works

Minnesota is one of the few states where local school districts play a formal role in the renewal process. Each district is required to have a continuing education relicensure committee. Here's what that means for you:

• Your committee reviews your PD plan. Before you start racking up hours, connect with your district's relicensure committee to understand what they expect and how they track hours.
• Your committee approves your hours. Clock hours must be reported through the committee. Even if a provider is PELSB-approved, you still need to run your hours through the district process.
• Your committee can help you plan. Committee members are typically experienced educators who can help you identify PD opportunities that align with both your professional goals and your renewal requirements.

If you're new to a district: Find out who's on your relicensure committee and introduce yourself early. They're a resource, not just a gatekeeper.

If you're not currently employed by a district: Contact PELSB directly for guidance on how to report your clock hours without a district committee.

The 5-Year Renewal Cycle Explained

Minnesota teaching licenses are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. Your personal expiration date determines your renewal deadline.

Example: If your Standard Teaching License was issued on August 1, 2021, it expires on August 1, 2026. You need 125 clock hours completed and reported, and your renewal submitted, before that date.

Pro tip: Don't rely on anyone else to remind you. Set a personal calendar alert at least 12 months out so you have time to finish any remaining hours and navigate the submission process without rushing.

CTE License: Special Considerations

If you hold a Career and Technical Education (CTE) License in Minnesota, the basic structure is the same — 125 clock hours over 5 years, with a $67 renewal fee. But there are some important differences:

• Industry work experience counts. CTE licensees may count verified industry work experience toward their renewal hours. If you're still active in your trade or occupation during summers or breaks, that time may count.
• PD should be related to your CTE subject area. Your professional development should connect to the career and technical area you teach, not just general education topics.
• Industry credentials matter. You must maintain current industry credentials or certifications where applicable. If your trade requires a current license or certification, keeping it up to date is part of your teaching license renewal.
• Industry-specific PD is accepted. Conferences, training, and professional development from industry organizations — not just education organizations — can count toward your hours.

How to Submit Your Renewal: The PELSB Educator System

Minnesota uses the PELSB Educator System for all licensing actions, including renewal. Here's how the process works:

1. Log in to the PELSB Educator System at education.mn.gov. Create an account if you don't already have one.
2. Check your license status and expiration date. Confirm which license type(s) you hold and when they expire.
3. Work with your district relicensure committee to ensure all 125 clock hours have been reported and approved.
4. Gather your documentation. Keep certificates of completion, transcripts, and any other proof of professional development. Even if your committee has approved the hours, having your own records is important.
5. Submit your renewal application through the PELSB system and pay the $67 fee.
6. Receive your renewed license. Processing times vary — submit well in advance of your expiration date.

What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?

If your Minnesota teaching license expires, you cannot legally teach in a Minnesota public school. Your district will be notified, and your employment status could be affected.

Minnesota does allow expired licenses to be reinstated, but you'll need to meet all current renewal requirements at the time of reinstatement. If requirements have changed since your last renewal, you'll need to meet the new standards — not the old ones.

Minnesota does not charge a separate late fee, but the disruption to your teaching career and the administrative burden of reinstatement are strong reasons to stay on schedule.

Fees at a Glance

Action	Fee
Standard Teaching License renewal	$67
CTE License renewal	$67
Late fee	None

Your Renewal Checklist

1. Log in to the PELSB Educator System and find your license expiration date
2. Set a calendar reminder 12 months before your expiration
3. Connect with your district's relicensure committee to understand their process
4. Review your current clock hour count
5. Plan professional development to reach 125 clock hours over your 5-year cycle
6. If you hold a CTE License: document any industry work experience and maintain current credentials
7. Report all completed PD through your district relicensure committee
8. Gather documentation (certificates, transcripts, proof of completion)
9. Submit your renewal through the PELSB system before your expiration date
10. Pay the $67 fee and save your confirmation

Stay on Top of Your Renewal

Minnesota's system is straightforward, but the district relicensure committee adds an extra step that you need to plan for. Don't assume your hours are counted just because you completed them — make sure they're reported and approved through your committee.

For a full breakdown of Minnesota teaching license types, fees, and accepted PD activities, visit the ChalkReady Minnesota page.