General Steps to Applying for Your License

Undergraduates, submit your application for licensure after your degree has been posted and displaying on your transcript.

Masters, & Ph.D.s, Your coursework, practicum/clinical, and portfolio, must be completed and graded, and your degree conferred and displaying on your transcript.

Post Baccalaureates, Your coursework, student teaching/practicum/clinical, and portfolio, must be completed and graded, with the grade(s) displaying on your transcript.

Non-degree graduates, Your coursework, student teaching/practicum/clinical, and portfolio, must be completed and graded, with the grade(s) displaying on your transcript.

1. Go online to PAWS. Confirm the accuracy of your name, address, phone number, etc.  Make changes and corrections as necessary.

2. Confirm your major/minor/concentration. If there is a discrepancy, see your advisor.

3. All PK-12 Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Speech Language Pathologists, School Guidance Counselors, School Social Workers, and School Psychologists: Download and complete the Initial In-State Teaching or Pupil Services-PI-1602-IS application packet from http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/pdf/f1602-is.pdf. 

4. Reading Specialists, Principals, Directors of Instruction, Directors of Special Education, Library Media Supervisors, Business Adminstrators/Managers, and Superintendents: Download and complete the Administration & Reading application from http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/pdf/f1602.ad.pdf.

5. Have the Conduct & Competency Review page notarized by a notary public. You can find notary publics throughout UWM and at your bank or credit union.

a. Enderis Hall, 210: Linda Randolph

b. Chapman Hall 180, Laura Bandemer-Purifoy

c. University Legal Clinic, Union 357: Tuesdays & Thursdays only.

d. Your Bank or Credit Union

6. Fingerprint cards. Only if you have lived outside of the state of Wisconsin after age 17.

a. Pick up fingerprint cards from Enderis 209. Both cards must be filled out.

b. Take them to Campus Police in Sandburg W140, N. Maryland Avenue, to be processed for free. Off-campus police stations might charge a fee.

Make check or money order payable to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and

Submit the entire application packet, fingerprint cards, and $100 check or money order to: 

• It can take 12-16 weeks for DPI to process a license application.

• In the meantime, you will receive a DPI Verification of Program Completion certificate from the Office of Professional Education Programs.

• This certificate will serve as a temporary license to be given to your principal and the school district's office of certified staffing.

• The Department of Public Instruction will mail your license to the address you provide on your application. 
• DPI does not send licenses to school districts.
• Report address and name changes to DPI at 1-800-441-4563. 

• Verification letters are given to students who are still student teaching who are also interviewing, and whose grades and degrees are not yet posted on the transcript.

• A verification letter indicates to potential employers that you are about to graduate and complete your certification program.

• To get a verification letter, contact your advisor.