Tuesday, November 7, 2023, will be the last day that an individual can apply for and/or be issued an Emergency license. Legislation indicates that the commissioner may issue Emergency educator licenses during the period of the state of emergency and for a period of 180 days after the termination of the state of emergency, which occurred on May 11, 2023.
The deadline of November 7th is definitive, meaning that no additional new Emergency licenses will be granted after November 7, 2023. Please note that this deadline does not impact the ability to extend an Emergency license.
In addition to submitting an application, all required supporting documents required to issue the Emergency license need to be on file in Educator Licensure and Renewal (ELAR) and reviewed by the Licensure Office in order to be granted the license. Any supporting documents received after 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, November 7th cannot be accepted towards the granting of the Emergency license. Therefore, the Department encourages individuals interested in earning an Emergency license to apply and upload all supporting documents into their ELAR account as soon as possible and ideally, prior to the close of business on Friday, November 3rd.
Licensure Office staff will be reviewing applications up to 11:59 p.m. on November 7th to ensure timely reviews and that all applications for an Emergency license get evaluated prior to November 8th. The Licensure Call Center (781-338-6600) is open Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. to answer any questions about this deadline and obtaining an Emergency license.
The License Requirements Tool is a user-driven resource where you can learn about the requirements for any Emergency license or any other license the Department issues.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.