The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced that educator licensure fees will remain unchanged. The current fee structure, which has been in place since 1998, includes a $100.00 fee for the first field and grade level applied for, as well as for the renewal of a primary professional license. An additional $25.00 fee applies for each additional field and grade level application and for the renewal of each additional license.
Effective July 1, 2026, DESE will implement an update to its payment processing system. While licensure fees themselves will not change, applicants will have new payment options.
Educators and prospective educators who choose to pay by electronic check (e-check) will continue to have a no-cost payment option. Those who choose to pay by credit card or PayPal will be assessed a convenience fee charged by the payment processor. The convenience fee will vary based on the total transaction amount, with a minimum fee of $1.50.
Questions pertaining to Educator Licensure can be directed to the Licensure Call Center at 781-338-6600. The Call Center is open each business day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.