Office of Educator Licensure - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Office of Educator Licensure

Important Notice:
As a result of a change in the Educator Licensure and Renewal (ELAR) system, candidates will temporarily need to wait up to 24 hours from receiving a new Massachusetts Education Personnel ID (MEPID), to register for the MTEL. As an example, if you created an ELAR profile and received a MEPID on May 12th, you would need to wait until May 13th to use that MEPID number for your MTEL registration. This wait time will not impact candidates who had MEPIDs prior to the May 2024 change in the ELAR system.

Massachusetts is committed to ensuring excellence within our schools and to supporting and developing our educator workforce. We are a national leader in education, and are looking for inspired, innovative, and nurturing individuals to join our schools.

Besides this website, our licensure resources include our Call Center (781-338-6600), available weekdays, 9:00 am to Noon and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Walk-in Service Counter (135 Santilli Highway, Everett, weekdays, 8:45 am to 4:45 pm). Please bring a photo ID.

Education Security Portal (ESP) Registration Information: For assistance with the ESP Registration process please view the ESP Help page.

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Licenses Offered

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Licensure Requirements

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District and School Resources

Access our public Look up to verify a license as well as helpful resources and guidance for schools and districts including obtaining a waiver, performing background checks, and hiring an exchange teacher.

Last Updated: February 21, 2025