Welcome to the New Mexico Professional Licensure Bureau
The Professional Licensure Bureau provides information and assistance to educators, school districts, and the general public regarding teacher, administrator, support provider, and instructional support provider certification.
Apply Online
The new Online Licensure Portal for the New Mexico Public Education Department is now live!!!
As of May 1, 2020 all Licensure Applications and processing fees are accepted online only. The first time you access the portal, click “Register” to create your account and follow the prompts for application submission. Visit the NMPED Online Licensure Portal to get started. Should you need assistance please call 505-827-5800 select option 1 or 2, or email LicensureUnit@state.nm.us.
You can apply, pay and track your application status online. We are currently processing complete applications within 2 to 3 weeks. Please log in to your licensure portal account for all updates.
All personnel required to hold NMPED licensure must have an appropriately cleared background check submitted for the NMPED code TEACHER LICENSURE ORI # NM920140Z before entering the virtual, hybrid and/or in-person classroom.
THE SCHOOL EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND REPORTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF THE REQUIRED TEACHER LICENSURE BACKGROUND REPORT. Employers are responsible for the School Employment background fees. Licensure Applicants are only responsible for the NMPED Teacher Licensure background fees. For more information and step by step guidance please visit the Licensure Background Information subpage or follow this link Licensure Background Information.
Licensure Updates
Alternative/Dossier/1CS Sub-Standard Extensions: Extensions will be accepted on or after April 5, 2021. Please contact your LEA (Local Education Agency) for further details as we will not accept extensions directly from the educator. Thank you.
COVID-19 Update: PED offices, including the Professional Licensure Bureau, are currently closed to the public and staff are working remotely. Please email questions to LicensureUnit@state.nm.us or call 505-827-5800 and select option 1 or 2.
The Dossier and OPAL system now accepts online payments only. Please follow this link to submit initial and strand re-submissions Opal and Dossier Submissions. Note: The PDD submission period begins July 15 at 12:01am and will remain open until 5:00pm, May 15 the following year.
COVID-19 Update: The NMPED now offers the PRAXIS exam through ETS (Educational Testing Service) in-person or virtually. For information on Praxis at home tests, please click here. Further details are also available on the PRAXIS website. Explore the Khan Academy® Official Praxis® Core Prep. Build the reading, writing and mathematics skills you need to succeed on the Praxis® Core tests and prepare for the classroom. Get started by creating a free online account today.
Contact Us
Physical Address
Due to Covid-19 restrictions the NMPED offices are closed to the public.
***Official transcripts should be emailed directly from your college or university to licensureunit@state.nm.us OR mailed to NMPED Professional Licensure Bureau 300 Don Gaspar Santa Fe, NM 87501***
Parking
Metered parking is in front of the Jerry Apodaca Building and costs 25 cents per 15-minute interval.
Licensure Front Desk
Phone: 505-827-5800
For inquiries regarding license complaints and investigations, please contact the Office of General Counsel: 505-827-6641
The new Online Licensure Portal for the New Mexico Public Education Department is now live!!!