Missouri Teaching License Reciprocity
Missouri teaching license reciprocity lets teachers certified in another state apply for a comparable Missouri certificate without starting over. Missouri evaluates the out-of-state credential and, in most cases, issues that certificate without extra coursework or testing. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education verifies experience and charges a $100 fee.
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Missouri evaluates a valid, active teaching certificate from another state and, in most cases, issues a comparable Missouri certificate without asking you to repeat coursework or exams. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) reviews your out-of-state license and teaching experience before issuing that certificate. This individualized review process makes Missouri a relatively accessible option for out-of-state teachers, particularly those coming from states that participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Before you apply, it’s worth checking Missouri teacher salaries and benefits to see how a move compares to your current state.
How Missouri Teacher Reciprocity Works
Reciprocity means Missouri recognizes teaching credentials earned in another state, rather than requiring you to start certification from scratch. DESE reviews your current license and your record of teaching experience, then issues a Missouri certificate that matches your existing credential level. You can reach DESE’s certification office directly at 573-751-0051 or through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
Missouri participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates evaluation of out-of-state credentials but does not guarantee certification. DESE still reviews each application individually, and receiving states can impose additional requirements, even for applicants from other member states.
States Participating in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
The states below are members of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Membership facilitates DESE’s evaluation of a certificate from that state, but it doesn’t guarantee automatic certification. DESE reviews each application individually.
| State |
|---|
| Alabama |
| Alaska |
| Arizona |
| Arkansas |
| California |
| Colorado |
| Connecticut |
| Delaware |
| Florida |
| Georgia |
| Hawaii |
| Idaho |
| Illinois |
| Indiana |
| Iowa |
| Kansas |
| Kentucky |
| Louisiana |
| Maine |
| Maryland |
| Massachusetts |
| Michigan |
| Minnesota |
| Mississippi |
| Missouri |
| Montana |
| Nebraska |
| Nevada |
| New Hampshire |
| New Jersey |
| New Mexico |
| New York |
| North Carolina |
| North Dakota |
| Ohio |
| Oklahoma |
| Oregon |
| Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island |
| South Carolina |
| Tennessee |
| Texas |
| Utah |
| Vermont |
| Virginia |
| Washington |
| West Virginia |
| Wisconsin |
| Wyoming |
South Dakota is the only state not listed as a NASDTEC Interstate Agreement signatory. The District of Columbia, Guam, and the Department of Defense Education Activity are also members but are omitted here since this list covers states only. Membership list current as of NASDTEC’s October 2022 signatory record, the most recent publicly available. Confirm the current status directly with the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement page before relying on it for an application.
Do You Need Additional Coursework or Testing?
In most cases, applicants with a valid professional out-of-state certificate are issued a comparable Missouri certificate without additional coursework or testing. Applicants whose certification doesn’t align with a Missouri certification area, whose certificate is expired, or who don’t hold a professional certificate may face additional requirements. Teachers without a current out-of-state license, or those applying under an emergency or substitute certificate, go through Missouri’s standard certification requirements instead.
How to Apply for a Missouri Teaching License by Reciprocity
Applications go through Missouri’s Educator Certification System, where you’ll create an account and submit a Non-MO Graduate application. Expect to provide:
- A photocopy of your current, valid out-of-state teaching certificate
- Verification of contracted, at least half-time teaching experience
- Original transcripts from every institution you attended (photocopies and faxed or emailed copies aren’t accepted)
- A $100 processing fee, paid online by credit card, debit card, or e-check
If you don’t hold a valid out-of-state professional certificate, DESE also requires an institutional recommendation from the certification officer at the school where you completed your educator preparation program. That step isn’t necessary if you already hold an active license from another state. Once your Missouri certificate is issued, you’ll follow the same cycle as any Missouri-prepared teacher to renew or reinstate your Missouri teaching certificate when it comes up for renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri an open reciprocity state?
Missouri evaluates valid, active out-of-state teaching certificates individually and, in most cases, issues a comparable Missouri certificate without additional coursework or testing when the credential aligns with a Missouri certification area.
How much does it cost to transfer a teaching license to Missouri?
DESE charges a $100 processing fee for the Non-MO Graduate application, payable online. There’s no separate fee for the institutional recommendation step.
What documents do I need to apply for reciprocity in Missouri?
You’ll need a copy of your current out-of-state certificate, verification of your teaching experience, and original transcripts from every college or university you attended.
Do I need to retake certification exams to teach in Missouri?
In most cases, no. Teachers with a valid, active out-of-state license whose credentials align with a Missouri certification area typically don’t need to retake exams or complete extra coursework. Applicants whose certificate doesn’t align with a Missouri area, or who don’t hold an active professional certificate, may be evaluated under current Missouri requirements instead.
What if my state isn’t a NASDTEC member?
Contact DESE’s certification office directly at 573-751-0051. Non-member states may still qualify for a Missouri certificate, but the review process can require more documentation.
- Missouri evaluates out-of-state certificates individually — in most cases, DESE issues a comparable Missouri certificate without requiring you to restart certification from scratch.
- Most eligible applicants skip extra coursework and testing — this typically applies when your credential aligns with a Missouri certification area, and your out-of-state certificate is active.
- The application runs through the Educator Certification System — you’ll submit a Non-MO Graduate application with transcripts, experience verification, and a $100 fee.
- NASDTEC membership doesn’t guarantee certification — it facilitates DESE’s evaluation, but Missouri still reviews every application on its own merits.
- An institutional recommendation is only required if you lack an active out-of-state license — most reciprocity applicants can skip this step entirely.
Select your state below to find accredited teacher certification programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
