Before you search
How to find the right Illinois record
- 1Open the ELIS public inquiry and search for the educator.
- 2Use the educator's full name and narrow the match with an Illinois Educator Identification Number when available.
- 3Review the license, endorsement and status details on the matching public record.
What the public record can answer
Illinois educator licenses and their public status
Endorsements and grade ranges attached to the credential
Registration or other credential details that ISBE exposes publicly
Record timing
Application and public-license status can differ while ISBE reviews a request. Treat the private ELIS application status as the current source for a pending file.
No result does not mean no license
- •Check the spelling and any former name used in ELIS.
- •Use the educator's IEIN when available to avoid a name mismatch.
- •Sign in to the private ELIS account and open My Credentials for a pending application.
Issued certificate vs. pending application
ISBE tells educators to check application status in their own ELIS account under My Credentials. A Pending Review application is not the same as an issued license in the public inquiry.
Understand processing timelinesThe license you found is the start of your next move.
TeachPassport uses the credential you hold, your experience, subjects, grades and destination to build the ordered checklist the public record cannot.
Build my live move plan — $49One payment. Future moves and requirement updates included.
Illinois lookup questions
Is this the official Illinois teacher certification lookup?
The search button opens the system maintained by the Illinois State Board of Education. TeachPassport explains the process but does not copy, alter or certify the agency's record.
What can the Illinois lookup tell me?
Illinois educator licenses and their public status; Endorsements and grade ranges attached to the credential; Registration or other credential details that ISBE exposes publicly. The agency controls which fields and historical records are public.
Why can't I find a Illinois teaching certificate?
Check the spelling and any former name used in ELIS. Use the educator's IEIN when available to avoid a name mismatch. Sign in to the private ELIS account and open My Credentials for a pending application.
Can I use the public lookup to check a pending application?
ISBE tells educators to check application status in their own ELIS account under My Credentials. A Pending Review application is not the same as an issued license in the public inquiry.
Does a Illinois certificate automatically transfer to another state?
No. The destination agency decides which credential, endorsements, tests and remaining conditions apply. An issued source license is evidence for that application, not an automatic transfer.
Does TeachPassport collect the information I search?
The public inquiry runs on ISBE's system. TeachPassport does not receive the name, IEIN or result.
What does the $49 TeachPassport plan do?
It turns your existing credential, experience, subject, grades and destination into an ordered live move plan. The one-time purchase includes future moves and requirement updates.
Official sources
Checked 2026-08-02 · Check again by 2026-11-02