Before you search
How to find the right New York record
- 1Search the certificate holder's name in NYSED's public lookup.
- 2If the first search fails, try a former or maiden name.
- 3NYSED also suggests a partial name followed by a percent sign, such as Kim% or McMill%.
What the public record can answer
New York certificates recorded for the certificate holder in TEACH
Public certificate information without opening the holder's private TEACH account
Whether older certification information has already been entered into the online system
Record timing
Some pre-1983 certificates were never entered into TEACH. NYSED has a record-search process for certificate holders whose older information is missing.
No result does not mean no license
- •Try a former, maiden or partial name before concluding that no record exists.
- •For certification granted before 1983, follow NYSED's Record Search Request guidance if TEACH has no record.
- •Use the private TEACH account—not the public lookup—to monitor a pending application or submitted documents.
Issued certificate vs. pending application
NYSED tells applicants to monitor application progress and received documents inside their TEACH Online Services account. The public holder lookup is not the application-status screen.
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.
New York lookup questions
Is this the official New York teacher certification lookup?
The search button opens the system maintained by the New York State Education Department. TeachPassport explains the process but does not copy, alter or certify the agency's record.
What can the New York lookup tell me?
New York certificates recorded for the certificate holder in TEACH; Public certificate information without opening the holder's private TEACH account; Whether older certification information has already been entered into the online system. The agency controls which fields and historical records are public.
Why can't I find a New York teaching certificate?
Try a former, maiden or partial name before concluding that no record exists. For certification granted before 1983, follow NYSED's Record Search Request guidance if TEACH has no record. Use the private TEACH account—not the public lookup—to monitor a pending application or submitted documents.
Can I use the public lookup to check a pending application?
NYSED tells applicants to monitor application progress and received documents inside their TEACH Online Services account. The public holder lookup is not the application-status screen.
Does a New York 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?
TeachPassport does not receive the name entered in NYSED's lookup or any certificate information returned.
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