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Office of the State Superintendent of Education application documents

Which documents does District of Columbia require from an out-of-state teacher?

The state, institution, employer or testing provider may need to send some records directly.

Open Out-of-State Credential Holders (Reciprocity)
Official state guidance State makes the decision Checked 2026-08-01

Core application evidence

Requirement

The application uses active full source credentials, official transcripts, preparation or examination evidence and an FBI Identity History Summary Check or accepted DCPS clearance.

Which application this evidence supports

D.C. can use an active full out-of-state credential without deficiencies for reciprocity on the applicant's first D.C. credential application, mapping it to a comparable Standard Teacher Credential.

What can change this answer

Reciprocity is available only on the first D.C. credential application; the source credential must be active and full, and later additions or issuances must satisfy D.C.-specific requirements.

Conditions to resolve before sending records

  • Reciprocity applies only during the first D.C. educator-credential application
  • The source license must be active, full and without deficiencies
  • Subsequent D.C. credential areas must meet D.C.-specific requirements
  • OSSE makes the final subject, grade and examination comparability decision

Send identity documents and background records only where the state agency instructs. TeachPassport does not receive them.

Official sources

Check again by 2026-11-01