Lifetime License Information

Lifetime License (LICN 001, Section 2.10)
The State Board of Education shall issue a lifetime license, which shall require no renewal, to an individual currently licensed as a professional educator who has met at least one of the following criteria: 

• Completed 30 or more years of creditable service with the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System. 

• Completed a combined total of 30 or more years of employment as a licensed teacher, administrator, or student services personnel in one or more public school units in North Carolina.

An individual, who plans to convert his/her continuing professional license (CPL) to a lifetime license, will not be required to complete continuing education credits (CEUs) for the renewal period immediately preceding the conversion to a lifetime license.

If the individual fails to meet the requirements to hold a lifetime license, the individual's license shall expire and the required CEUs must be completed in advance of reinstating the license.

*NOTE: Although lifetime licenses do not require CEUs, PSUs have the discretion to require professional learning activities of lifetime license holders as a condition of employment. Applicants are not required to be retired. Applicants should wait until the end of their renewal cycle to apply. Apply as normal for a license renewal by uploading (to your renewal application) a copy of the following:

• A portable document format (PDF) of Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) documentation to show 30 or more years of creditable service,  

• Statement requesting the Lifetime License  

IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, the online licensure system cannot decipher between regular renewals and the lifetime license renewal. Therefore, it is important you inform your PCS Licensure Specialist you are requesting the Lifetime License so your name can be submitted to our RALC director.