How to become a substitute teacher in Idaho
Idaho does not issue a substitute license. Districts set their own education rules and hire subs directly. The Idaho Department of Education runs the fingerprint background check and keeps a statewide substitute list. Once one district signs your form and your check clears, you can sub in any Idaho district. You stay on the list for five years from your fingerprint date. Check with the district about its education and training rules.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the Idaho Department of Education, Educator Certification's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | Set by each district |
|---|---|
| Credential | No state license; districts hire directly and the state keeps a statewide sub list |
| Background check | A fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal history check through the Idaho Department of Education. |
| How long it lasts | Five years on the statewide sub list from the fingerprint card processing date. |
| Fee | Fingerprint processing fee of $37 for packets received after September 20, 2026, as of 2026-10-30. |
| Who issues it | Idaho Department of Education, Educator Certification |
How to get it
- Apply to an Idaho school district and ask about its education and training rules.
- Get your fingerprints rolled at a police station or another trained facility.
- Send the fingerprint card, forms and processing fee to the Idaho Department of Education.
- Have one district sign the form that adds you to the statewide sub list.
- Renew your fingerprints after five years to stay on the list.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- Idaho Department of Education, Background Investigation Check (opened October 30, 2026)
- Idaho Code 33-130, criminal history checks and statewide sub list (opened October 30, 2026)
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