How to become a substitute teacher in New Mexico
The New Mexico Public Education Department issues a Substitute License for Pre K-12. You must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalency. A district or charter superintendent fills out a verification form for you, and you apply in the NMPED Online Licensure Portal. You also register for a fingerprint background check under Teacher Licensure. Under state rule, a first substitute license lasts three years.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the New Mexico Public Education Department's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | A high school diploma or equivalency |
|---|---|
| Credential | Substitute License (Pre K-12) |
| Background check | A fingerprint-based background check is required for a first substitute license. Register for fingerprints under Teacher Licensure. |
| How long it lasts | A first license lasts three years (July 1 to June 30); a renewed license lasts nine years, per 6.63.10 NMAC. |
| Fee | $50 non-refundable license fee; the IdentoGO background check is $67 starting October 1, 2026 (as of 2026-10-30). |
| Who issues it | New Mexico Public Education Department |
How to get it
- Contact the district or charter school where you want to substitute.
- Get the superintendent's verification form, on district or charter letterhead, with proof for any items checked.
- If you choose, take the online Foundations in Substitute Teaching Practices course and save the certificate.
- Register for background check fingerprints under Teacher Licensure.
- Apply in the NMPED Online Licensure Portal and pay the fee.
Limits and conditions
- State rule sets the minimum age at 18 for grades K-8 and 21 for grades 9-12.
- Parents must get written notice when a sub teaches their child for more than four consecutive weeks.
- People with a valid New Mexico teaching or administrative license do not need a substitute license.
- Districts write their own substitute policies, so check with the district.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- NMPED: Substitute License (Pre K-12) (opened October 30, 2026)
- NMPED: Licensure Processing Fees (opened October 30, 2026)
- 6.63.10 NMAC, Licensure for Substitute Teachers (opened October 30, 2026)
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