What is OPAL?
OPAL stands for Online Portal for Applications and Licensure. It is Nevada's system to obtain education licenses—including the substitute license. In order to qualify for a Nevada Substitute License, you must
- have an Associate's degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited postsecondary institution
- submit fingerprints for a state and FBI criminal background check (click to see disqualifying criminal offenses)
- pay the state's $180.00 application fee
To apply for a substitute license, you must begin by registering for an OPAL account with the state of Nevada. This page will guide you step-by-step with screenshots and instructions to help you create your account.
Note: If you already have an OPAL account, you may login and go right to the application area of the website to apply for a substitute license.
Steps to Create an OPAL Account
Go to https://online.nvdoe.org/#/ to begin.
Answer the first question on the screen and then click the blue "Next" button at the bottom of the screen. Even if you have had an educator license in the past, you will need to create an OPAL account if you have never done so (OPAL started in April of 2018).
On the next screen, enter your personal information into each of the required fields and then click the blue "Submit Registration" button at the bottom of the screen.
On the next screen, review your personal details, and if correct, click the blue "Everything Looks Correct" button at the bottom of the screen. If you need to make a change, click the white button at the bottom of the screen to edit your information.
On the next screen, click yes or no to answer the question of whether or not you have ever applied for an educator license or currently have an educator license in Nevada.
The next screen will direct you to check your email for a temporary password. You can close this tab and navigate to your email (the email will have a link to complete registration).
You should see an email from license@doe.nv.gov. It may take a few minutes for the email to arrive; you should check your spam/junk folder if you do not see the email in your inbox after a few minutes.
When you open the email, you will see your temporary password. Click the link to return to the online portal and enter your temporary password. This will prompt you to set your own, new password.
Once you change your password, you will see a confirmation message. Click the button to go "Back to Login."
The first time you log in to your new OPAL account, you will need to confirm your information. You may also make changes to your information if needed.
Now that you have registered an OPAL account with the state of Nevada, you may begin your application for a substitute license! See the resource page Nevada Guide to Applying for a Substitute License.
