TEA Announces 2026–2027 Annual Fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry Certification: One Form, One Deadline
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
10/26/2026
Texas public school districts and charter schools must complete their annual certification by November 20, 2026. Here's what school leaders need to know.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released its annual reminder regarding fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry (DNHR) compliance requirements for the 2026–2027 school year.
While these compliance obligations are not new, there is an important change this year: TEA has combined the annual fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry certifications into one form, streamlining the submission process for school leaders.
The deadline to complete and submit the required certification is Friday, November 20, 2026.
What's New for 2026–2027?
In previous years, fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry compliance certifications were handled separately. For the 2026–2027 school year, TEA has consolidated these requirements into a single Annual Fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry Certification and Statement of Compliance.
This means school leaders can now address both compliance requirements through one certification document and submission process.
Although this change simplifies the administrative process, it does not eliminate or reduce the underlying legal responsibilities. Schools must continue to maintain compliant criminal history review procedures and ensure that individuals prohibited from employment are not hired or retained.
What Are Schools Required to Certify?
Under Chapter 22A of the Texas Education Code, educational entities are responsible for maintaining compliance with two critical employee screening requirements.
Fingerprinting and Criminal History Reviews
Schools must conduct required criminal history reviews for individuals subject to fingerprinting and background check requirements under Texas law.
These reviews are an essential part of ensuring that individuals working in educational settings meet applicable eligibility requirements.
Do Not Hire Registry Compliance
Schools must access the Texas Do Not Hire Registry and take any employment action required by law when an individual appears on the registry.
The registry serves as an important safeguard designed to prevent individuals who are legally prohibited from employment in certain educational settings from being hired or retained.
Together, these requirements support student safety and help schools maintain compliant hiring and employment practices.
Who Must Complete the Certification?
TEA requires superintendents, chief operating officers, and directors of educational entities to annually certify compliance with applicable fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry requirements.
The certification must be:
Completed using TEA's 2026–2027 combined certification document.
Signed by the appropriate authorized school leader.
Notarized.
Submitted electronically through TEA's designated Annual Certification form. (via TEA's Smartsheet App)
Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026.
What Happens if a School Misses the Deadline?
TEA has outlined several potential consequences for districts and open-enrollment charter schools that fail to submit the required certification.
These may include public identification of schools that have not certified compliance, a special investigation under the Texas Education Code, and an investigation of the responsible superintendent, chief operating officer, or director.
Additionally, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) may impose sanctions on certified educators who hire or retain individuals convicted of certain disqualifying offenses when those convictions were identified, or reasonably should have been identified, through the required criminal history review process.
The importance of this certification extends well beyond completing an annual form. It is an opportunity for school leaders to verify that their organization's hiring, screening, and ongoing employment practices are meeting legal requirements.
What Should School Leaders Do Now?
With the November 20 deadline approaching, we recommend taking a few proactive steps:
Review your current practices. Confirm that required fingerprinting and criminal history reviews have been completed for applicable employees and other covered individuals.
Verify Do Not Hire Registry procedures. Ensure your school has appropriate processes for checking the registry and addressing any identified concerns.
Coordinate with your HR team. Confirm that documentation, monitoring practices, and internal responsibilities are clearly established.
Complete the combined certification. Download the new TEA form, obtain the required signature and notarization, and submit it through the designated online portal.
Retain confirmation of submission. Maintain a copy of the completed certification and submission confirmation with your school's compliance records.
Important Links and Resources
TEA Official Announcement:
2026–2027 Annual Fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry Certification and Statement of ComplianceCombined Certification Form:
Available for download directly from TEA's announcement.Submit Your Certification:
TEA Annual Certification Submission Portal — Access the specific submission link through TEA's official announcement.
How Can inSchools Help?
At inSchools, we understand that school leaders are balancing countless operational, instructional, and compliance responsibilities. Keeping up with evolving state requirements is essential, but it shouldn't have to be overwhelming.
Our Human Resources team partners with Texas schools to support compliant hiring practices, employee background screening processes, personnel recordkeeping, and ongoing HR compliance.
Whether your school needs assistance reviewing its current procedures, navigating fingerprinting requirements, or strengthening internal compliance systems, our team is here to help.
Don't wait until the deadline. Take time now to review your school's compliance practices and complete the required certification before November 20, 2026.
Have questions or need additional HR support? Connect with the inSchools team.