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Military families move every 2–3 years on average. The DOD relocates over 400,000 families annually, and 35% of military spouses work in licensed professions. If you're PCSing to a new state, you shouldn't have to start your career over from scratch.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), as amended in 2023 by the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act, now requires states to recognize your valid professional license when you PCS. You may also be eligible for up to $1,000 in reimbursement per move for relicensure costs. Many states additionally offer expedited processing, fee waivers, and temporary permits for military spouses.
This guide covers your federal rights, reimbursement options, and the fastest paths to continuing your career in a new state.
Families PCS Annually
400,000+
Spouses in Licensed Jobs
35%
Reimbursement per Move
Up to $1,000
States Required to Recognize
All 50 + DC
Under the SCRA (10 U.S.C. 1044e, as amended), states must recognize your professional license when you relocate under PCS orders. Here's what you need to know:
Exception: Law licenses (bar admission) are excluded from the SCRA portability provision. All other state-issued professional licenses are covered.
Military spouses and service members may be reimbursed up to $1,000 per PCS move for costs associated with obtaining a new professional license in the destination state. This benefit is available through each service branch.
Covered costs include:
Requirements:
Apply through MilitaryOneSource →
Reimbursement processes vary by branch and change periodically. MilitaryOneSource is the authoritative source for current branch-specific application details.
Many states waive or reduce licensing fees for veterans and active-duty service members, saving hundreds of dollars in application and exam costs.
Priority processing for military applicants means shorter wait times for license approval, often cutting weeks off the standard timeline.
Military training and on-the-job experience counts toward civilian licensing requirements, reducing or eliminating apprenticeship and education hours.
Several states issue temporary or provisional licenses so veterans can start working immediately while completing remaining civilian requirements.
Expedited license transfer and reciprocity provisions when PCS orders move a military family to a new state, so spouses can keep working without delay.
These are the professions most commonly held by military spouses. Each links to our full state-by-state requirements guide.
Your military training maps directly to these civilian licensed professions. Each guide covers experience credit, fee waivers, and the fastest path to licensure.
SECO Career Center: 800-342-9647 — Free career counseling for military spouses
Yes. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), as amended in 2023 by the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act, states are required to recognize valid professional licenses from other states for military spouses and service members who relocate under PCS orders. You must hold a valid, active license in good standing and have actively used it within the past 2 years. Implementation details vary by state.
Military spouses and service members may be eligible for up to $1,000 in reimbursement per PCS move for relicensure costs, including exam fees, application fees, and registration fees. This benefit is available through each service branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard). Contact MilitaryOneSource or your installation's family support center for branch-specific application details.
The SCRA license portability provision (10 U.S.C. 1044e, as amended) requires states to recognize a valid professional license held by a military spouse or service member who relocates to that state under PCS orders. The license must be active, in good standing, and have been used within the past 2 years. The provision covers most professional licenses but excludes law licenses.
The SCRA license portability provision covers most state-issued professional licenses, including nursing, real estate, cosmetology, teaching, insurance, social work, and many others. The main exception is law licenses (bar admission), which are excluded. If an interstate compact exists for your profession and both states are members, the compact process typically takes precedence.
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Military licensing benefits, SCRA provisions, and reimbursement programs vary by state and service branch and are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant state licensing board and your service branch before applying. LicenseMap does not guarantee eligibility for any specific benefit, provision, or reimbursement.