Licensing resources for military spouses
If you’re a workforce professional near a military base, you may have clients who are military spouses—and you may know some of the particular barriers they face. Military families are 10 times more likely to move across state lines when compared to their civilian counterparts. This highly mobile military lifestyle can create specific barriers to employment for military spouses in licensed occupations.
But did you know that many states have recognized this and passed laws that can help? Some states require or encourage licensing boards to grant military spouses expedited applications, temporary licenses, and/or license reciprocity. If you have clients who have moved to your community from a different state, or are embarking on a move to a new state, there are resources you can share with them.
The U.S. Department of Labor has identified four steps for currently licensed military spouses or spouses interested in entering licensed occupations to follow:
STEP 1: Learn about license recognition options by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor’s map at https://www.veterans.gov/MilSpouses. Hover over each state to learn about the specific laws and resources offered to military spouses who work in licensed occupations.
STEP 2: Explore occupation-specific guidance by visiting Military OneSource. Many states have joined interstate reciprocity agreements for certain occupations. These agreements allow licensees to practice in multiple states more easily.
STEP 3: Find Your Licensing Board by visiting CareerOneStop’s License Finder. The License Finder provides state-specific information about occupational licenses required, such as the license name, description, and issuing agency contact information.
STEP 4: Contact your Licensing Board. Start by visiting the licensing board’s website and following any posted instructions for military spouses. If you still have questions after visiting the website, contact the licensing board using the tips in the License Recognition for Military Spouses Resource Guide.