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Military Spouses

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Military spouses are skilled, diverse, and motivated, with sound work values and a strong work ethic

Military spouses are hard-working, skilled, educated, diverse, and experienced.

It is the policy of the U.S. Department of Labor to reduce employment barriers and enhance career opportunities for military spouses.

Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options

Frequent moves by military families can create employment barriers, especially for spouses with occupational licenses. Many states help licensed military spouses by allowing for expedited applications, temporary licenses, or license reciprocity.

Use the map to find out each state’s license recognition options for military spouses. Use the license finder tool below to find out where to apply for an occupational license in a new state.

Text Version - Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options

Military Spouse Licensing Reimbursement Program

In many circumstances, military spouses who move from one state to another because of change-of-station orders are eligible for reimbursement of licensing costs up to $500.

  • Air Force
  • Army (PDF)
  • Coast Guard
  • Marines
  • Navy (PDF)

Occupations with Interstate Reciprocity Agreements

  • Attorneys*
  • EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact
  • Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
  • Physical Therapists — Physical Therapy Compact
  • Physicians — Interstate Medical Licensure

*States that have passed model reciprocity legislation for military spouses

State Occupational License Finder

Military spouses are skilled, diverse, and motivated, with sound work values and a strong work ethic
Military spouses are skilled, diverse, and motivated, with sound work values and a strong work ethic
Military spouses are skilled, diverse, and motivated, with sound work values and a strong work ethic

More Information

Download the Resource Guide on License Recognition for Military Spouses (PDF)

Military Spouse Employment Program (Department of Defense)

The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program provides education and career guidance to military spouses worldwide as well as many other resources and tools. Use their website to apply for jobs, connect with other spouses, receive career coaching, and explore further opportunities for education and scholarships.

Military Spouse Employment Organizations

The non-government organizations below support military spouse employment.

Hiring Our Heroes

Blue Star Families

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

USO Pathfinder

Employment Resources

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership Career Center is a targeted recruitment and employment solution for spouses.

Visit your installation Family Center or Community Center to discuss military spouse related opportunities or programs.

Visit an American Job Center. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, American Job Centers can help you look for work and offer job search workshops, free computer access, and more.

Visit CareerOneStop's Job Search to search for jobs anywhere in the United States.

Federal Jobs — If you are a military spouse, you may be eligible to apply under the military spouse hiring authority. This policy is designed to help military spouses get jobs in the federal government. Learn more at USAJOBS.

Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program that provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses.

Virtualjobs.usnlx.com provides job seekers a "one-stop shop" to find employment that isn't tied to a location, opening up numerous career opportunities for military spouses, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and those who prefer to work virtually. Many virtual jobs just require a computer and an Internet connection.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

200 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20210
1-866-4-USA-DOL
1-866-487-2365
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www.dol.gov

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