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Information for Military Spouses

TEAMS logo - Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses COMING UP: Training classes coming January 2021. Visit our Events page for details. ×

 

Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options

Military spouses serving in professions with occupational license requirements face special challenges. They experience gaps in employment and costly interruptions in their career trajectory due to frequent relocations. It is the policy of the U.S. Department of Labor to reduce employment barriers and enhance career opportunities for military spouses.

Many states support military spouse license recognition options by allowing for expedited applications, temporary licenses, or complete license recognition. Use the Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options map to find out the rights of a military spouse.

Text Version - Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options

License Recognition: A Guide to State Legislation

Read our new Military Spouse License Recognition Guide to State Legislation (PDF) that compares license recognition laws across states.

Resource Guide

License Recognition For Military Spouses Resource Guide PDF

Action Plan

military spouses license recognition action plan PDF

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 $1,000.

  • Air Force (PDF)
  • 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
  • Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)

*States that have passed model reciprocity legislation for military spouses

State Occupational License Finder

The CareerOneStop License Finder provides state-specific information about occupational licenses required, such as the license name, description for occupations, and issuing agency contact information. Find information about licenses required for different occupations by searching below.

working women spouse
Military family with the woman wearing military uniform
woman cutting hair

More Information

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

Download our report: Military Spouse License Recognition: A Guide to State Legislation (PDF)

Military Spouse Employment Program (Department of Defense)

The Department of Defense 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 Military Family Support Center or Community Center to find out about morale, welfare and support for military families and veterans.

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.

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