Comparing Military Occupational License Fee Waivers Across States

Military personnel, their spouses, and veterans frequently face unique challenges related to occupational licensure due to the nature of military service. Frequent relocations across state lines and a higher likelihood of working in licensed professions mean this group is significantly impacted by occupational licensing fees. These fees are necessary to maintain an active license or when transferring a license to a new state after a permanent change of station. This financial burden can create obstacles for military families seeking to maintain professional stability.

The difficulty is compounded by the fact that military spouses and service members may need to obtain licenses in multiple states throughout their careers in licensed occupations. Even with state initiatives to improve license portability and expedite the licensing process for military families, the persistent fees associated with licensure remain a significant impediment. These fees can accumulate, especially when considering both initial applications and license renewals across different states.

In response to these challenges, many states have taken steps to alleviate the financial burden of occupational licensing fees for military populations. Currently, 22 states have implemented some form of occupational license fee waiver specifically designed for active duty military members, veterans, and their spouses. However, it’s important to note that these policies vary considerably in their specifics, creating a patchwork of support across the country. Understanding these differences is crucial for military families navigating their professional lives across different states.

Variations in Applicant Coverage: Active Duty, Veterans, and Spouses

State policies differ significantly in terms of which segments of the military community they cover under fee waiver programs.

• Active Duty and Veterans: A segment of states, numbering seven, provide fee waivers for both active duty service members and veterans. These states recognize the ongoing sacrifices of those currently serving and those who have previously served.
• Active Duty, Spouses, and Veterans: Another seven states extend their fee waivers more broadly to include active duty members, their spouses, and veterans. This more inclusive approach acknowledges the professional challenges faced by military spouses due to frequent relocations and the need for license portability.
• Active Duty and Spouses: Five states focus their fee waiver efforts specifically on active duty members and their spouses. This targeted approach may reflect a focus on assisting families during active service periods when relocation and financial strains are often most acute.
• Single Applicant Type Waivers: Three states have chosen to waive fees for just one specific applicant type within the military community, indicating a more narrowly defined approach to fee relief.

Residency Requirements: Current vs. Relocating Residents

Another key variation among state policies is whether fee waivers are available to current residents, those relocating to the state, or both.

• Waivers for Current and Relocating Residents: Thirteen states offer some form of fee waiver that encompasses both current residents and individuals who are relocating to the state. This broad approach is beneficial for military families moving into a new state due to military orders.
• Waivers for Current Residents Only: Seven states limit their fee waivers to current residents. This may present a challenge for newly arriving military families who are in the process of establishing residency.
• Relocating Military Members and Spouses: Texas and Arkansas have policies that specifically target military members and spouses who are in the process of relocating to their states. This focused approach directly addresses the licensing challenges associated with interstate moves for military families.

Fee Coverage: Initial vs. Renewal Fees

States also differ in whether their fee waivers apply to initial licensing fees, renewal fees, or both.

• Initial and Renewal Fee Waivers: Eleven states offer fee waivers that cover both the initial costs of obtaining a license and the subsequent renewal fees required to maintain it. This comprehensive coverage provides significant long-term financial relief.
• Renewal Fee Waivers or Prevention of Expiration: Six states focus on waiving renewal fees or preventing license expiration. Georgia, for example, specifically waives renewal fees if a license lapses while the individual is serving out of state. These policies are helpful for maintaining continuous licensure despite service-related disruptions.
• Initial Licensing Fee Waivers Only: Five states limit their fee waivers to only the initial licensing fees. While helpful for new applicants, this approach does not address the ongoing cost of license maintenance.

Federal Initiatives Supporting Military License Portability

In addition to state-level efforts, the federal government has also taken steps to support military families with occupational licensing. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 includes a provision allowing each military service branch to reimburse military spouses up to $1,000 for state re-licensure and certification costs incurred due to relocations or permanent changes of station. This reimbursement extends to moves from outside the contiguous United States back to the stateside. This federal policy provides a valuable financial resource to help offset the costs associated with license transfers.

State Military Fee Waiver Policies: A Detailed Comparison

The table below provides a summarized comparison of state military fee waiver policies, highlighting key features:

• Active, Spouse, and Veteran Coverage: Indicates which military populations are eligible for the waiver in each state.
• Waiver Type: Specifies whether the waiver applies to relocating residents, current residents, or both.
• Initial and Renewal Fee Coverage: Shows whether the waiver covers initial licensure fees, renewal fees, or both.
• Covered Occupations: Describes any limitations on the types of licensed occupations or licensing departments included in the waiver.