The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows each service branch to reimburse the service member up to $1,000 for spouse's relicensure, recertification, and business costs resulting from relocations or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves that cross U.S. state lines and to include OCONUS to stateside moves.

Spouses of service members of any rank who moved across state lines due to a PCS under accompanied orders, and who wish to pursue the same licensure or certification in their new location are eligible for reimbursement. Spouses are also eligible for reimbursement of qualified business costs.

The Air Force defines "qualified relicensing costs" as any required exam costs or registration fees set by the new state so that a military spouse can continue working in their current profession. You can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement per move.

The term "qualified business costs" (other than those related to licenses, permits, or certifications) includes moving services for equipment, equipment removal, new equipment purchases, information technology expenses, and inspection fees incurred by the service member’s spouse if:

1. The spouse owned a business during the service member’s previous duty assignment and the costs result from a relocation.
2. The costs were incurred or paid to move such business to a new location in connection with a relocation.

You can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for qualified business costs.

The spouse is not required to have held the license or certification or owned the business in the immediately preceding duty station state. So long as the spouse, while married to the service member, held the license or certification or owned the business at any prior duty station state, reimbursement eligibility requirements are met upon PCS to the new duty station state. For example, a service member PCSing form outside the continental United States to continental United States may meet eligibility requirements of spousal licensure reimbursement; likewise, as service member’s spouse who, upon PCS to a new state, renews their license after a lapse between duty stations may meet eligibility requirements. Licensure and small business claims are distinct, and a member can file a claim for both, if all eligibility criteria are met.

The following requirements must be met for reimbursement:

• Member must be reassigned, either as a PCS or PCA, on orders authenticated on or after 12 December 2017 for re-licensing costs and on or after 23 December 2022 for small business costs.
• Movement of member’s dependent(s) must be authorized at government expense.
• Member’s spouse must have held the state-required license or certification or owned a small business during the period of time his/her military spouse was assigned to any prior duty station.
• As a result of a PCS/PCA, the member’s spouse must secure a license or certification for the same profession or business license or permit in a different location with different licensing authority and requirements.
• Member must demonstrate actual costs incurred for licensing or certification and/or small business.
• Member must file a claim within 24 months of the date the PCS/PCA orders are authenticated.

Reimbursement is not authorized for moves upon accession, Career Intermission Program, retirement or separation from the Armed Forces.

Documents needed for reimbursement:

• A copy of sponsor's issued PCS/PCA orders authorizing the movement of dependents at government expense Copies of paid receipts for qualifying costs/expenses.
• Costs must be incurred and paid after the date the PCS/PCA orders were authenticated
• A copy of the spouse’s state occupational license or certificate from any prior duty station
• A copy of the license or certificate from the new duty station Proof of small business ownership during the period of time the sponsor’s spouse was assigned to any prior duty station
• Proof of small business ownership at current duty station

Reimbursement Process: You can apply for reimbursement after getting your new license or certification. Bring the documentation to your local finance office. The staff can assist with other required forms.

Transferring Your Professional License: What is Involved?
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/transferring-your-professional-license/

Air Force Spouse Licensure Reimbursement Program Trifold:
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/EMPLOYMENT%20RESOURCES/FINAL%20-%20Spouse%20Reimbursement%20Trifold_30%20Oct%202023_.pdf 

US Department of Labor, Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/veterans/military-spouses/license-recognition

Department of the Air Force Manual 36-2102, Personnel Base-Level Relocation Procedures:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafman36-2102/dafman36-2102.pdf