The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA, requires states to recognize qualifying out-of-state licenses held by service members and military spouses. However, recognition alone does not always eliminate employment barriers because hospitals, school districts, and insurance carriers may require a state-issued license number rather than proof of recognition.
State implementation also varies widely. Some licensing entities issue credentials within 30 days, while others take months, and most do not publicly report processing outcomes. Without consistent reporting, the War Department, military services and military families cannot effectively assess whether licensure portability is reducing employment disruptions associated with military moves.
States can address these gaps by incorporating key licensure best practices into state law, such as issuing licenses within 30 days, establishing military points of contact and requiring annual public reporting on implementation outcomes.
