Veteran and Spouse Licensing Flexibility Act of 2025

This bill makes it easier for veterans and their spouses to keep working when they move after leaving the military. If they have a professional license and move to a new state within three years of the veteran’s discharge, the new state must accept that license for the job’s allowed duties, as long as they submit a simple application to the state board. If the board can’t finish within 30 days, it must give a temporary license with the same rights as a regular one so they can start work right away.

The application must include a copy of the veteran’s DD214. If the applicant is a spouse, they must also include a marriage certificate and the orders showing the spouse is named on the discharge or release. They must sign a notarized statement confirming who they are, that their information is true, that they understand the new state’s rules for the job, that they meet and will follow those rules, and that they are in good standing in every state where they hold or held a license. State boards may run a background check before approving or issuing a temporary license. “Veteran” means someone honorably discharged as shown on the DD214; “spouse of a veteran” is defined by law and must be named on the discharge or release orders.

Key points

• Who is affected: Honorably discharged veterans and their spouses named on discharge or release orders.
• What changes: States must accept their professional licenses for the job’s allowed duties in the new state, with a temporary license required if approval takes longer than 30 days.
• When it applies: Moves to a new state within 36 months of the veteran’s discharge or release date.
• What you need to provide: DD214; if a spouse, marriage certificate and the orders naming the spouse; plus a notarized affidavit and proof you’re in good standing.
• Other notes: The state board may run a background check before approval or issuing a temporary license.