Applying for Licensure or Certification
Expedited Licensure for Honorably Discharged Military Service Personnel
Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 115.4, the Board shall expedite the licensure process for an applicant who supplies satisfactory evidence to the Board that the applicant has served as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States and was honorably discharged. If an applicant would like to be considered for the expedited review process, they must check the applicable box on the Special Considerations Tab of the application and provide the following documentation with their application:
- A copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214, and evidence of honorable discharge.
Expedited Licensure for Military Spouses/Domestic Partners
Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 115.5, the Board shall expedite the licensure process and waive the licensure application fee charged by the Board for an applicant who is married to or in a domestic partnership or other legal union with an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is assigned to a duty station in California under official active duty military orders, and if the applicant holds a current license in another state, district, or territory of the U.S. in the profession for which the applicant is seeking licensure. If an applicant would like to be considered for the expedited review process, they must check the applicable box on the Special Considerations Tab of the application and provide the following documentation with their application:
- A copy of the marriage certificate or certified declaration/registration of domestic partnership; and,
- A copy of the spouse’s/domestic partner’s active duty military orders establishing the duty station in California; and,
- Official certification verifying the applicant holds a current license in good standing in another state, district, or territory of the U.S. in the same profession in which they are seeking licensure in California.
Expedited Licensure for Service Members Enrolled in SkillBridge
Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 115.4, beginning July 1, 2024, the Board shall expedite the licensure process for an applicant who is an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces and enrolled in the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge program. If an applicant would like to be considered for the expedited review process, they must check the applicable box on the Special Considerations Tab of the application and provide the following with their application:
- Documentation of enrollment, such as an official letter from the commanding officer.
Professional License Portability and State Registration for Servicemembers and their Spouses
The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) authorizes service members or their spouses who currently hold a valid license in good standing in another state, district, or territory to practice in California within the same profession or vocation, if they relocate to California because of military orders. For individuals who desire to practice in California under the terms of the SCRA, please visit:DCA’s SCRA webpage.
Military Experience
Experience gained while serving in the military may count as qualifying work experience when applying for certification or licensure. Such experience must be documented and verified in the same manner as all other experience.
For more information on licensing resources available to service members, visit DCA’s Resources for Members of the United States Armed Forces.
Renewal Information for Military Service Personnel
Renewal Information
The Business and Professions Code (specifically, Sections 114, 114.3, and 115) provides special consideration for military service personnel whose licenses expire while they are on active duty as a member of the California National Guard or the United States Armed Forces. If you are on active duty with the California National Guard or the United States Armed Forces, and your license will expire while you are on active duty, then you may be able to renew your expired license by paying only the current renewal fee, without any further examination or penalty/delinquency fee or you may qualify for “active duty military” status for your license. Conditions which must be met to qualify for this special consideration include the following:
- Your license was valid at the time you entered the California National Guard or the United States Armed Forces or your license was issued while you were in the California National Guard or the United States Armed Forces.
- Your application for renewal or reinstatement of your expired license is made either while you are still serving in the California National Guard or the United States Armed Forces or not later than one year from the date of discharge from active service or return to inactive military status.
- You provide an affidavit showing the date of entrance into the service, whether still in the service, or the date of discharge, along with the renewal fee in effect at the time of the application for renewal or reinstatement.
It is important to note that each situation is different and must be evaluated on its own merits to determine which provision of law, if any, applies. Individuals who believe they meet the conditions for this special consideration should contact the Board at (916) 999-3612 or BPELSG.Renewal.Information@dca.ca.gov for further information and direction.
