Military Spouse Nursing License

If you’re a military spouse with a nursing license, you already know the drill: PCS orders come in, and suddenly you’re researching how to get licensed in a state you’ve never lived in before. Maybe you’ve done this twice. Maybe you’ve lost count.

The good news is that licensing has gotten significantly easier for military families over the past decade. The bad news? It’s still not automatic, and the benefits vary wildly depending on where you’re headed.

What the Federal Government Actually Requires

Congress has pushed states hard on this issue. The 2020 and 2021 National Defense Authorization Acts included provisions requiring states that receive DoD funding to expedite licensing for military spouses and accept equivalent credentials from other states.

What does that mean in practice? States had to create pathways for military spouse licensure—but how they implement those pathways is up to them. Some created dedicated application tracks. Others just added a checkbox to their standard forms. The quality of the experience depends entirely on the state.

The important thing to know: federal law is on your side. If a state board is giving you the runaround, you have leverage.

The Compact License: Your Best Friend

If there’s one thing to prioritize, it’s getting a multistate compact license. With 43 states now participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), one license covers nearly the entire country.

Here’s what makes it powerful for military families:

PCS to Texas from North Carolina? You can work on day one—no application, no waiting, no fees.

Orders to Colorado but currently licensed in Florida? Same deal. Just show up and practice.

The compact eliminates the constant endorsement cycle that used to make military spouse nursing careers so frustrating.

Who Qualifies

To hold a multistate license, your primary state of residence needs to be a compact state. For military families, this is usually your legal residence state (where you file taxes), not necessarily where you’re stationed.

You’ll also need to pass a federal background check and have a clean license—no current discipline.

The Catch: Non-Compact States

California. New York. Illinois. Massachusetts. If you’re PCSing to one of these holdout states, the compact won’t help you. You’ll need to apply for endorsement the old-fashioned way.

That said, even non-compact states have gotten the message about supporting military families:

• California offers expedited processing (though their “expedited” is still slower than most states’ normal speed)
• New York issues temporary permits so you can work while waiting
• Illinois waives fees for military dependents

What States Actually Offer

Here’s the honest breakdown. Most states have something for military spouses, but the quality varies.

The States That Do It Well

Texas, Florida, and Virginia have figured this out. Fee waivers. Fast processing. Clear application paths. These states process military spouse applications in 2-3 weeks on average (though individual experiences vary).

Washington and Colorado also have strong programs, with some of the fastest turnaround times in the country.

The States That Try

Most other states offer at least one benefit—expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary permits. The challenge is that “expedited” means different things to different boards. A state might call 6 weeks “expedited” if their normal timeline is 12 weeks.

Fee Waivers: The Real Picture

States that waive all fees: Texas, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Colorado (roughly $100-$200 savings).

States that waive part of the fees: California, New York, Pennsylvania.

States that only waive the expedite surcharge: Most of the rest.

Temporary Permits

This is where military spouses should push hard. Most states offer temporary permits (90-180 days) that let you work while your full license processes. Requirements are minimal: valid license in another state, no discipline, proof of military spouse status.

Not every state advertises this clearly, so ask directly when you call the board.

How to Actually Get It Done

Forget the abstract steps—here’s what the process looks like in practice.

Before You Even Get Orders

Keep your current license in good standing. Make sure your CE requirements are current. Scan all your licensing documents and keep them accessible. When orders come, you’ll be scrambling to pack—having this ready matters.

When Orders Come In

Day 1-2: Look up the new state’s Board of Nursing website. Find their military spouse or endorsement section. Many boards have a dedicated military liaison—if they do, email them directly instead of calling the general line.

What to ask: Do you have military spouse expedited processing? What’s the fee situation? Can I get a temporary permit while my application processes?

Submitting the Application

Mark yourself as a military spouse on the application (there’s usually a checkbox or section). Attach copies of:

• Your current license
• Military dependent ID (DD Form 1173)
• PCS orders

Some states also want a marriage certificate or a letter from your spouse’s command. Check the requirements before you submit.

The Verification Step Everyone Forgets

Most states require verification from your current licensing state. This happens through Nursys ($30) or direct board-to-board communication. Do this immediately—it takes 2-4 weeks and often delays applications.

If you’re moving from a slow state, start the verification request before you even submit your application to the new state.

Special Situations

When Your Spouse Is Deployed

Deployment adds complexity. If your spouse can’t sign things or provide documentation:

• A power of attorney can handle most licensing paperwork
• Family Readiness Officers can often provide necessary letters
• Most states accept scanned or electronic signatures—just explain the situation

Stationed Overseas

Keep your US license active even if you’re not practicing stateside. Your legal residence state is usually the one to maintain. If you’re working at a military treatment facility overseas, they typically accept any valid US nursing license—but federal employment (VA, DoD) may have additional requirements.

Guard and Reserve

The benefits aren’t just for active duty families. Activation orders trigger most military spouse provisions. Some states even extend benefits to drilling reservists, though this varies. Worth asking when you apply.

Where to Get Help

Military OneSource (1-800-342-9647 or militaryonesource.mil) offers free career counseling and can help navigate licensing issues. They’re surprisingly useful for this stuff.

Your installation’s employment office often has connections with local employers and can help you understand state-specific requirements before you move.

The National Military Family Association tracks state legislation on license portability—worth following if you care about policy progress.

The Bottom Line

The compact license is your best tool. If you can maintain legal residence in a compact state, do it. One license, 43 states, no repeated applications or fees.

For non-compact states: apply early, ask about temporary permits, and push for expedited processing. The benefits exist—you just have to ask for them.

And start the moment you get orders. Every week you wait is a week you’re not working at your new duty station.

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Planning a PCS? Check our state guides to understand requirements at your new duty station, or use the reciprocity checker to compare states.