Peoria Standard

Military service members and their spouses who move to Illinois will find it less complicated than just a few years ago to obtain professional licensure in the state. Whether a service member is transitioning to civilian life or their spouse is transitioning to a new residence, Illinois aims to facilitate this process.

Illinois is committed to ensuring those who serve the country and their spouses can work in their trained fields while addressing critical shortages in the healthcare sector.

Since 2019, service members and their partners have been granted reciprocity for professional licenses obtained in other states or jurisdictions, allowing them to transfer an existing license that is in good standing. They must still apply for professional licensure in Illinois; however, those with licenses from other states will have their applications expedited as long as they meet state requirements.

Illinois law includes provisions designed to help active duty members and their spouses, as well as those whose active duty service concluded within the preceding two years, apply for licensure. State law requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to review applications within 30 days of receiving all required documents and fees. Additionally, state law provides service members and their spouses with a military liaison to assist applicants and coordinate with their military installation’s Military and Family Support Center for a smooth transition.

Service Members will need the following information before applying:

- Proof of assignment to a duty station in Illinois within six months after the date of application for licensure.

- Proof of active military status: DD214, Letter of Service signed by Unit Commanding Officer, or Proof of Service document from the Service Member’s electronic personnel portal.

- Proof of good standing if licensed in another state, commonwealth, possession, or territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or foreign jurisdiction.

Spouses will need:

- Proof of spouse’s active military status: DD214, Letter of Service signed by Unit Commanding Officer, or Proof of Service document from the Service Member’s electronic personnel portal.

- Military Permanent Change of Station Orders with the spouse identified by name; Official Notification of Change of Assignment with marriage license, certified DD1172 verifying marital status, or letter signed by commanding officer verifying change of assignment and name of military spouse.

- Proof of good standing if licensed in another state, commonwealth, possession, or territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or foreign jurisdiction.

Next steps for service members or spouses applying for licensure include reviewing licensing requirements on IDFPR's website. Applicants should create an online account if available for their profession and submit an online application. For some professions requiring paper applications submitted by mail along with all required forms or documents and fees may be necessary.

Applicants must indicate they are Military Service Members or Spouses on their application form and provide one required document mentioned earlier. A complete set of fingerprints must be submitted to the Illinois State Police if required for the profession. Additional documentation such as certified transcripts may also be needed.

For more information about licensing assistance available to service members and their spouses visit IDFPR’s website. Further assistance can be sought by contacting IDFPR at FPR.MilitaryLicense@illinois.gov.

Spouses can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for obtaining a professional license when moving due to military relocation. This includes exam and registration fees. Eligible individuals include those whose spouses serve in various branches such as U.S. Army, Marine Corps Navy Air Force Coast Guard More details on reimbursement are available on respective branch websites.