Military Spouse Licensure Reimbursement (PCS)
Reimbursement of up to $1,000 for the cost of transferring a professional license or certification to a new state because of a PCS move.
Who qualifies: Active duty.
**What It Is**
When a military spouse has to move to a new state because of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), they often must pay to transfer or re-earn a professional license or certification — new exams, application fees, and processing costs. The Department of Defense reimburses these qualifying costs, up to $1,000 per qualifying PCS, under 37 U.S.C. § 476.
**How Much**
• Up to $1,000 in qualifying relicensing or recertification expenses per qualifying PCS move
• Covers fees such as new-state license applications, exams, and processing tied to keeping your same profession
**Who It Helps**
Spouses in license-dependent careers — nursing, teaching, counseling, cosmetology, law, real estate, child care, and more — who relocate across state lines with their active-duty sponsor.
**How to Claim**
Reimbursement is handled by the service member's branch. Save your PCS orders, proof of your existing license, and itemized receipts, then submit through your branch's process (your installation's family support or spouse employment office, or Military OneSource, can point you to the current form).
**Tip**
This benefit is separate from MyCAA (up to $4,000 for spouse education and credentials). Many spouses use MyCAA for the coursework and this reimbursement for the license transfer itself.
Related guides
- Military Spouse Benefits: Education, Careers & More
- Surviving a PCS Move: A Military Relocation Guide