The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows each service branch to reimburse the service member up to $1,000 for spouse's relicensure, recertification, and business costs resulting from relocations or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves that cross U.S. state lines and to include OCONUS to stateside moves.

Spouses of Air Force Reserve Service members of any rank who moved across state lines due to a PCS under accompanied orders, and who wish to pursue the same licensure or certification in their new location are eligible for reimbursement. Spouses are also eligible for reimbursement of qualified business costs.

The Air Force defines "qualified relicensing costs" as any required exam costs or registration fees set by the new state so that a military spouse can continue working in their current profession. You can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement per move.

The term "qualified business costs" (other than those related to licenses, permits, or certifications) includes moving services for equipment, equipment removal, new equipment purchases, information technology expenses, and inspection fees incurred by the service member’s spouse if:

1. The spouse owned a business during the service member’s previous duty assignment and the costs result from a relocation.
2. The costs were incurred or paid to move such business to a new location in connection with a relocation.

You can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for qualified business costs.

The spouse is not required to have held the license or certification or owned the business in the immediately preceding duty station state. So long as the spouse, while married to the service member, held the license or certification or owned the business at any prior duty station state, reimbursement eligibility requirements are met upon PCS to the new duty station state. For example, a service member PCSing form outside the continental United States to continental United States may meet eligibility requirements of spousal licensure reimbursement; likewise, as service member’s spouse who, upon PCS to a new state, renews their license after a lapse between duty stations may meet eligibility requirements. Licensure and small business claims are distinct, and a member can file a claim for both, if all eligibility criteria are met.

The following requirements must be met for reimbursement:

• The service member’s PCS orders must authorize movement of the service member’s dependents at government expense.
• The service member is PCSing from a duty station in one state to a duty station in another state. (This includes Hawaii, Alaska, Washington D.C. and the U.S. territories).
• Relicensing costs must be incurred and paid within 24 months of the PCS orders being authenticated.
• State of the new duty station requires license / certification for the same profession as previous state.

Reimbursement is not authorized for moves upon accession, Career Intermission Program, retirement or separation from the Armed Forces.

Documents needed for reimbursement:

• Form OF 1164 Claim for Reimbursement for Expenditures on Official Business
• Copy of PCS orders
• Copy of spouse’s previous state license or certification
• Proof of fee payment showing the new state’s relicensure fees

Reimbursement Process: You can apply for reimbursement after getting your new license or certification. Bring the documentation to your local finance office. The staff can assist with other required forms.

Transferring Your Professional License: What’s Involved?
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/transferring-your-professional-license/

Air Force Spouse Licensure Reimbursement Program Trifold:
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/EMPLOYMENT%20RESOURCES/FINAL%20-%20Spouse%20Reimbursement%20Trifold_30%20Oct%202023_.pdf 

US Department of Labor, Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/veterans/military-spouses/license-recognition

Department of the Air Force Manual 36-2102, Personnel Base-Level Relocation Procedures:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafman36-2102/dafman36-2102.pdf