Information for Military Service Members, Veterans and Spouses

1. What benefits do I receive if I apply for a license using my military experience, service, training, or education?

1) Verified military experience, service, training, or education will be credited towards TDLR licensing requirements. Examinations, where applicable, will still be required; and

2) The initial license application and examination fees paid to TDLR shall be waived. Examination fees paid to third-party examination vendors are not waived; and

3) The initial license application will be processed in an expedited manner.

2. For which TDLR licensing programs can I receive credit for my military experience, service, training, or education?

TDLR has identified six TDLR programs which have a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code related to these specific licenses:

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor: ACR Contractor and ACR Certified Technician
• Barbers: Class A Barber
• Electricians: Master, Journeyman, Journeyman Wireman, Maintenance, and Residential Wireman
• Polygraph Examiners: Polygraph Examiner
• Registered Accessibility Specialists: Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS)
• Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers: Well Drillers and Pump Installers

3. Is there a list of applicable MOS Codes?

This is only a partial list of applicable MOS codes as there may be other military experience, service, training or education that satisfies licensing requirements and new MOS codes may be created in the future. This list was created to assist our Licensing Division with processing applications in an expedited manner. All MOS codes will be reviewed to determine if they meet license requirements for experience and education.

4. What are the Qualifications for Licensure?

ACR Contractor - 48 months of practical work experience and pass an exam.

ACR Certified Technician - Pass an exam to obtain TDLR certification to become a Certified ACR Technician. TDLR accepts Air Force, Army and Navy certification which is reflected on a veteran's DD214.

Class A Barber - Credit is awarded for military barber training and pass an exam.

Master Electrician - 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician and pass an exam.

Journeyman Electrician - 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician and pass an exam.

Journeyman Lineman Electrician - 7,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician and pass an exam.

Maintenance Electrician - 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician and pass an exam.

Residential Wireman Electrician - 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician and pass an exam.

Note: Work under the National Electric Code is credited so that one year of military experience equals 2,000 hours; 6 months equals 1,000 hours, etc.

Registered Accessibility Specialist -

1. Three options:

a) Minimum four-year college degree in related field and one year of related work experience; or

b) Eight years of related work experience; or

c) International Code Council certification and four years of work experience, and

2. Pass an exam.

Polygraph Examiner

1. Two options:

a) Holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; or

b) Has active investigative experience during the five years preceding the date of application, and

2. Has completed an acceptable polygraph examiner course of study taught by a school recognized by the department; and

3. Satisfactorily completed at least six months of a polygraph examiner internship; and

4. Pass an exam.

Well Drillers and Pump Installers - 24 months of practical work experience, minimum number and type of wells drilled or pumps installed required for chosen endorsement, and pass required exams.

5. Does my electrician experience working in the military on aircraft or on naval ships count towards the experience required for a Texas electrician license?

No. Since electrical work on aircraft and on ships does not follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) it does not count as experience required for a Texas electrician license.

6. Does my air conditioning and refrigeration experience working in the military on aircraft count towards the experience required for a Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license?

No. Air conditioning and refrigeration experience on aircraft does not count as experience required for a Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license.

7. Does my air conditioning and refrigeration experience working in the military on naval ships count towards the experience required for a Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license?

Yes. Verified military air conditioning and refrigeration experience on naval ships can be counted as experience required for a Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license. You can verify this experience using military documents including the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214), the Verification of Military Experience and Training (DD-2586), military transcripts, training records, evaluation reports, and letters from commanding officers describing the relevant air conditioning and refrigeration duties and training you completed.

8. Do I have to pass an examination to be licensed if I apply using my military experience, service, training, or education?

Yes. Using military experience, service, training, or education does not exempt you from passing a required occupational license examination.

9. What documents can I use to verify my military experience, service, training, or education?

Documents you submit to TDLR to verify military experience, service, training, or education must be specific to the license for which you are applying and may include:

- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214) with qualifying MOS CODE. [link back to question # 3]
- Verification of Military Experience and Training (DD-2586)
- Military transcript
- Training records
- Evaluation reports
- Letters from Commanding Officers describing the relevant duties that you've performed and training that you've completed.

1. What fee must I pay and what documents do I provide TDLR if I want to apply for a license using my military experience, service, training, or education?

The initial license application fee is waived and the following documents are required:

- A completed license application and any supporting documents.
- A completed Military Supplemental Application Form (MIL001).
- Proof of military status: A copy of the appropriate documentation confirming your military status, i.e. active duty orders, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214).
- Military orders or documents showing the type and amount of related military experience, service, training, or education applicable to a specific license.

NOTE: The initial license application fee is waived only for the following license types: ACR Contractor, ACR Certified Technician, Barber, Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman Wireman Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, Residential Wireman Electrician, Polygraph Examiner, Registered Accessibility Specialist, and Well Driller and Pump Installer.

2. What fee must I pay and what documents do I provide TDLR if I hold a current license in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements as Texas?

The initial license application fee and the examination requirement are waived. The following documents are required:

- A completed license application and any supporting documents.
- A completed Military Supplemental Application Form (MIL001).
- Proof of military status: A copy of the appropriate documentation confirming your military status, i.e. active duty orders, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214).
- Proof that you are currently licensed in another jurisdiction.
- The Department will evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis to determine if the license requirements of the other jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to those of Texas.

3. I've previously held a Texas license that have expired within the last five years. How do I reinstate my license?

The examination requirement is waived. The following documents are required:

- A completed application with the required fee for the license for which you are applying and any supporting documents.
- A completed Military Supplemental Application Form (MIL001).
- Proof of military status: A copy of the appropriate documentation confirming your military status, i.e. active duty orders, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214).

4. Is there an alternative method to obtain a TDLR license?

Yes. See question # 5.

5. What fee must I pay and what documents do I provide to TDLR if I can demonstrate competency by alternative methods?

You must pay the application fee for the license for which you are applying. The following documents are required:

- A completed application and any supporting documents.
- A completed Military Supplemental Application Form (MIL001).
- Proof of military status: A copy of the appropriate documentation confirming your military status, i.e. active duty orders, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214).
- Documents demonstrating competency through education, continuing education, examinations (written and practical), letters of good standing, letters of recommendation, work experience, or any relevant information required by the executive director.
- The Department will evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis.
- Depending on the requirements of the specific TDLR program, the applicant may have to pass an examination to obtain the license.

6. I am applying for a Cosmetology or Barber license, what application form do I submit?

- For Cosmetologists, please submit the Cosmetology License by Examination Application.
- For Barbers, please submit the Barber License by Examination Application.

7. I am a military service member or military veteran. Why aren't my license application fees waived?

License application fees are waived only for a military service member or military veteran whose military service, training, or education substantially meets all of the requirements for the license. License application fees are also waived if you hold a current license issued by another jurisdiction, also known as reciprocity.

License application fees are not waived for license types that have no required service, training, or education as part of the requirements to obtain a license.

8. How much time do I have to complete education or examination requirements for my TDLR license?

You must complete all licensing requirements, including education or examination, within one year from the date the application is received by TDLR.

9. Once I've obtained my license, what are the renewal requirements?

You must comply with all of the license renewal requirements including fees for the specific license obtained.

1. What benefits do I receive if I apply for a license as a spouse of a military member serving on active duty?

1) The initial license application will be processed in an expedited manner;
2) There are additional methods by which you may obtain an initial license; and
3) The initial license application fee and examination requirements may be waived.

2. What fee must I pay and what documents do I provide if I am the spouse of a military member serving on active duty and hold a current license in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements as Texas?

The initial license application fee and the examination requirement are waived. The following documents are required:

- A completed license application and any supporting documents.
- A completed Military Supplemental Application Form (MIL001).
- Proof of your spouse's active duty military status, i.e. a copy your spouse's active duty orders, a copy of your spouse's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or other appropriate documentation.
- Proof of marital status: a copy of the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Report System (DEERS) verification (DD-1172), the spouse's most recent Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or other supporting documentation related to marital status.
- Proof that you are currently licensed in another jurisdiction.
- The Department will evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis to determine if the license requirements of the other jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to those of Texas.

3. I am a spouse of an active duty military service member and previously held a Texas license that expired within the last five years. How do I reinstate my license?

The examination requirement is waived. The following documents are required:

- A completed application with the required fee for the license for which you are applying and any supporting documents.
- A completed Military Supplemental Application Form (MIL001).
- Proof of your spouse's active duty military status: a copy of your spouse's active duty order, a copy of your spouse's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or other appropriate documentation relating to military status.
- Proof of marital status: a copy of the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Report System (DEERS) verification (DD-1172), the spouse's most recent Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or other supporting documentation related to marital status.

4. I am a spouse of an active duty military service member. Is there an alternative method to obtain a TDLR license?

Yes. See question # 5.

5. What fee must I pay and what documents do I provide to TDLR, if I can demonstrate competency by alternative methods?

You must pay the application fee for the license for which you are applying. The following documents are required:

- A completed application and any supporting documents.
- A completed Military Supplemental Application Form (MIL001).
- Proof of your spouse's active duty military status: a copy of your spouse's active duty order, a copy of your spouse's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or other appropriate documentation related to military status.
- Proof of marital status: a copy of the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Report System (DEERS) verification (DD-1172), the spouse's most recent Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, or other supporting documentation related to marital status.
- Documents demonstrating competency through education, continuing education, examinations (written and practical), letters of good standing, letters of recommendation, work experience, or any relevant information required by the executive director.
- The Department will evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis.
- Depending on the requirements of the specific TDLR program, the applicant may have to pass an examination to obtain the license.

6. I am applying for a Cosmetology or Barber license, what application form do I submit?

- For Cosmetologists, please submit the Cosmetology License by Examination Application.
- For Barbers, please submit the Barber License by Examination Application.

7. After I submit a license application to TDLR, how long do I have to complete any required education or examination?

You must complete all licensing requirements, including education or examination, within one year of the date that TDLR receives your application.

8. Once I've obtained my license, what are the renewal requirements?

You must comply with all of the license renewal requirements including fees for the specific license obtained.

1. Am I exempt from paying the late renewal fee if my TDLR license expired while I was serving on active duty?

Yes. You are exempt from paying any late renewal fee and are only required to pay the timely renewal fee. Refer to the rules governing your license type, which are available at www.tdlr.texas.gov.

2. How do I renew my TDLR license if it expired while I was serving on active duty as a military service member?

1. Complete and submit the Military Renewal Form For Licenses That Expired While On Active Duty (MIL002).
2. Pay the renewal fee.
3. If you are no longer on active duty provide a copy of your DD-214. If you are still on active duty, provide a copy of your active duty orders or your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.

3. How much time do I have to complete continuing education to renew my TDLR license if it expired while I was serving on active duty?

You must complete any continuing education requirements within 2 years after discharge from your last period of active duty service.