Military Licensing

Temporary Licenses or Work Authorization for Military Spouses

The State of Texas values the sacrifices that military spouses make when they must continually move in support of their spouse.

If you are married to an active duty military service member stationed in Texas and you are licensed in another state that has licensing requirements similar to Texas, you can obtain authorization to work here.

Depending on your preference, you have several options available to you, as explained below:

Licensing Options

Option 1: Apply for a 3-Year License (Temporary)

Under this option, you will be given a non-renewable 3-year license to work in Texas, based on your credentials of being licensed in another state. You must pass a criminal history background check to apply under this method.

  • You will be issued a 3-year Texas license
  • You may tell your customers that you are licensed in Texas
  • No application fee
  • No examination
  • Requires criminal history background check
  • Non-renewable
  • Expires 3 years after issuance
  • Becomes invalid if spouse leaves military service or is no longer stationed in Texas
  • After expiration or invalidation, you will have to apply and meet standard licensing requirements to obtain a license

How to Apply

Option 2: Apply for a 3-Year Letter of Authorization (Temporary)

This method will allow you to receive a non-renewable 3-year authorization letter to work in Texas, based on your out-of-state license. If you elect to use this method, you may not claim to be licensed in Texas or simply to be a "licensed" member of an occupation. If a customer asks, you must explain that you are licensed in another state and authorized to work in Texas.

  • You will be issued a letter confirming your authority to practice in Texas
  • No application fee
  • No examination
  • No criminal history background check
  • Non-renewable
  • Expires 3 years after issuance
  • Becomes invalid if spouse leaves military service or is no longer stationed in Texas
  • After expiration or invalidation, you will have to apply and meet standard licensing requirements to obtain a license

How to Apply

Option 3: Apply for a Standard License Using Reciprocity (Permanent)

If you currently hold an occupational license in another state, we’ll help you transfer your license to Texas. We have agreements with other states for the following licenses:

  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Licenses
  • Auctioneer Licenses
  • Barber Licenses
  • Cosmetology Licenses
  • Electrician Licenses
  • Massage Therapy Licenses

How to Apply

How to Apply

Application Process for a 3-Year License

  1. Complete, sign and date the Active Duty Military Spouse Recognition of Out-of-State License Application (PDF).
    On page 2, select “A 3-year non-renewable license” option.
  2. Attach ALL of the following required documentation:
    • Copy of spouse's military identification card
    • Permanent change of station orders
    • Proof of your spouse's active duty military service:
      • Copy of appropriate documentation of military status, OR
      • Active duty orders
    • Proof of marital status:
      • Copy of Defense Enrollment Eligibility Report System (DEERS) verification (DD 1172)
      • Other supporting documentation of marital status
    • Copy of current license from another jurisdiction
    • Document from issuing jurisdiction verifying current licensure with no restrictions, pending enforcement actions, unpaid fees or penalties

    Documents submitted with your application will not be returned. Keep a copy of your completed application and all attachments.

  3. Send your completed application and required documents to:

    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
    P.O. Box 12157
    Austin, TX 78711-2157

 

NOTE: See TDLR website for specific operational license requirements https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/licenses.htm

Application Process for a 3-Year Letter of Authorization

  1. Complete, sign and date the Active Duty Military Spouse Recognition of Out-of-State License Application (PDF).
    On page 2 select “A letter of intent to practice” option.
  2. Attach ALL of the following required documentation:
    • Copy of spouse's military identification card
    • Permanent change of station orders
    • Proof of your spouse's active duty military service:
      • Copy of appropriate documentation of military status, OR
      • Active duty orders
    • Proof of marital status:
      • Copy of Defense Enrollment Eligibility Report System (DEERS) verification (DD 1172)
      • Other supporting documentation of marital status
    • Copy of current license from another jurisdiction
    • Document from issuing jurisdiction verifying current licensure with no restrictions, pending enforcement actions, unpaid fees or penalties

    Documents submitted with your application will not be returned. Keep a copy of your completed application and all attachments.

  3. Send your completed application and required documents to:

    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
    P.O. Box 12157
    Austin, TX 78711-2157

 

NOTE: See TDLR website for specific operational license requirements https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/licenses.htm