Military Applications FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act (MSLRA) and Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

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1. What is the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act (MSLRA) or the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?

The MSLRA, part of the SCRA, is a federal law that allows certain servicemembers and their spouses to obtain a professional license more easily when relocating due to military orders. It requires state licensing boards to recognize a qualifying license from another state ("covered license") under specific conditions.

2. Who is eligible to apply under the MSLRA?

You may apply under the MSLRA if you are:

• An active‑duty servicemember who must relocate to Virginia due to military orders,
  or
• The spouse of an active‑duty servicemember who must relocate to Virginia due to military orders,
  and you hold a "covered license" from another state.

You may apply only for the Virginia license that is equivalent to your out‑of‑state license. The license names may differ, but the scopes of practice must be similar.

3. What is a “covered license”?

A covered license is a professional license, certificate, or registration issued by another state that:

• Is in good standing with the issuing authority
• Has never been revoked or disciplined by any state
• Is not currently under investigation for unprofessional conduct
• Has never been voluntarily surrendered during an investigation in any state

4. What documents do I need to apply through this pathway?

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application and application fee
• A copy of military orders showing the servicemember is/will be stationed in Virginia
• A marriage certificate (spouses only)
• A notarized affidavit confirming identity, truthfulness of the application, understanding of Virginia requirements, and that the applicant is in good standing in all states where licensed

Under the MSLRA/SCRA, a board may conduct a background check of the applicant before recognizing a covered license, which may include completion of a NPDB self-query, or a criminal background check, where applicable. 

5. Will I have the same responsibilities as other Virginia license holders?

Yes. Once licensed, you must follow all Virginia laws, regulations, and standards of practice, and you are subject to disciplinary action if those standards are violated.

6. How does the MSLRA apply to interstate compacts?

If your profession is covered by an interstate compact, you should first look to the compact pathway for practice in your new jurisdiction.

• If your home state and Virginia are both part of the compact, you should use the compact pathway - not the MSLRA pathway - to practice in Virginia.
• If your home state is not part of the compact but Virginia is:
• You may apply through the MSLRA pathway. Depending on the board, you may receive either a single‑state or multi‑state license for compact purposes.

7. Will I need a criminal background check?

If the type of Virginia license you are applying for requires a criminal background check, the board may require the completion of one before issuing your license.

8. Can I receive temporary authorization to practice?

In some cases, yes. You may qualify for temporary authorization to practice under Virginia Code § 54.1‑2408.4 while your application is being processed.

9. When does my license expire?

Licenses issued under the MSLRA follow the same renewal schedule and renewal requirements as all other Virginia licensees.

For any questions, please contact the Board at ltc@dhp.virginia.gov or (804) 367-4595.