Military Services
Important Information For Active Duty Service Members, Veterans & Military Spouses
Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) – Provisions For Professional Licensing
In 2023, the SCRA (50 U.S.C. § 4025(a)) was amended to add a provision to facilitate professional license portability for servicemembers and their spouses who are relocating to another state pursuant to military orders. In December 2024, the SCRA was amended again to clarify those requirements.
The licensing application process now requires the following:
- Completed application;
- Fee for initial licensure;
- Copy of the military orders to a duty station in Virginia or a neighboring state;
- One primary source state license verification in good standing;
- Notarized attestation that:
- All licenses are in good standing in all jurisdictions,
- No license has been disciplined,
- No license is currently under investigation,
- No license has ever been voluntarily surrendered while under investigation,
- Applicant has read and understands licensure requirements and scope of practice in Virginia, and
- All statements made in the application are true, correct, and complete.
- Report from the National Practitioner Data Bank, if applicable;
- Copy of the marriage certificate for a military spouse applicant; and
- Criminal background check, if applicable.
For more information on how to apply for your license using the SCRA pathway, please reach out to the individual Board using the information below, or by accessing the Board's website.
Comprehensive List of Professions regulated through the Department of Health Professions with links to the respective licensing board information.
Related Statutes under Chapter 54 of the Code of Virginia
Extension of renewal requirements for deployed military and spouses
Virginia law (§54.1-117) allows active duty service people or their spouses who are deployed outside the U.S. to have an extension of time for any requirement or fee pertaining to renewal until 60 days after the person’s return from deployment or overseas assignment. The extension cannot last beyond 5 years past the expiration date for the license. For more information, please read policy 76-80.12 and contact the applicable board for your license.
- 54.1-106 Health care professionals rendering services to patients of certain clinics
- 54.1-118 Qualifications for licensure, etc.; substantially equivalent military training
- 54.1-119 Expediting the issuance of licenses, etc., to spouses of military service members
Other state agency sites of interest
Additional non-state resources
