South West Illinois News

Military service members and their spouses who move to Illinois will find it less complicated than just a few years ago to obtain professional licensure in the state. Whether a service member is transitioning to civilian life or their spouse is transitioning to a new residence, Illinois aims to facilitate the process.

Illinois is committed to ensuring those who serve the country and their spouses can work in fields for which they have trained while addressing critical shortages in the healthcare sector.

Since 2019, service members and their partners have been afforded reciprocity for professional licenses obtained in other states or jurisdictions, allowing them to transfer an existing license that is in good standing. They must still apply for professional licensure in Illinois; however, those with licenses from other states will have their applications expedited as long as they meet state requirements.

Illinois law includes provisions designed to help active duty members and their spouses, as well as those whose active duty service concluded within the preceding two years, apply for licensure. State law requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to review applications within 30 days of receiving all required documents and fees. Additionally, state law affords service members and their spouses a military liaison to work with applicants and their military installation’s Military and Family Support Center to help them navigate the licensing process.

For more information about licensing assistance available to service members and their spouses, visit IDFPR’s website. If further assistance is needed, contact IDFPR at FPR.MilitaryLicense@illinois.gov.

Spouses of active service military members can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for obtaining a professional license required when moving to a new state for a military relocation. This includes exam and registration fees. Individuals whose spouses serve in the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard are eligible to apply. More about the reimbursement process may be found on the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard websites.