Sangamon Sun

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 Land of Lincoln. Whether a service member is transitioning to civilian life or their spouse is transitioning to a new residence, the state of Illinois is poised to smooth the way.

Illinois is committed to ensuring those who serve our country and their spouses will be able to work in the fields for which they have trained and at the same time address critical shortages in the healthcare field.

Since 2019, service members and their partners have been afforded reciprocity for professional licenses obtained in other states or jurisdictions, essentially letting them 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 and provide for a smooth transition.

Service Members will need to obtain specific information before applying. Spouses will also need similar documentation before applying. Next steps for service members or spouses applying for licensure are available on IDFPR’s website.

Spouses of active-duty 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.

House Bill 4733 expands eligibility for honorary scholarships at the University of Illinois to the children of veterans who served at any time during the invasion of Panama between December 20, 1989, and January 31, 1990.

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