The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows each service branch to reimburse the Service member up to $1,000 for Spouse's relicensure, certification and business costs resulting from relocations or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves that cross U.S. state - to include OCONUS to stateside moves.

Army Directive 2024-04 (Reimbursement of Qualifying Spouse Relicensing Costs and Business Costs) expanded on National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. The new directive enhanced the reimbursement program by permitting the reimbursement of up to $1,000 for business-related expenses, in addition to the already authorized $1,000 for relicensing fees resulting from a relocation.

Spouses of Army Reserve Soldiers on active duty of any rank who moved across state lines due to a PCS under accompanied orders, and who wish to pursue the same licensure or certification in their new location are eligible for reimbursement. Spouses are also eligible for reimbursement of qualified business costs.

The Army defines "qualified relicensing costs" as any fees or costs associated with getting the same or similar license in a new state that a military Spouse held at their previous location. This includes exam and registration fees. You can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement per move.

The term "qualified business costs" (other than those related to licenses, permits, or certifications) includes moving services for equipment, equipment removal, new equipment purchases, information technology expenses, and inspection fees incurred by the Soldier's Spouse if:

1. The Spouse owned a business during the Soldier's previous duty assignment and the costs result from a relocation.
2. The costs were incurred or paid to move such business to a new location in connection with a relocation.

You can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for qualified business costs.

The Spouse is not required to have held the license or certification or owned the business in the immediately preceding duty station state. So long as the Spouse, while married to the Soldier, held the license or certification or owned the business at any prior duty station state, reimbursement eligibility requirements are met upon PCS to the new duty station state. For example, a Soldier PCSing from outside continental United States to continental United States may meet eligibility requirements for spousal licensure reimbursement; likewise, a Soldier’s Spouse who, upon PCS to a new state, renews their license after a lapse between duty stations may meet eligibility requirements.

Documents needed for reimbursement:

• Standard Form 1034, “Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other Than Personal”
• Copy of PCS orders
• Copy of Spouse’s previous state license or certification that was valid at the previous station
• Copy of new state license or certification
• Proof of fee payment
• Copy of marriage certificate

Reimbursement Process: You can apply for reimbursement after getting your new license or certification. Commanders will assign local officers to approve documents and eligibility status. Once approved, the reimbursement will transfer to a Soldier’s direct deposit account.

Transferring Your Professional License: What’s Involved?
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/transferring-your-professional-license/

Army Directive 2024-04 (Reimbursement of Qualifying Spouse Relicensing Costs and Business Costs):
https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1029029

ALARACT 057-2024 (Army Filing Instructions for Reimbursement of Qualifying Spouse Relicensing Cost and Business Costs):
https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1029472

Reimbursement of Qualifying Spouse Relicensing Costs and Business Costs Frequently Asked Questions:
https://home.army.mil/johnson/application/files/4817/2650/1690/Q_and_A_Reimbursement_of_Qualifying_Spouse_Relicensing_Costs_and_Business_Costs.pdf