Career portability can be a challenge for a professional military spouse.

Complicated state licensing requirements and lack of license portability impose significant administrative and financial burdens on military spouse professionals who move across states lines.

With the help of the Department of Defense (DoD) State Liaison Office and support from the Joining Forces Initiative, states are taking action to ease this problem.

Nearly all 50 states have passed legislation or an executive order to better support military spouses in professions with state license and certification requirements. Many states are now expediting licensure for certain professions through endorsement and temporary or provisional licensing. (Professions covered by such legislation vary from state to state).

Here are some tips for a smooth professional transition:

• Research to see whether your state has legislation for military spouse license portability.
• Use CareerOneStop’s ,” State Licensure Directory” to research your state’s rules and regulations and identify the requirements, contact information and next steps for your current or future occupation.
• Visit the Military One Source Spouse and Education & Career Opportunities (SECO) website, which lists popular occupations and contact information for licensing boards.