- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
- Division of Occupational Licensure
It’s Military Appreciation Month, which is a great time to highlight the Division of Occupational Licensure’s (DOL) benefits that support active duty and reserve members of the military, relocated military spouses, and veterans.
“This month and all-year long, we support and appreciate those who serve our country,” said Commissioner of Occupational Licensure Sarah Wilkinson. “We hope more service members and their spouses will take advantage of our licensing benefits.”
Pursuant to the Veterans’ Access, Livelihood, Opportunity and Resources Act (VALOR Act) DOL’s professional licensing boards offer benefits to qualified individuals, including:
- accepting completed and relevant education, training, and service as a member of the armed forces or the military reserves toward licensure requirements
- keeping a DOL license current and valid for those on active duty and for 90 days after they are released
- freezing applicable license renewal fees for active-duty military
- expediting the Massachusetts licensure process for active-duty service members and military spouses who are licensed in other states but relocated to the Commonwealth due to a military transfer
In addition, under VALOR Act II, DOL waives the Commonwealth’s portion of the initial licensure fee for veterans and individuals who qualify for benefits.
Regarding military spouse license portability, under the 2022 SPEED Act, DOL accepts a relocated military spouse's application for licensure, or provides notification of criteria not met within 30 days of the application. DOL makes every effort to accept prior education, training and experience within the limitations of the board statutory requirements.
“These benefits are meant to help service members transition back to civilian life, and military spouses, by offering a variety of career pathways — from the trades to real estate to public accountancy and more,” said Wilkinson.
Active duty and reserve members of the military, veterans, and relocated military spouses interested in DOL’s licensing benefits can learn more at mass.gov or contact DOL’s Valor Act Liaison, an attorney who is a reservist with the Army JAG, at DOLValoract@mass.gov.
