Expedited Licensure for Honorably Discharged Members of the United States Armed Forces

Each Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licensing program is required to expedite the licensure/registration process for an applicant that served as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States and was honorably discharged.

For an applicant’s license/registration to be expedited, the applicant must:

• Supply evidence that they were an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who was honorably discharged.

Please note that this does not mean a license/registration must be issued, but simply requires the process to be accelerated. (Business and Professions Code section 115.4)

If you have questions or need further information please contact your Licensing Board or Bureau. Please include the License Type, such as Registered Nurse, Security Guard, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Dental Assistant, etc. and your License Number (if applicable) to assist staff with your inquiry.

If you are inquiring on behalf of a relative, please include the relative’s License Type and License Number (if applicable). Please note that staff may only be able to release limited licensee information to a relative.

Expedited Licensure and Initial Fee Waiver for Spouses or Domestic Partners of Active-Duty Military Personnel

Each DCA licensing board and bureau is required to expedite the licensure/registration process for spouses and domestic partners of those on active duty in the Armed Forces. Beginning July 1, 2022, each board and bureau must also waive the initial application and license fee for military spouses. Please note: Not all fees collected by DCA boards and bureaus or required for licensure are waived for military spouses. Please contact the specific board or bureau for more information about which fees may be waived.

For an applicant’s license/registration to be expedited, the applicant must:

• Supply evidence that they are married to, or in a domestic partnership or other legal union with, an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is assigned to a duty station in California under official orders, and;
• Hold a current license/registration in another state, district or territory of the United States in the profession or vocation for which the applicant is seeking a license/registration.

Failure to provide the required documentation may result in application processing delays.

Please note that expediting the application review process does not mean a license/registration must be issued, but simply requires the process to be accelerated for spouses and domestic partners of active duty military personnel. (Business and Professions Code section 115.5)

If you have questions or need further information please contact your Licensing Board or Bureau. Please include the License Type, such as Registered Nurse, Security Guard, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Dental Assistant, etc. and your License Number (if applicable) to assist staff with your inquiry.

Expedited Licensure Application Processing for Service Members Enrolled in Skillbridge

Beginning July 1, 2024, boards and bureaus under the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) must expedite licensure application processing for service members currently enrolled in the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program.

Service members seeking licensure in California who qualify must provide documentation of enrollment, such as an official letter from the commanding officer. Failure to provide proper documentation could result in application processing delays. Applicants must still meet all board or bureau licensing requirements. For questions or assistance regarding licensing requirements, please contact the relevant licensing entity.