The State of Wisconsin is committed to supporting service members, veterans, and their spouses in obtaining and maintaining professional or occupational licenses. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) provides resources to help veterans transition their military experience into civilian careers by assisting with licensing fee waivers, military training equivalency, reciprocity, and renewals.
Programs & Benefits
1. Licensure Fee Waiver Program
- One-time initial license fee waiver for qualified veterans.
- Not applicable for license renewals.
- Covers licenses issued by 13 state agencies.
Eligibility:
- Must be a Wisconsin resident.
- Must be a veteran or current/former member of the National Guard or Reserves with an honorable discharge.
- Must be applying for an initial professional or occupational license (not a renewal).
How to Apply:
- Apply for eligibility at MyWisVets.com (preferred) or submit WDVA Form 2230 by mail.
- Receive an eligibility code from WDVA.
- Redeem the eligibility code with the appropriate state licensing agency.
2. Military Training Equivalency
Veterans can apply their military training and experience toward fulfilling professional licensing requirements. This program helps veterans avoid repeating equivalent training and accelerates their transition into civilian careers.
Examples of Applicable Licenses:
- Emergency medical services (First Responder, Nurse Aide)
- Health care provider licenses (hospital, nursing home, home health agency)
- Childcare providers
- Food safety and sanitation
- Lead hazard reduction specialists
- Well drillers, waste disposal operators, and more
How to Apply:
- Submit documentation of military training and experience to the relevant credentialing board. The licensing agency will evaluate whether military training is substantially equivalent to civilian requirements.
3. Licensure Reciprocity for Military Spouses
Spouses of active-duty service members assigned to Wisconsin may be eligible for reciprocal licensing in their profession.
Eligibility:
- Must hold a valid professional license from another state.
- Must be married to an active-duty service member stationed in Wisconsin.
How to Apply:
- Apply through the Wisconsin licensing agency overseeing your profession.
4. License Renewal for Service Members & Spouses
Wisconsin law provides license renewals for:
- Service members on active duty whose license expires during service.
- Spouses of service members who stop practicing due to active-duty relocation.
Key Benefits:
- License remains valid during active duty.
- Extension lasts 180 days after discharge from active duty.
- Renewal fee waived if requested within the extension period.
- Exemptions for continuing education requirements in cases of undue hardship.
The licensing agency or credentialing board shall assist any service member or spouse of a service member who needs assistance to renew or extend a license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use my fee waiver if my license application is denied?
A: No, once the waiver is used, it cannot be reused even if the application is denied.
Q: What qualifies as a “Wisconsin resident” for this program?
A: You must be registered to vote in Wisconsin and have a Wisconsin domicile at the time of application.
Q: Can my military spouse retain their license while living out-of-state?
A: Yes, as long as Wisconsin residency is maintained and the spouse does not practice under the license while the service member is on active duty.
Q: How do I determine if my military training counts toward a license?
A: Contact the relevant Wisconsin licensing agency for an evaluation of your military training equivalency
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