When military orders require a move to a new state, continuing a legal career should not mean navigating unnecessary licensing barriers. Federal law provides protections designed to help servicemembers and their spouses maintain their professional licenses when military service requires relocation.

The Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN) has developed a one-page explainer on the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), as amended December 23, 2024, to help military-connected legal professionals, state bar admissions offices, courts, and other stakeholders understand the federal requirements governing recognition of out-of-state law licenses.

Under 50 U.S.C. § 4025a, qualifying servicemembers and their spouses who relocate pursuant to military orders may apply to have their out-of-state law licenses recognized in their new state. The law establishes eligibility criteria, identifies required documentation, and limits the additional requirements that states may impose on eligible applicants.

The MSJDN explainer summarizes key provisions of the law, including:

• Eligibility and documentation: Who is covered, the documentation required, and the standards applicable to an existing law license.
• Timelines and background checks: What the law provides regarding processing applications and temporary licensure.
• Prohibited requirements: Additional barriers that cannot be imposed on qualifying applicants beyond those authorized by federal law.

Consistent implementation matters. Military-connected attorneys bring valuable experience and skills to the legal profession, yet frequent relocations can disrupt their careers and create avoidable obstacles to continued practice. Understanding and applying federal licensing protections helps support professional continuity while recognizing the demands of military service.

MSJDN invites state bar associations, admissions offices, courts, and other legal stakeholders to review and circulate this resource. MSJDN’s Policy & Advocacy Committee can also assist with applicant checklists and affidavit templates, review of proposed rules, forms, and webpages, training for admissions and front-line staff, and sample rules adopted in other states.

[Download the MSJDN SCRA One-Page Explainer]

For questions or assistance, contact Megan Konzen, Chair of MSJDN’s Policy & Advocacy Committee, at advocacy@msjdn.org.