Uniformed Services PCS Assistance
About Permanent Change of Station Assistance
If you are preparing for an upcoming Military PCS (Permanent Change of Station), getting a license in your new state is easier thanks to a 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SRCA) and the AAVSB’s PCS Assistance service.
In short, the AAVSB will help gather and transfer your national exam score and professional record to your new state at no cost to you. Please read the information below to confirm you qualify.
Active-Duty Service Members: As of 12.23.2024, Title 10 U.S. Code § 1060c now allows veterinary professionals in the armed forces* to practice anywhere in the United States as long as they maintain one license in good standing.
*Important: Review the statute here to confirm your eligibility. The code specifically uses the term “armed forces.” Members of United States Public Health Service (USPHS) should verify licensure requirements with their command and the local jurisdiction.
Madeline Zurowsky, DVM CVBL
Campus & Industry Partnerships Veterinarian, Alliance Animal HealthEligibility
To be covered under the license portability provisions of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, you must be:
- An active-duty service member of the US Military, US Coast Guard, US Public Health Service, or their spouse
- Relocating due to PCS orders
- Applying for licensure in the state listed on the orders – You may request a paid VAULT service to other states not listed on your orders. Only the Premium transfer to the state on your orders will be covered by the AAVSB.
Application Requirements
To submit your VAULT PCS Assistance application, you will be required to:
- Upload redacted active-duty orders showing the PCS destination and your name (or spouse’s name) listed on the orders.
- Upload a copy of your marriage certificate if you are the spouse of a service member.
- This information will be included in the VAULT Premium packet provided to the licensing board on your behalf.
Process Overview
- Submit using the button below
- VAULT staff will contact you if we have any questions or need additional information.
- Your application will be processed and sent to the licensing board within 25-35 business days.
- You will also need to submit a licensure application with the jurisdiction’s regulatory board.
- Use the AAVSB’s Regulatory Board Look-Up to find contact information, license requirements, and more for each jurisdiction.
Helpful Tip: Many jurisdictions offer simplified or free licensure applications for service members and their spouses. Be sure to contact the board directly for more information.
Additional Information and Resources
- Portability of Professional Licenses and Certificates for Servicemembers and Their Spouses (Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative)
- Relocating? What to Know About the Federal License Portability Provision (Military OneSource)
- Spouse licensure and business costs reimbursement policies (Military OneSource)