Introduction
2011 Wisconsin Act 210, Section 10, allows for reciprocal credentials for the spouses of service members whose duty stations (while on active duty) are assigned to Wisconsin.
The licensing agency or credentialing board within the agency shall grant a reciprocal credential to an individual who the agency or the credentialing board determines meets all of the following requirements:
- The individual applies for a reciprocal credential on a form prescribed by the licensing agency or credentialing board.
- The individual is the spouse of a service member, and the spouse and service member temporarily reside in Wisconsin as a result of the service member's service in the U.S. armed forces, a Reserve unit of the U.S. armed forces, or the National Guard of any state.
- The individual holds a license, certification, registration, or permit that was granted by a governmental authority in a jurisdiction outside this state that qualifies the individual to perform the acts authorized under the appropriate credential granted by the licensing agency or credentialing board.
- The individual pays any required fees.
- The individual meets any requirements established by the licensing agency or credentialing board by rule.
A reciprocal credential granted under this law expires 180 days after the date the licensing agency or credentialing board issues the reciprocal credential unless, upon application by the holder of the reciprocal credential, the licensing agency or credentialing board extends the reciprocal credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Define "service member."
A: "Service member" means a member of the U.S. armed forces, a member of a reserve unit of the U.S. armed forces, a member of the state defense force, or a member of a national guard unit of any state who is a resident of Wisconsin.
Q: Is Wisconsin residency required?
A: No.
Q: How do I receive reciprocity?
A: The spouse of the service member completes the application process with the licensing agency or credentialing board and requests this reciprocity and shows proof of spouse’s active duty status and station in Wisconsin (generally by providing a copy of the spouse’s orders).
Q: Can the spouse live outside of Wisconsin while the service member is on active duty in Wisconsin?
A: No, the spouse and the service member must live in Wisconsin while the service member is on active duty in Wisconsin.
Q: Are any fees waived when requesting reciprocity?
A: No, the spouse still has to pay any required fees to be granted reciprocity and receive the credential, and pay any examination fees if required by the licensing agency or credentialing board.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: Contact WDVA's Veterans Benefits Resource Center by email, phone 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387), or via our live web chat