Military Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions.
- General
Q: Where can I find information about practicing in Colorado as a real estate broker, emergency medical services (EMS) provider, teacher/educator, or attorney?
A: For real estate broker licensing, contact the Colorado Division of Real Estate. For EMS provider certification, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. For educator licensure, contact the Colorado Department of Education. For attorney registration, contact the Office of Attorney Registration Counsel.
Q: Where can I find information on starting my own business in Colorado?
A: MyBizColorado is the fastest way to register and manage a business. This is the official filing tool for the State of Colorado.
- For Military Service Members and Veterans
Q: I was trained or served in the military in a particular profession. How do I obtain licensure or certification?
A: For professions regulated by the Division of Professions and Occupations, see how your military education, service, and training may apply towards the minimum requirements for licensure or certification. You can view the list of professions and occupations regulated by the Division on this website. If you hold a license or certification from another US jurisdiction in the profession, you may be eligible for a Colorado license through endorsement. Review the Board or Program page on the Division’s website for details.
Q: I am an active duty service member, do I need to obtain licensure in Colorado?
A: It depends. If you are only practicing as part of your official military duties at a military facility, then you typically do not need to obtain a Colorado license. If you wish to practice outside of your official duties (e.g., “moonlighting”), then you would typically need to obtain a Colorado license (unless you already have authority to practice in Colorado, such as through a multi-state licensure compact). You may contact the Division at dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us regarding your particular situation.
Q: When applying for licensure, certification, or registration, am I required to pay any fees?
A: Yes, applicants - including service members and veterans - must pay the required application fees.
Q: Are there any special programs for a service member or veteran who currently has, or previously had, a Colorado license, certification, or registration?
A: Yes. For licenses issued by the Division of Professions and Occupations, certain active duty personnel may be considered for a waiver of your renewal fees and/or a waiver of any continuing education or professional competency requirements. Additionally, the Division has implemented Colorado legislation to establish reinstatement for a military member’s expired license in certain circumstances. You can view the list of professions and occupations regulated by the Division on this website.
Q: Where can I get information on tuition reimbursement for members of the Colorado National Guard?
A: The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has a state tuition reimbursement program. Find out more about Tuition Assistance.
Q: Where can I get career guidance or assistance finding employment?
A: Veteran Employment Specialists at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment can assist you.
- For Military Spouses
Q: If I have a license in another state, do I need to obtain licensure in Colorado?
A: Yes, unless you already have authority to practice in Colorado, such as through a multi-state licensure compact. You may contact the Division at dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us regarding your particular situation.
Q: Are there any special licenses available to military spouses?
A: Yes, the Division of Professions and Occupations offers a renewable, six-year military spouse licenses to spouses of active duty service members stationed in Colorado who have a license from another US jurisdiction and meet other requirements. You can view the list of professions and occupations regulated by the Division on this website.
Q: Does a military spouse license have any practice restrictions, compared to a regular, full Colorado license?
A: No, both types of licenses (military spouse licenses and regular Colorado licenses) allow practice in Colorado without restrictions, pursuant to the relevant state laws and rules/regulations.
Q: How do I apply for a military spouse license?
A: To apply for a military spouse license:
- Create an account on the Division’s online licensing platform and login.
- Once you login, click "Apply for a New License."
- Next, expand the relevant professional area (e.g., “Dental Applications” for dentists and dental hygienists).
- Then select "start" next to the "Military Spouse" application for the specific profession for which you wish to apply (e.g., Military Spouse - Cosmetologist or Military Spouse - Dentist).
At this point, you will be taken to the beginning of the online application where you will answer questions about yourself and provide documentation of your out-of-state license, your spouse’s military orders for Colorado, and your military identification.
Q: When applying for licensure, certification, or registration, am I required to pay any fees?
A: If you are applying for a military spouse license, there are no fees. If you are applying for any other type of license, you must pay the required application fee.
Q: Who is eligible for a military spouse license? Are spouses of veterans or military reserve members eligible?
A: Spouses of active duty service members who are stationed in Colorado in accordance with military orders, and who hold an active license in good standing to practice a profession from another US state or territory, are generally eligible for military spouse licenses. Pursuant to state law, spouses of veterans and spouses of service members who are not on active duty (e.g., members of the military reserves who are not on active duty) are not eligible for military spouse licenses.
Q: Can I apply for a military spouse license in advance of physically relocating to Colorado or before the date of the military transfer?
A: Yes. Upon receiving orders of an expected future transfer to Colorado - but before the transfer date and/or before the military spouse or service member arrives in Colorado - a military spouse may apply for, and may be issued, a military spouse license. The military spouse must be able to provide official military orders showing an expected transfer of the service member spouse to Colorado. Military spouse licenses are valid for three years from the date of issuance.
Q: Once I submit my application for a military spouse license, how long will it take until I am issued a license?
A: It depends. The Division will expedite review of military spouse license applications. The time it takes for review and approval will depend on various factors, such as the level of complexity of the review required. You may not practice in Colorado until a license is issued.
Q: Am I required to maintain my out-of-state license once I obtain the military spouse license?
A: We recommend - but do not require - that you maintain at least one regular, full license to practice your profession after you are issued a Colorado military spouse license. This would help you obtain licensure in another state should you be transferred out of Colorado, and/or would help you obtain a regular, full Colorado license should you wish to practice in Colorado beyond the three years allowed by the military spouse license.
Q: I am a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) - do I need to obtain a Colorado license to practice in Colorado? If so, am I eligible for the military spouse license?
A: It depends on the type of license you hold (single-state or multi-state compact) and where your primary state of residence (PSOR) is located. You may contact the Division at dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us regarding your particular situation.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact Stephanie Bray at stephanie.bray@state.co.us