Skip to main content
HonestMOS
InvestigationsHow EUCOM shelved a tax break for 9,000 troops in Poland — for five years.
Physical Therapy · CA

Can a Physical Therapist transfer a license to California as a military spouse?

Data as of May 2026|Source: Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact) commission + DOJ Servicemembers Initiative
Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards
⚠ VAEIA federal backstop

Not through the compact — California is not currently a Physical Therapy compact member. A military-spouse Physical Therapist relies on VAEIA 2022 / 50 U.S.C. § 4025a, which requires California to recognize a valid out-of-state license upon relocation for military orders.

Your physical therapy licensing board in California

Physical Therapy Board of California
www.ptbc.ca.gov916-561-8200
California military-spouse provision

Under Business and Professions Code section 115.5, the Board expedites the licensure process and waives the application and initial license fee for a spouse or domestic partner of an active-duty Armed Forces member stationed in California who holds a current PT or PTA license in another US jurisdiction.

Official source ↗

About the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact)

For licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. Compact privilege allows you to practice in any other compact state for as long as your home license is valid.

Official compact site ↗

All Physical Therapy member states

34 jurisdictions. Tap any to check that destination for this profession.

AZARCODEFLGAIAKSKYLAMEMDMSMOMTNENHNJNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
All compacts for CaliforniaPhysical Therapy portability — all states →License portability checker →MyCAA: $4,000 for relicensing →
Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards