22 Tex. Admin. Code § 535.58 – License for Military Service Members, Veterans, or Military Spouses

(a) Definitions.
1. (1) "Good standing" has the meaning assigned by §55.0042, Occupations Code.
2. (2) "Military service member" has the meaning assigned by §55.001(4), Occupations Code.
3. (3) "Military spouse" has the meaning assigned by §55.001(5), Occupations Code.
4. (4) "Military veteran" has the meaning assigned by §55.001(6), Occupations Code.
(b) Except as otherwise provide by this section:
1. (1) a person applying for a sales agent or broker license under this chapter must comply with all requirements of §535.51 of this chapter (relating to General Requirements for a Real Estate License);
2. (2) a person applying for an inspector license under this chapter must comply with all requirements of §535.208 of this chapter (relating to Application for a License); and
3. (3) a person applying for a certificate of registration under this chapter must comply with all requirements of §535.400 of this chapter (relating to Registration of Easement or Right-of-Way Agents).
(c) License or certificate issuance.
1. (1) The Commission shall process a license or certificate for an applicant who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse on an expedited basis.
2. (2) The Commission shall issue a certificate or license not later than the 10th business day after receipt of an application by an applicant who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse and:
  1. (A) holds a current certificate or license issued by a state other than Texas that is similar in scope of practice to the certificate or license issued in Texas and is in good standing with that state's licensing authority; or
  2. (B) held a license or certificate in Texas within the five years preceding the date the application is filed with the Commission.
(d) The Commission shall waive application and examination fees for an applicant who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse.
(e) Credit for military service.
1. (1) For an applicant who is a military service member or military veteran, the Commission shall credit any verifiable military service, training, or education obtained by an applicant that is relevant to a license toward the requirements of a license.
2. (2) This subsection does not apply to an applicant who holds a restricted license issued by another jurisdiction.
(f) Alternate methods of competency. The Commission may accept alternative methods for demonstrating an applicant's competency in the place of passing the specific licensing examination, or completing education and/or experience required to obtain a particular license. Based on the applicant's circumstances and the requirements of a particular license, the Commission may consider any combination of the following as alternative methods of demonstrating competency:
1. (1) education;
2. (2) continuing education;
3. (3) examinations (written and/or practical);
4. (4) letters of good standing;
5. (5) letters of recommendation;
6. (6) work experience; or
7. (7) other methods required by the Executive Director.
(g) Limited reciprocity for military service members and military spouses.
1. (1) A person who is a military service member or military spouse who holds a current certificate or license issued by a state other than Texas that is similar in scope of practice to the certificate or license issued in Texas and is in good standing with that state's licensing authority who wants to practice in Texas in accordance with §55.0041, Occupations Code, must submit an application using a process acceptable to the Commission and include:
  1. (A) a copy of the military orders showing relocation to this state;
  2. (B) if the applicant is a military spouse, a copy of the military spouse's marriage license; and
  3. (C) a notarized affidavit affirming under penalty of perjury that:
    1. (i) the applicant is the person described and identified in the application;
    2. (ii) all statements in the application are true, correct, and complete;
    3. (iii) the applicant understands the scope of practice for the applicable license or certificate in this state and will not perform outside of that scope of practice; and
    4. (iv) the applicant is in good standing in each state in which the applicant holds or has held an applicable license.
2. (2) Not later than the 10th business day after the date the Commission receives an application under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission will notify the applicant that:
  1. (A) the Commission recognizes the applicant's out-of-state license;
  2. (B) the application is incomplete; or
  3. (C) the Commission is unable to recognize the applicant's out-of-state license because the Commission does not issue a license similar in scope of practice to the applicant's license.
3. (3) A person may practice under this subsection without meeting the requirements for licensure in Texas only for the period during which the person or person's spouse is stationed at a military installation in this state.
4. (4) A person authorized to practice in this state under this subsection must comply with all other laws and regulations applicable to the license, including any sponsorship requirements.
5. (5) In the event of a divorce or similar event that affects a person's status as a military spouse, the former spouse may continue to practice for three years from the date the spouse submitted the application under this subsection.
6. (6) In determining which states issue licenses similar in scope of practice to those issued by the Commission, the Commission will consider the authorized activities under the applicable license.
(h) The purpose of this section is to establish procedures authorized or required by Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 55, and is not intended to modify or alter rights that may be provided under federal law.

Source Note:The provisions of this §535.58 adopted to be effective December 11, 2019, 44 TexReg 7699; amended to be effective June 11, 2023, 48 TexReg 2948; amended to be effective November 29, 2023, 48 TexReg 6913; amended to be effective November 26, 2025, 50 TexReg 7570.