RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 License on the Way
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 0425-14234R1
DO 10.3368/jhr.0425-14234R1
A1 Bae, Kihwan
YR 2026
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2026/03/04/jhr.0425-14234R1.abstract
AB Occupational licenses are not easily portable across states or national borders, creating labor market frictions for migrant workers. This study examines whether expedited licensing programs reduce these frictions for military spouses, a group of tied migrants who frequently relocate across states. I find that following the programs, the employment rate significantly increased among military spouses who recently moved across states. Consequently, military spouses in licensed occupations earned more from work and received less unemployment compensation in the year of migration. These findings highlight expedited licensure as an effective policy tool for reducing occupational licensing barriers associated with interstate migration.