The Welcome Home Act & Occupational Licensure under the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal 

The Welcome Home Act is designed to make it easier for skilled professionals relocating to Louisiana to continue their careers without unnecessary delays by streamlining the licensure process, recognizing your existing credentials and reducing barriers to entering the workforce. 

The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal is the issuing authority for the following disciplines: 

Manufactured Housing

Licenses issued by the Manufactured Housing Commission and administered by the Manufactured Housing division is now a section of the Office of State Fire Marshal. 

Licenses – 6

• Manufacturer
• Retailer 
• Developer 
• Sales 
• Installer 
• Transporter 

---

Boilers

Licenses – 2

• Permit to Install 
• Inspection  

---

Amusements

Licenses – One license and potential endorsements 

• Third-party inspector 
• Limited Third-party inspector 
• Set-up Inspector 

---

Fireworks

Licenses/Endorsements - One license and potential endorsements 

• Pyrotechnic Operator 
• Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator 
• Class C 

---

---

 

The OSFM or Manufactured Housing Board will review your qualifications to determine eligibility for reciprocal licensing.  

For additional information on application requirements, processing timelines, and necessary forms see Eligibility, Processing Timelines, and Forms. 

---

Eligibility

Eligibility under the Welcome Home Act requires: 

1. The applicant holds a current and valid occupational license or certification in another state in a lawful occupation with a similar scope of practice, as determined by the board in this state. 
2. The applicant has held the occupational license or certification in the other state for at least one year. 
3. The other state required the applicant to pass an examination or to meet education, training, or experience standards. 
4. The other state holds the applicant in good standing. 
5. The applicant does not have a disqualifying criminal record as determined by the board in this state under state law. 
6. The applicant does not have a disciplinary action or investigation pending in another state. If the applicant has a disciplinary action or investigation pending, the board in this state shall not issue or deny an occupational license or certification to the person until the disciplinary action or investigation is resolved or the person otherwise meets the criteria for an occupational license or certification in this state to the satisfaction of the board in this state. 
7. The applicant pays all applicable fees in this state. 
8. The applicant lives in this state and provides proof of residency by submitting any of the following: 
9. A current state-issued identification card. 
10. A state-issued voter registration card. 
11. Documentation of current in-state employment or notarized letter of promise of employment of the applicant or his spouse. If an applicant uses this method to obtain licensure, a board shall require another form of proof of residency listed in this Section six months after licensure is granted. 
12. A current homestead exemption for this state.  

Processing Timelines

The OSFM must notify the applicant in writing of its licensing decision within 60 days of receiving a complete application.  

Forms

• Application
  • Firm
  • Individual
• Background Authorization 
• Attestations 
  • In-State Residency
  • Applicant has held Certification for at least 1 year

---

By taking advantage of the Welcome Home Act, experienced professionals can transition smoothly into Louisiana’s workforce, ensuring high industry standards while addressing the state’s growing demand for skilled tradespeople. The full ACT can be found at Welcome Home Act.