EMT license reciprocity by state

Reciprocal states: Alabama recognizes NREMT certification. Out-of-state applicants must be Nationally Registered, complete an Alabama protocols course, and undergo a criminal history check.

Reciprocal states: Alaska offers reciprocity to EMT-1 level for out-of-state applicants with current National Registry EMT certification and evidence of completing additional training as outlined in the Alaska Scope of Practice.

Reciprocal states: Arizona does not have reciprocal agreements with any other states. Applicants must have a current and valid National Registry certification and an Arizona address.

Reciprocal states: Arkansas has a reciprocity process for EMTs who hold a current and valid NREMT certification and an occupational license with a similar scope of practice from another state, territory, or district of the United States. Uniformed service members, veterans, and their spouses may be eligible for automatic licensure.

Reciprocal states: California recognizes NREMT certification and out-of-state EMS licenses. Applicants must submit proof of current, valid out-of-state EMS license and NREMT certification, complete a California EMS application, undergo a background check, and meet any local LEMSA requirements.

Reciprocal states: Colorado does not have a reciprocity process for EMS providers. All first-time applicants must be registered with the NREMT at their intended level of practice. However, as a member of the EMS Compact, Colorado grants a privilege to practice for EMS providers in other member states who meet specific criteria.

Reciprocal states: Connecticut grants reciprocity to EMTs certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or by a state/territory with equivalent or higher certification requirements. This includes states like Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Applicants from non-NREMT states or those not meeting equivalent requirements must be licensed by examination.

Reciprocal states: Individuals from other states who are NREMT certified can apply for reciprocity. Requires a Delaware State Fire School Reciprocity Class, a state and federal background check, and an application fee.

Reciprocal states: District of Columbia is a Non-Compact State, meaning it does not participate in the EMS Compact. Reciprocity is handled on an individual basis.

Reciprocal states: Florida does not have state-to-state reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must submit proof of current NREMT certification.

Reciprocal states: Georgia does not have a reciprocity process. However, applicants with a current NREMT registration can apply for a Georgia license by submitting an online application and required documents. Georgia is a compact state, allowing EMS personnel licensed in other compact member states a Privilege to Practice.

Reciprocal states: Hawaii does not have reciprocity with other states or the NREMT. All applicants, including those with out-of-state certifications, must meet Hawaii's specific requirements.

Reciprocal states: Idaho is an EMS Compact (REPLICA) member state, allowing cross-state EMS practice for eligible providers. Out-of-state EMTs can also apply for reciprocity if they hold a current NREMT certification or a current EMS license from another state at or above the level they are seeking, and meet Idaho's other requirements, including an Idaho-specific Landing Zone Officer course and Extrication Awareness course if their initial training wasn't based on 2011 Idaho EMS Curriculum/National Education Standards.

Reciprocal states: Illinois offers reciprocity for EMTs licensed in other states, territories, or jurisdictions of the United States, or those certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Applicants must provide proof of current licensure/certification, completion of an approved education program, a letter of recommendation from their EMS Medical Director, and current CPR for Healthcare Providers certification. Immediate reciprocity may be granted to NREMT-certified personnel, allowing them to operate under provisional system status until an Illinois license is issued.

Reciprocal states: Indiana offers reciprocity for EMTs certified in other states or by the NREMT. Applicants from EMS Compact states or those actively affiliated in another state within the past 180 days may have written and practical exam requirements waived. Military training (68Whiskey course) is accepted as equivalent to classroom training, but testing is still required if no NREMT certification. All reciprocity applicants must complete a criminal background check.

Reciprocal states: Iowa accepts NREMT certified EMS from another state for reciprocity and certification. Common requirements include a current and valid NREMT certification or state certification, meeting Iowa's training requirements, documentation of course completion, and a background check. Iowa is not currently a member of the EMS Compact (REPLICA).

Reciprocal states: Kansas is an EMS Compact member state. Applicants certified in another state must undergo a criminal history records check and complete the "Recognition of Non-Kansas Credentials" application. NREMT certification is required for reciprocity.

Reciprocal states: Kentucky accepts reciprocity from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia, or with NREMT certification, or for members/veterans of the United States Armed Forces who transitioned within the past six years.

Reciprocal states: Louisiana does not have a reciprocity agreement with any states. However, individuals with a current, unrestricted NREMT license can apply for a Louisiana license with the same expiration date as their NREMT certification. Verification of current license status in other states will be reviewed.

Reciprocal states: Maine offers reciprocity for individuals with a valid EMS license or certification from another state or territory, provided they meet all initial Maine licensure requirements. This includes submitting a State EMS Verification Form from each state where a license/certification is held or has been held.

Reciprocal states: Maryland offers reciprocity to EMTs with current EMS credentials based on the National Standard Scope of Practice from another state or National Registry (NREMT) registration. Applicants must complete a reciprocity application, provide evidence of current out-of-state certification or NREMT registration, affiliate with a Maryland EMS operational program, and complete a minimum of a six-hour Maryland Emergency Medical Responder Skills Refresher Course or a 12-hour Maryland EMT Skills Refresher Course depending on the level of certification.

Reciprocal states: Massachusetts offers reciprocity to EMTs who hold a current NREMT certification and a valid out-of-state EMT certification. A State Verification Form is required if you have held EMT certification/licensure in any other state.

Reciprocal states: Michigan offers reciprocity. Applicants must have a passing score on both National Registry exams (cognitive and psychomotor) at the level for which they are applying, complete an out-of-state verification form, and submit a Michigan Initial Licensure Application. An abbreviated Michigan course may be required if the state in which the applicant is licensed does not verify training for certain education categories. The reciprocity fee is $175.00.

Reciprocal states: Minnesota allows individuals with a current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification from another jurisdiction to apply for state certification. The state certification will be for the duration of the applicant's certification period in the other jurisdiction, not to exceed two years.

Reciprocal states: Mississippi requires a copy of your NREMT certification, a completed application, a reciprocity agreement from your home state, and an original, signed jurisdictional medical control agreement. The Mississippi OEMSACS maintains the right to refuse reciprocity if the submitted curriculum does not meet state guidelines.

Reciprocal states: Missouri only accepts current NREMT certification for initial licensure for those licensed in other states. EMS licenses from other states cannot be directly transferred.

Reciprocal states: Montana offers reciprocity, but applicants are generally recommended to be NREMT certified. The Board of Medical Examiners evaluates out-of-state licenses on a case-by-case basis and may require further examinations if NREMT certification is not held.

Reciprocal states: Nebraska is a compact state and generally requires NREMT certification for reciprocity. Applicants must also establish residency in Nebraska and meet other statutory requirements.

Reciprocal states: Nevada has a reciprocal process with all 50 states and the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT). Applicants must meet residency requirements (current resident, will be a resident within 6 months, or resident of another state employed by a permitted service in Nevada, or attending an approved training course in Nevada). If currently certified in another state without NREMT certification, the NREMT cognitive exam is required. If NREMT certified, verification of good standing is sufficient. Clark County has its own reciprocity process for those with Nevada licensure or NREMT certification.

Reciprocal states: New Hampshire does not offer reciprocity for EMS licenses. Applicants licensed in other states must meet the initial New Hampshire licensing requirements, including NREMT certification, NH Scope of Practice Modules, and NH Protocol Program/Exam.

Reciprocal states: New Jersey grants reciprocity to out-of-state EMTs. Those certified as EMTs (2009 National Educational Standards) from any state/US territory or NREMT can obtain NJ certification without a refresher course or state written exam, but must complete a verification process. Those certified as EMT-Basic (1994 DOT National Standard Curriculum) must complete a New Jersey State approved refresher program and pass the New Jersey EMT Written Certification Examination. Applicants must create accounts with NREMT and NJEMS.US, complete an online reciprocity application, and mail supplemental forms including license verification and copies of CPR and EMT credentials. Verification letters are valid for one year. Out-of-state certifications must remain current throughout the reciprocity process. New Jersey does not accept reciprocity for Paramedic licensure if the applicant has no prior clinical experience as a Paramedic AND the educational program's didactic instruction was delivered through distance learning and/or an asynchronous format.

Reciprocal states: New Mexico offers reciprocity for individuals currently licensed or certified in another state. Requirements include submitting an application, current state certification/licensure, current CPR certification, a background check, and successfully completing a New Mexico EMS Bureau-approved 16-hour transition course and a New Mexico reciprocity written examination within three attempts. A temporary license may be granted for up to six months during the reciprocity process.

Reciprocal states: Reciprocity is available for individuals holding current certification from one of the fifty (50) states, the District of Columbia, the military, and/or from the National Registry of EMT's (NREMT).

Reciprocal states: North Carolina offers reciprocity to individuals holding an active and valid EMS license/certification from another state or a National Registry certification, provided they reside in NC or are affiliated with an NC EMS agency. Expired or provisional credentials are not accepted.

Reciprocal states: North Dakota recognizes NREMT certification for reciprocity. Applicants must submit an application and may require a background check. North Dakota is also a member of the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA).

Reciprocal states: Ohio grants reciprocity to EMTs certified in other states or through the U.S. military if their training is substantially similar to Ohio's curriculum and certification standards. A $75 application fee is required for EMS provider reciprocity applications, but this fee is waived for current military personnel or veterans. Applicants may need to complete additional coursework if their training is not substantially similar.

Reciprocal states: Oklahoma accepts NREMT certification for reciprocity. Additionally, Oklahoma is an EMS Compact state, allowing licensed individuals from other compact states to practice without an Oklahoma-specific license.

Reciprocal states: Oregon may grant a license to an EMS provider through reciprocity for those currently licensed in another state who also hold a current National Registry certification. Applicants must submit a completed electronic application, applicable nonrefundable fee, documentation of EMS provider training that meets or exceeds Oregon requirements, and consent to a criminal records check. If licensed in another state, the applicant must be in good standing with that state's licensing agency and with the National Registry.

Reciprocal states: Pennsylvania allows certification by endorsement for individuals holding current certification in another state or through the NREMT. Requirements include current CPR, NREMT and/or state EMT certification, an EMS Affiliation Form, and state background checks for all states of residence and where EMS certification is held. Reciprocity is handled by individual EMS regions.

Reciprocal states: Rhode Island allows reciprocal certification if you possess NREMT certification. Common reciprocity requirements include a current and valid NREMT or state certification, current state training meeting Rhode Island's requirements, documentation of course completion, and a background check. Some states may require an additional practical exam.

Reciprocal states: South Carolina offers reciprocity for EMTs currently certified in another U.S. state or through the National Registry. Those not Nationally Registered may receive Provisional Certification valid for up to one year, during which they must obtain NREMT certification.

Reciprocal states: South Dakota participates in the EMS Compact, allowing eligible EMTs licensed in other compact states to practice. For non-compact states, reciprocity may be granted upon completion of a department-approved application, including a current NREMT EMT certification card and current CPR certification. Proof of successfully completing the NREMT EMT examination at least once is required.

Reciprocal states: Tennessee offers reciprocity to EMTs who hold a current license in another state and a current or past National Registry certification, or those who received training while employed by a federal agency and hold a current National Registry certification. A criminal background check is required, and applicants must submit all required documentation and fees electronically through lars.tn.gov. Additional training or examinations may be required.

Reciprocal states: Texas offers reciprocity for EMTs with a current out-of-state or National Registry certification. An online reciprocity application and fee are required. If only state-certified, a Texas Assessment Exam through the National Registry and a State of Texas Jurisprudence CE course with exam are also necessary. Military members, veterans, and military spouses with military training and current NREMT certification must also use the reciprocity process.

Reciprocal states: Utah recognizes EMT licenses or certifications from other states and National Registry certification for reciprocity. Applicants must meet other Utah certification criteria and complete a reciprocity application, which includes an application fee and fingerprint/background check fee. Utah is a REPLICA/EMS Compact State.

Reciprocal states: Based on National Registry certification, which can help gain reciprocal licensure in many states.

Reciprocal states: Virginia recognizes current National Registry certifications for reciprocity from any state or U.S. territory. Providers with current EMS certifications from other states can apply for 'Legal Recognition', which is valid for a maximum of one calendar year or the time left on their current certification, whichever is shorter. No initial test is required for Legal Recognition, but recertification requires completing Virginia CE criteria and passing both Virginia practical and NREMT cognitive exams.

Reciprocal states: Washington offers reciprocity for EMTs certified in other states or by a national organization, provided they meet Washington's requirements, including agency affiliation. King County has specific reciprocity requirements, only allowing EMT-B reciprocity.

Reciprocal states: West Virginia offers reciprocity to applicants who hold a current National Registry certification or a valid state certification from another US state or territory with at least 120 days remaining on their current certification. Applicants must meet West Virginia's age, background check, and educational requirements, and complete an online application with associated fees. They may need to complete additional West Virginia-specific education modules and exams.

Reciprocal states: Wisconsin grants reciprocity to EMS personnel licensed or trained in other states, provided they have current National Registry certification. Applicants without current NREMT certification will need to pass the NREMT assessment examination. A completed Verification of Licensure form from every state where the applicant has held an EMS license or certification is required, along with proof of a current license/certificate from another state at or above the level for which they are applying. A Weapons of Mass Destruction course completion certificate (within six months of reciprocity license application) is also required.

Reciprocal states: Wyoming does not have reciprocity with other states or the National Registry. Applicants with out-of-state licensure or NREMT certification can apply for licensure by submitting documentation of substantially equivalent course completion, a background check, and potentially passing the Wyoming Certification Exam. A 90-day conditional license may be available while the background check is processed.