Louisiana EMT, AEMT & Paramedic License Renewal Requirements
Louisiana EMS licenses are regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS). Louisiana requires both NREMT certification AND a state license for all EMS levels except EMR. The EMS Compact is also available for cross-state practice.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Louisiana DOH, Bureau of EMS |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2–3 years (based on when license was issued) |
| NREMT Required | Yes — required for EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic (initial and renewal) |
| EMS Compact Member | Yes |
| Online System | BEMS Information Management System (IMS) |
Key Requirement: Dual Certification
Louisiana requires both NREMT certification and a state license at each level (except EMR). You must maintain both independently. Your NREMT certification alone is not sufficient to practice in Louisiana.
Continuing Education Requirements
Since NREMT certification is required for renewal, you must complete the full NREMT NCCP CE hours:
| Level | Total CE Hours (NREMT NCCP) |
|---|---|
| EMR | 16 hours (NREMT optional for EMR) |
| EMT | 40 hours |
| AEMT | 50 hours |
| Paramedic | 60 hours |
License Expiration Schedule
Expiration dates are determined by when you completed the license process:
- Licensed January 1 – June 30: Expires March 31, two years later
- Licensed July 1 – December 31: Expires March 31, three years later
- EMR licenses: Expire September 30 every two years
Your state license expiration does NOT automatically match your NREMT expiration.
Louisiana-Specific Notes
- EMS Compact member. Louisiana participates in the EMS Compact for cross-state practice privileges.
- Criminal background check required for all initial EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic applications through IdentoGo/Idemia.
- BEMS does not offer license extensions. You must renew before your expiration date.
- Discounted fees for public employees. If employed by the State, a municipal fire department, fire protection district, volunteer fire department, or municipal law enforcement agency (and not performing EMS outside that entity for compensation), your EMT license fee is $15 and renewal is $10.
- No automatic NREMT-to-state alignment. Your state license and NREMT may have different expiration dates.
- CAPCE-accredited courses accepted for NREMT NCCP CE.
- Must maintain compliance with license requirements throughout the license period or face discipline.
How to Renew
- Renew your NREMT certification first (complete all NCCP CE hours)
- Log in to the BEMS Information Management System (IMS)
- Submit the appropriate renewal application for your level
- Provide proof of current NREMT certification
- Pay the renewal fee
Contact Information
Louisiana DOH — Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
- Website: ldh.la.gov/bureau-of-emergency-medical-services
- Phone: (225) 925-4022
- Address: 628 N. 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Louisiana Bureau of EMS before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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