New Mexico EMT, EMT-I & Paramedic License Renewal Requirements
New Mexico EMS licenses are regulated by the Emergency Medical Systems Bureau (EMSB), under the New Mexico Department of Health. New Mexico has its own state CE requirements with specific category distributions and a 50% live education requirement for some levels.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | NM Department of Health, EMS Bureau |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Deadline | December 31 of renewal year (March 31 for late with fee) |
| NREMT Required | Not required for state renewal |
| Online System | NM EMS Bureau Licensing Portal |
| Background Check | Required for all applicants and current holders |
Continuing Education Requirements
| Level | Total CE Hours | Categories |
|---|---|---|
| EMS First Responder | ~24 hours | Distributed across Medical, Trauma, Operations |
| EMT-Basic | ~36 hours | 12 hrs Medical, 12 hrs Trauma, 6 hrs Operations, 6 hrs elective |
| EMT-Intermediate | ~48 hours | Distributed across required categories |
| Paramedic | 60 hours | Distributed across required categories; 50% must be live education |
CE hours must be distributed across specific categories. Refer to the NM EMS Bureau CE and Renewal Guide for exact breakdown by level.
Additional Requirements
- Current CPR certification (Bureau-approved)
- Current ACLS certification (Paramedic only)
- Medical Director certification of skills for providers performing skills requiring medical direction
- Service director and medical director e-signatures confirming affiliation
New Mexico-Specific Notes
- 50% live education requirement for Paramedics. At least half of CE hours must be from live (not distributive/online) education.
- All applications online only. The EMS Bureau no longer accepts paper applications for any licensing action (initial, renewal, reentry, or reciprocity). CE applications are also online only.
- CE documentation uploaded to portal. Log in to the portal, go to "Education" > "My Report" and add documentation for each category.
- Audit possible. The Bureau may audit CE documentation without prior notification.
- Criminal background check required for all applicants and current license holders (state and nationwide).
- Late renewal: May renew through May 31 of the expiration year with a late fee.
- Teaching credit available for teaching approved EMS courses.
- Article writing credit possible — submit to State EMS Training Coordinator for approval.
- CAPCE-accredited courses accepted along with NM Bureau-approved courses.
- Processing time: Allow 10 business days once application is received.
How to Renew
- Complete required CE hours in appropriate categories
- Upload CE documentation to your portal account
- Maintain current CPR (and ACLS for Paramedics)
- Obtain medical director certification if applicable
- Submit online renewal application through the NM EMS Licensing Portal
- Service director and medical director e-sign your affiliation
- Pay the renewal fee (or your agency pays on your behalf)
Contact Information
New Mexico EMS Bureau
- Website: nmhealth.org/about/erd/emsb
- Licensing: nmhealth.org — EMS Licensing
- CE Guide: nmhealth.org — CE and Renewal Guide
- Phone: (505) 476-8200
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the NM EMS Bureau before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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