What you need to do to get your EMT license active again

To reinstate an expired EMT license, you contact your state's EMS office or health department, pay a reinstatement fee, and submit proof that you meet current requirements — usually CPR certification and sometimes continuing education hours. The exact steps and cost depend on how long your license has been expired and which state issued it. Most states let you reinstate within a set window (often 1 to 5 years after expiration) without retaking the full certification exam, but waiting longer may require you to test again.

The process is faster than getting certified from scratch, but it is not automatic. You will need to gather documents, contact the right office, and sometimes complete refresher training before your license becomes valid again.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state EMS office or health department directly — they hold your license record and know your state's specific reinstatement rules.
  • Current CPR certification is required in nearly every state before reinstatement, so renew that first if it has expired.
  • Most states allow reinstatement without retesting if you explore within 1 to 5 years of expiration, but this window varies by state.
  • Reinstatement fees typically range from $50 to $200, and some states require continuing education hours completed before approval.
  • If your license has been expired longer than your state allows, you will need to retake the National Registry exam and possibly classroom training.

How to find your state EMS office and start the reinstatement process

Your state EMS office is the only body that can reinstate your license. Search "[your state] EMS office" or "[your state] health department EMS" to find the correct agency — do not rely on a national registry or third-party site to direct you. Once you have the office contact information, call or visit their website to ask for the reinstatement form and a list of current requirements.

When you contact them, have your full name, date of birth, and the expiration date of your old license ready. The office will tell you whether you are within the reinstatement window for your state and what documents you need to submit. Some states mail forms; others post them online. A few allow you to start the process entirely through their website.

CPR certification: the requirement you cannot skip

Every state requires current CPR certification before reinstating an EMT license. If your CPR card has expired, you must renew it before submitting your reinstatement paperwork. You can take a CPR course through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or a local hospital or fire department — most courses take 4 to 8 hours and cost $50 to $100.

When you complete the course, you will receive a new CPR card with an expiration date. Keep this card and a copy of it with your reinstatement documents. Some states require you to upload a photo of the card or mail a copy along with your form. Do not submit your reinstatement request until your CPR is current; the state will reject it otherwise.

Continuing education and refresher requirements

Many states require you to complete a set number of continuing education hours before reinstatement, even if your license expired recently. The number of hours varies — some states ask for 24 hours, others for 40 or more. These hours must be completed through approved providers, which usually include community colleges, hospitals, fire departments, or online EMS education platforms.

A few states waive continuing education if you reinstate within a short window (sometimes 6 months to 1 year), but most do not. Check your state's requirements before you enroll in courses; taking the wrong type of course will not count. Your state EMS office can tell you which providers are approved and which courses meet the requirement.

Reinstatement fees and processing time

Reinstatement fees typically range from $50 to $200, depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge more if your license has been expired longer. A few states charge additional fees if you need to retake the National Registry exam. Ask your state EMS office for the exact fee when you request the reinstatement form, and ask whether they accept payment by check, credit card, or online.

Processing time usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after the state receives your complete process. Some states are faster; others may take 6 to 8 weeks if they are backlogged. Ask the office for an estimate when you submit your paperwork, and ask whether you can check the status of your process online or by phone.

When you need to retake the National Registry exam instead

If your license has been expired longer than your state allows for straightforward reinstatement — often 3 to 5 years, but this varies — you will need to retake the National Registry exam. This is the same exam you took to get certified originally. You will also likely need to complete a refresher course or full EMT training program before you can sit for the exam.

Retesting costs more than reinstatement and takes longer. The National Registry exam itself costs around $100 to $150, and a refresher course can cost $300 to $800 depending on whether it is in-person or online. Contact your state EMS office to confirm the exact timeline and whether a refresher course is required in your situation.

Documents to gather before you submit

Most states ask for the same basic documents when you reinstate. Have these ready before you contact the EMS office: your current CPR certification card (or a photo of it), proof of any continuing education hours you have completed, your old EMT license or a copy of it, and a government-issued photo ID. Some states also ask for a signed affidavit stating that you have not been convicted of a felony or had your license revoked in another state.

If you are unsure which documents your state needs, ask the EMS office when you request the reinstatement form. Submitting incomplete paperwork will delay your reinstatement, so it is worth confirming the full list upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as an EMT while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license must be active and current to work. If you are hired by an ambulance service or fire department, they will verify your license status with the state before you start. Working with an expired or pending license can result in fines and criminal charges.

What if my state says my license has been expired too long to reinstate?

You will need to retake the National Registry exam and likely complete a refresher course. Contact your state EMS office to ask which refresher programs they recognize and whether you can take the exam when ready after finishing the course or if there is a waiting period.

Do I have to retake the written exam if I reinstate within the allowed window?

No. If you reinstate within your state's window (usually 1 to 5 years), you skip the written exam. You only need current CPR, any required continuing education, and the reinstatement fee. Retesting is only required if your license has been expired longer than your state allows.

Can I reinstate my license in a different state than where I got certified?

Each state manages its own licenses, so you cannot transfer a reinstatement from one state to another. If you moved, you will need to contact the EMS office in your new state and ask about their reciprocity or endorsement process. Some states recognize certifications from other states; others require you to retake the exam or complete additional training.

What happens if I let my CPR expire after I reinstate my EMT license?

Your EMT license will become inactive or expired automatically when your CPR expires. You will need to renew your CPR and then contact your state EMS office to reactivate your EMT license. The process is usually faster than a full reinstatement, but you cannot work until both are current.