Louisiana Bureau of EMS
Quick Answer
No. Louisiana does not require out-of-state EMTs or paramedics to retake a cognitive exam — an active NREMT certification is accepted for reciprocity through Louisiana Bureau of EMS. Processing typically takes 4–8 Weeks, and Louisiana does not publish a fixed application fee — confirm the amount with Louisiana Bureau of EMS.
How to transfer in 3 steps:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Varies |
| Background Check Mandate | Required — IdentoGO / IDEMIA fingerprinting — $55.75 state and federal, plus $39.99 out-of-state service charge |
| NREMT Status Requirement | Accepted — NREMT satisfies the competency requirement |
| Average Processing Time | 4–8 Weeks |
Classification
Direct ReciprocityApplication Fee
Varies
Background Check
$95.74
Est. Total Cost
Varies
Background check vendor: IdentoGO / IDEMIA fingerprinting — $55.75 state and federal, plus $39.99 out-of-state service charge. Protocol exam: None — NREMT accepted.
Louisiana does not publish a fixed application fee. Fingerprinting costs $55.75 for state and federal checks plus a $39.99 out-of-state service charge.
NREMT does not charge to release your certification to a state EMS board. Where the destination state requires verification of your existing state license, the state that issued that license sets its own verification fee.
This is a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Results are transmitted directly to the state EMS bureau, so you cannot forward them yourself — register with the approved vendor under Louisiana’s service code.
Your existing CE hours generally transfer, but they must meet Louisiana's requirement at your certification level. Confirm any state-specific modules before you submit.
Hold current NREMT certification
Louisiana grants reciprocity to EMTs holding current NREMT certification.
Book fingerprinting through IdentoGO / IDEMIA
Visit the closest IdentoGO or IDEMIA fingerprint site. The state and federal check costs $55.75, with an additional $39.99 out-of-state service charge if you complete it outside Louisiana.
Submit the Louisiana Bureau of EMS application
File with the Louisiana Department of Health Bureau of EMS and confirm the current application fee, which the state does not publish.
Request NREMT verification release
Authorize NREMT to release your verification to the Louisiana Bureau of EMS. NREMT does not charge for this release.
Await certification issuance
Processing depends partly on fingerprint results returning to the state.
Active NREMT Certification
Authorize NREMT to release your verification to Louisiana Bureau of EMS. NREMT does not charge for this release.
Current State License Verification
An official verification form from your home state EMS bureau confirming your license is active and in good standing.
Fingerprint Background Check
IdentoGO / IDEMIA fingerprinting — $55.75 state and federal, plus $39.99 out-of-state service charge — required for all reciprocity applicants.
Continuing Education Hours
24 CE hours at the EMT-Basic level (more for AEMT/Paramedic). Confirm any Louisiana-specific modules such as trauma or pediatric hours.
Completed State Application
Submit the Louisiana Bureau of EMS reciprocity application and confirm the current fee directly with the office.
Government-Issued ID
A valid driver's license or passport for identity verification.
Comparing Municipal Public Safety & Paramedic Pay Rates?
Calculate firefighter and paramedic base salary, 24/48 shift overtime rates, and municipal pension scales using our Firefighter & Paramedic Pay Calculator.
Requirements, fees, and timelines are estimates for planning. Always confirm directly with Louisiana Bureau of EMS before applying.
We use cookies to personalize content, analyze traffic, and serve targeted ads via Google AdSense. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.