Reciprocity guide for California → New York · New York State Department of Health — Bureau of EMS
Application Fee
$25
Background Check
$50
NREMT Verification
No charge
Est. Total Cost
$75
Background check vendor: MorphoTrust / IdentoGO (FBI fingerprint-based). Exam waiver: New York State Practical Skills Examination required.
Verify active certification and NREMT status
Confirm your EMR, EMT-Basic, AEMT, or Paramedic certification is current and in good standing. New York recognizes NREMT but requires an additional state practical exam.
Submit New York State EMS application
Apply through the New York State Department of Health Bureau of EMS and pay the $25 state application fee for reciprocity/endorsement.
Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check
Complete an FBI fingerprint-based background check through a New York-approved vendor such as MorphoTrust or IdentoGO (~$50). Results are sent to the NY DOH.
Pass the New York State Practical Skills Examination
Unlike most states, New York requires a state-specific practical skills exam even if you hold active NREMT. Schedule and pass this exam through an approved NY exam site.
Request NREMT verification release
If NREMT-certified, log into your NREMT account and authorize release of your verification to the NY DOH Bureau of EMS.
Verify CE hours meet New York requirements
Confirm your continuing education hours align with New York's requirements at your certification level and complete any state-specific protocol modules.
Await certification issuance
Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks after all steps are complete. Monitor your status through the NY DOH Bureau of EMS.
To transfer your California EMT license to New York, follow these steps: 1. Verify active certification and NREMT status 2. Submit New York State EMS application 3. Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check 4. Pass the New York State Practical Skills Examination 5. Request NREMT verification release 6. Verify CE hours meet New York requirements 7. Await certification issuance The New York State Department of Health — Bureau of EMS oversees the process, which typically takes 6–8 Weeks.
Not directly. New York does not accept NREMT alone — you may need to complete a state-specific exam, additional continuing education, or a refresher course. Contact New York State Department of Health — Bureau of EMS to confirm the pathway.
EMT reciprocity in New York typically takes 6–8 Weeks after New York State Department of Health — Bureau of EMS receives your complete application, background check results, and NREMT verification.
The total estimated cost to transfer an EMT license from California to New York is about $75: a $25 New York application fee and a $50 background check. NREMT does not charge to release your certification, so no separate NREMT fee applies.
Generally no. You must hold an active New York certification or a valid compact privilege before practicing. Some employers may offer a non-clinical role during processing, but you cannot provide patient care until New York State Department of Health — Bureau of EMS issues your certification.
Requirements, fees, and timelines are estimates for planning. Always confirm directly with New York State Department of Health — Bureau of EMS before applying.
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