Reciprocity guide for Illinois → Texas · Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS
Application Fee
$126
Background Check
$41
NREMT Verification
No charge
Est. Total Cost
$167
Background check vendor: IdentoGO (FBI fingerprint-based). Exam waiver: None — NREMT psychomotor accepted.
Hold active NREMT or current state certification
Ensure your certification at the desired level (EMR, EMT-B, AEMT, or Paramedic) is active and in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
Submit Texas EMS certification application
Apply through the Texas DSHS online portal and pay the $126 reciprocity application fee. Select 'Reciprocity' as the application type.
Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check
Texas requires a fingerprint-based background check via the DSHS-approved vendor. Use the Fingerprint-Based Background Check process through IdentoGO (~$41).
Request NREMT verification transfer
If NREMT-certified, log into your NREMT account and authorize release of your verification to Texas DSHS. NREMT does not charge for this release.
Verify CE hours meet Texas requirements
Texas requires trauma and pediatric-specific CE hours. Confirm your continuing education meets TX standards at your certification level and address any gaps.
Await certification issuance
Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks. Monitor your application status through the DSHS online portal.
To transfer your Illinois EMT license to Texas, follow these steps: 1. Hold active NREMT or current state certification 2. Submit Texas EMS certification application 3. Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check 4. Request NREMT verification transfer 5. Verify CE hours meet Texas requirements 6. Await certification issuance The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS oversees the process, which typically takes 4–6 Weeks.
Not directly. Texas does not accept NREMT alone — you may need to complete a state-specific exam, additional continuing education, or a refresher course. Contact Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS to confirm the pathway.
EMT reciprocity in Texas typically takes 4–6 Weeks after Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS receives your complete application, background check results, and NREMT verification.
The total estimated cost to transfer an EMT license from Illinois to Texas is about $167: a $126 Texas application fee and a $41 background check. NREMT does not charge to release your certification, so no separate NREMT fee applies.
Generally no. You must hold an active Texas 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 Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS issues your certification.
Requirements, fees, and timelines are estimates for planning. Always confirm directly with Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — EMS before applying.
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