Initial Paramedic Licensure

Electronic application and fee submission is available through Texas Online.
Click here to find your application level and type.

Beginning September 1, 2002, a certified paramedic can initially apply for paramedic licensure if you have an associate degree in EMS or a higher level degree in any major. The degree must be from an institution which has been accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an approved authority.

Initial Application Procedure

Application requirements for Texas CERTIFIED paramedics seeking Paramedic Licensure:

Submit completed Paramedic Licensure application
Include fee, unless you are a volunteer affiliated with a TDH EMS provider or registered 1st Responder.
Submit official transcript or a copy of diploma

Mail COMPLETE package to: Texas Department of Health, Attn: ZZ100-160 EMS, Austin, TX 78756-3199 . You will not be required to take the written examination. Expect to receive your licensure certificate and ID card within 3 weeks of our receiving your COMPLETED package.

Application requirements for paramedic students seeking Paramedic Licensure:

Submit completed Paramedic Licensure application
Include fee, unless you are a volunteer affiliated with a TDH EMS provider or registered 1st Responder.
Submit your transcript or a copy of diploma

Mail complete application package to: Texas Department of Health, Attn: ZZ100-160 EMS, Austin, TX 78756-3199

Exam
One of the requirements for gaining state licensure is passing the National Registry exam.

If you hold current NR certification, there is no need to retest.
IF you do not hold NR certification, you must pass the NR exam to become eligible for state licensure.
Region office staff are NOT administering advance level NR exams.
You are responsible for scheduling your exam seat assignment. An exam locator is available on the NR web site at: www.nremt.org
You are responsible for meeting NR application and fee requirements, as well as, any other requirements necessary for gaining NR certification. Contact your exam coordinator with questions about NR policy and procedures.
The NR office will notify you of your exam score and if necessary retest instructions.
If you have failed the initial state exam and need to retest, you may complete the state retest exam process instead of the NR exam. Click here for more on "Failed" state exam status.

Continuing Education for Paramedic Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions for Paramedic Licensure
Paramedic Licensure rule, Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part I, Chapter 157.40
Inactive Paramedic Licensure
Paramedic Licensure Reciprocity (out-of-state)
Equivalency for Paramedic Licensure

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