California EMT licenses expire every two years and must be renewed before the expiration date on your card

Your California EMT license is valid for two years from the date it was issued. The expiration date appears on the front of your card. To keep your license active, you must submit a renewal process to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Emergency Management before that date passes. If your license expires, you cannot work as an EMT until you renew it — there is no grace period.

The renewal process requires you to maintain current CPR certification, complete a renewal form, and pay a fee. Most EMTs renew by mail or through the state's online system. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from submission to receiving your new card.

Key Takeaways

  • Your EMT license expires every two years on the date printed on your card, and you must renew before that date to continue working.
  • You must hold a current CPR card from the American Heart Association or Red Cross at the time you renew — an expired CPR card will delay your renewal.
  • The renewal fee is $100 for a two-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your submission method.
  • You can renew by mail using form DL 44 or through the state's online portal; online renewal is faster and you receive confirmation when ready.
  • If you renew more than 60 days after your license expires, you may be required to retake the state exam instead of renewing by mail.

Check your expiration date and CPR certification status first

Look at the front of your EMT card and locate the expiration date in the upper right corner. This is the important date by which your renewal must be received by the state. Plan to start the renewal process at least six weeks before this date to avoid delays.

At the same time, check the expiration date on your CPR certification card. Your CPR must be current on the date you submit your renewal process. If your CPR expires before your EMT renewal is processed, the state will reject your process and return it to you. You will need to renew your CPR first, then resubmit your EMT renewal. CPR certification is typically valid for two years and can be renewed through the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or other approved providers in your area.

Gather the required documents and information

Before you begin the renewal process, collect the following items: your current EMT license card, your current CPR certification card, and a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need your Social Security number and the address where you want your new card mailed.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a copy of the legal document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have been convicted of a crime or cited for a violation since your last renewal, you will need to disclose this on the process. The state uses this information to determine whether your license should be renewed or reviewed further.

Renew online through the state portal for the fastest processing

The California Department of Transportation operates an online renewal system that is the quickest way to renew your license. Visit the state's official EMT licensing website and log in with your license number and date of birth. You will be asked to confirm your personal information, verify that your CPR is current, and review the renewal terms.

The online system accepts credit card payments and processes your process when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen, and the state will mail your new card within four to six weeks. Keep the confirmation number for your records in case you need to check the status of your renewal later.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system, you can renew by mail instead. The process takes longer but works the same way.

Renew by mail if you do not have online access

read form DL 44 from the California Department of Transportation website or request a copy by phone. Fill out the form completely, including your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided.

Enclose a copy of your current CPR certification card, a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and a check or money order for $100 made payable to the State of California. Do not send cash. Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — this address changes periodically, so verify it on the state website before you mail your process.

Mail renewal applications typically arrive at the state office within five to seven business days. Processing takes an additional two to three weeks. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. The entire process from mailing to receiving your new card usually takes four to six weeks.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your EMT license has expired, you cannot work as an EMT until it is renewed. You can still submit a renewal process, but the state treats it differently depending on how long ago it expired.

If your license expired fewer than 60 days ago, you can renew using the standard process — either online or by mail. Submit your process as soon as possible. If your license expired more than 60 days ago, the state may require you to retake the California EMT exam instead of renewing by mail. Contact the state licensing office by phone to confirm what is required in your situation before you submit an process.

Do not work as an EMT while your license is expired, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Your employer's insurance does not cover you, and you may face legal liability if you provide emergency medical care without a valid license.

Track your renewal status and troubleshoot delays

If you renewed online, you received a confirmation number. Use this number to check the status of your process on the state website. The status page shows whether your process has been received, is being processed, or has been approved and mailed.

If you renewed by mail and have not received your new card within eight weeks, contact the state licensing office. Have your license number and Social Security number ready. The office can tell you whether your process was received, whether there are any missing documents, and when your card is expected to arrive.

Common reasons for delays include an expired or missing CPR card, a signature missing from the process form, or a mismatch between the name on your process and the name on your government ID. If any of these issues explore to you, the state will send you a letter explaining what is needed. Correct the problem and resubmit as instructed in the letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my EMT license if my CPR is expired?

No. Your CPR certification must be current on the date you submit your renewal process. If your CPR expires before your process is processed, the state will reject it. Renew your CPR first through the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or another approved provider, then submit your EMT renewal.

What happens if I work as an EMT after my license expires?

Working without a valid license is illegal in California. Your employer's insurance will not cover you, and you may be held personally liable for any injuries or complications that occur. You could also face fines or criminal charges. Do not work as an EMT while your license is expired.

How much does it cost to renew my EMT license?

The renewal fee is $100 for a two-year license. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on whether you renew online or by mail. There are no additional fees unless you need to retake the state exam, which applies only if your license has been expired for more than 60 days.

Can I renew my license if I have been convicted of a crime since my last renewal?

You must disclose any criminal conviction or citation on your renewal process. The state reviews this information to determine whether your license should be renewed. Depending on the nature and severity of the conviction, your renewal may be approved, delayed for further review, or denied. Contact the state licensing office if you have questions about how a specific conviction may affect your renewal.

What should I do if I lose my EMT card before it expires?

Contact the state licensing office and request a replacement card. You will need to provide your license number and date of birth. There is usually a small fee for a replacement card, and it takes two to four weeks to arrive. In the meantime, you can work as an EMT if you have a copy of your license or a letter from the state confirming that your license is active.