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California Paramedic License Renewal: Steps, CE Requirements & Fees

Last updated: · Last verified: · Changelog · Trust editorial

California paramedic licenses renew every two years through the EMS Authority (EMSA). Renewal requires 48 hours of continuing education — at least 24 instructor-based — and a $250 fee, rising to $300 within 30 days of expiration. NREMT registration is not required for renewal.

Renewal checklist
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California Paramedic License Renewal: Steps, CE Requirements & Fees
California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) · gettrustapp.com/renew/california/paramedic-license
California paramedic licenses renew every two years through the EMS Authority (EMSA). Renewal requires 48 hours of continuing education — at least 24 instructor-based — and a $250 fee, rising to $300 within 30 days of expiration. NREMT registration is not required for renewal.
At a glance
Cycle
2 years — renewal window opens 5 months early
CE
48 hours (≥24 instructor-based)
Fee
$250 · $300 if filed <30 days before expiration
Steps
  1. Confirm 48 CE hours are complete and documented
    At least 24 hours must be instructor-based. Non-instructor-based (online/distributive, teaching, precepting) is capped at 24, and each course title only counts once.
  2. Access the EMSA licensing portal
    Enter through emsa.ca.gov/paramedic — the old online portal was retired March 30, 2026 and replaced by EMSA's Central Registry system.
  3. Complete the renewal application
    Answer the conviction and discipline questionnaire. The renewal window opens 5 months before expiration.
  4. Pay the fee
    $250 on time; $300 if filed within 30 days of expiration.
  5. Save the confirmation and new license to Trust
    Store the license PDF and receipt in Trust for future employer verification.
  6. Check LEMSA accreditation separately
    State license and county LEMSA accreditation renew on separate clocks — verify both are current.
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https://gettrustapp.com/add?v=1&type=paramedic&name=California+PARAMEDIC+license&state=CA&board=California+EMS+Authority&portal=https%3A%2F%2Femsa.ca.gov%2F&guide=https%3A%2F%2Fgettrustapp.com%2Frenew%2Fcalifornia%2Fparamedic-license
Trust · Reviewed July 2026 · Verify current requirements at the board's official portal before renewing.
At a glance
Cycle
2 years — renewal window opens 5 months early
CE
48 hours (≥24 instructor-based)
Fee
$250 · $300 if filed <30 days before expiration
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Requirements

48 CE hours per cycle: at least 24 instructor-based; up to 24 non-instructor-based (online/distributive, teaching, precepting — teaching and precepting capped at 24, each course title counts once).

Counts: CA EMS CE-approved courses, CAPCE-approved courses (register with your CA license number), other states' EMS CE with proof, and college units in sciences/nursing (one semester unit = 15 hours; one quarter unit = 10). Does not count: BRN CE, AMA CME, PA Board CE.

Attestation model — approximately 10% of renewals are audited each month. Keep every certificate.

No skills exam at renewal; competency runs through LEMSA accreditation and CQI. State license and LEMSA accreditation renew independently.

How to renew, step by step

  1. 01
    Confirm 48 CE hours are complete and documented
    At least 24 hours must be instructor-based. Non-instructor-based (online/distributive, teaching, precepting) is capped at 24, and each course title only counts once.
  2. 02
    Access the EMSA licensing portal
    Enter through emsa.ca.gov/paramedic — the old online portal was retired March 30, 2026 and replaced by EMSA's Central Registry system.
  3. 03
    Complete the renewal application
    Answer the conviction and discipline questionnaire. The renewal window opens 5 months before expiration.
  4. 04
    Pay the fee
    $250 on time; $300 if filed within 30 days of expiration.
  5. 05
    Save the confirmation and new license to Trust
    Store the license PDF and receipt in Trust for future employer verification.
  6. 06
    Check LEMSA accreditation separately
    State license and county LEMSA accreditation renew on separate clocks — verify both are current.

If you're late

Lapsed <6 months: reinstate online, upload 48 CE hours of certificates, $300 fee.

Lapsed 6–24 months: paper application only. 12–24-month lapses require 72 CE hours.

Lapsed ≥12 months — the cliff: current NREMT registration (or exams passed within the last 2 years) is required. Most California medics dropped NREMT, so a 12-month lapse effectively means National Registry testing.

Lapsed 24+ months: 72 CE hours including current ACLS, PALS, PHTLS/ITLS, and CPR — plus the NREMT requirement above.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need NREMT to renew?
No. EMSA is explicit that NREMT is not required for renewal. It's required again only after a lapse of 12 months or longer.
How much CE can be online?
Up to 24 of the 48 hours can be non-instructor-based (online/distributive). At least 24 must be instructor-based.
Do I submit certificates?
No — you attest. Roughly 10% of renewals are audited each month, so keep every certificate.
EMSA license vs. LEMSA accreditation?
The state license makes you a paramedic. LEMSA accreditation authorizes you to practice in a specific county. They renew on separate clocks.

Last verified against California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) sources:

Sources — retrieved July 2026

Changelog

Every revision to this guide, newest first. Last updated .

  1. Reviewed and verified requirements, fees, and deadlines against California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) sources.
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