A California EMT card expires the last day of the month two years after it takes effect; renew in the last six months and the new card starts the day after the old one ends.
Your own expiration date is on your certification card and in the state's online license lookup.
| State EMS office | California EMS Authority (EMSA) and your local EMS agency |
|---|---|
| Cycle | every 2 years, last day of the month |
| Continuing education | 24 hours of approved CE or a 24-hour refresher in the last 24 months, plus a skills check on form EMSA-SCV |
| National Registry | Not part of renewal |
| Fee | $37 state renewal fee |
If it lapses: Lapsed under 6 months: 24 hours. 6 to 12 months: 36 hours (or refresher + 12). 12 months or more: 48 hours (or refresher + 24), a new background check, and the exams unless you hold current NREMT.
From 22 CCR 100069.01 EMT Certification Renewal, 22 CCR 100069.02 Reinstatement, 22 CCR 100221.02 Fees ($37), checked November 10, 2026. The state: "The certification will expire the last day of the month two (2) years from the day prior to the effective date."
The NREMT EMT exam, EMR and the other EMS levels, with every answer explained. Made by an RN and former New York State EMT. Free to start, no sign-up.
A California EMT card expires the last day of the month two years after it takes effect; renew in the last six months and the new card starts the day after the old one ends.
24 hours of approved CE or a 24-hour refresher in the last 24 months, plus a skills check on form EMSA-SCV.
No. California renews on its own requirements; the National Registry is not part of renewal.
$37 state renewal fee.
A study aid, not legal advice: your state EMS office has the final word, and its rules and fees change. Headed In LLC is not affiliated with the National Registry of EMTs or any state EMS office.