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New Mexico Occupational Therapist License

New Mexico Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
  • NBCOT Score Transfer — Official verification of passing the NBCOT exam sent directly from NBCOT. Request Score Transfer
  • Jurisprudence Exam Results — Completed exam with a score of 80% or higher.
  • Verification of Licensure — Required if you hold or have held a license in any other state or jurisdiction.

How to Apply

  1. Self-Register on NM-PLUS
    Create an account on the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's NM-PLUS portal to begin the application process.
  2. Complete Online Application
    Log in to the portal and select the 'Occupational Therapist' application. Fill out all required personal, educational, and professional history sections.
  3. Pay Application Fees
    Submit the non-refundable application fee through the portal. Fees vary by time of year: $110-$120 (Sept-May) or $60-$70 (June-Aug).
  4. Complete Jurisprudence Exam
    Take the open-book New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam, which covers state laws and regulations. A passing score of 80% is required.
  5. Schedule Fingerprinting
    Register with IdentoGO for a criminal background check. You must use the specific ORI number provided in the application instructions.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  6. Submit Official Documents
    Request official transcripts from your university and a score transfer from NBCOT to be sent directly to the Board.
    NBCOT Score Transfer
Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available

Transfer License

Requirements
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.

Steps

  1. Submit Endorsement Application
    Apply via the NM-PLUS portal selecting the endorsement pathway.
  2. Verify Out-of-State Licenses
    Request official verification from every state where you have ever held an OT license.
  3. Complete Background Check
    Complete the fingerprinting process through IdentoGO as required for all initial NM applicants.
    IdentoGO NM
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Mexico Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Keeping Your License Active

New Mexico Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Mexico Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Visit board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$200
Endorsement application$200
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Missing Transcripts or NBCOT Scores
The Board cannot process applications until official documents are received directly from the source.
Incorrect ORI Number
Using the wrong ORI number for fingerprinting will result in the Board not receiving your background check results.
Incomplete Jurisprudence Exam
Failure to complete or pass the jurisprudence exam will stall the application approval.

Questions

How many CE hours are required for renewal?
Licensed Occupational Therapists must earn 15 continuing education contact hours annually by September 30th.
When does my license expire?
All New Mexico OT licenses expire annually on September 30th.
What is the renewal fee?
The annual renewal fee for an Occupational Therapist is $85.
Is New Mexico part of the OT Compact?
No, New Mexico is not currently a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.

Board Info

New Mexico Board of Occupational Therapy Practice