New Mexico Physical Therapist License
New Mexico Physical Therapy Board
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Passport-Sized Photograph — A digital photograph taken within the last 12 months to be uploaded with the application.
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the registrar's office of your CAPTE-accredited program to the Board.
- NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred from FSBPT to the New Mexico Physical Therapy Board. Transfer Scores
- DPS Release of Information Form — A notarized form required for the state criminal history background check, mailed to the Department of Public Safety.
How to Apply
-
Register for the NPTE ▾Apply directly to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Register for NPTE -
Create an NM-PLUS Account ▾Register for an account on the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) online portal (NM-PLUS) to begin your application.
NM-PLUS Portal -
Submit Online Application and Fees ▾Complete the initial licensure application and pay the non-refundable $250 application fee plus the $25 Jurisprudence exam fee.
Apply Online -
Complete Background Check ▾After submitting your application, you will receive instructions to complete a criminal history background check via IdentoGO. You must also mail a notarized DPS Release of Information form.
-
Submit Supporting Documents ▾Request official transcripts from your university and ensure your NPTE scores are sent directly from FSBPT to the New Mexico Board.
-
Pass the Jurisprudence Exam ▾Complete the open-book New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam. A passing score of 80% is required. Instructions for the exam are typically provided within the portal after application.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold a valid, unrestricted license in another U.S. jurisdiction.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply via the NM-PLUS portal selecting the 'Endorsement' pathway and pay the $250 fee.
Endorsement Portal -
Request License Verifications ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license to be sent directly to the New Mexico Board.
-
Complete Background Check ▾Follow the same fingerprinting and DPS release process as initial applicants.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Mexico Physical Therapy Board
Keeping Your License Active
New Mexico Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Mexico Physical Therapy Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) can have backlogs. Ensure the Release of Information form is notarized and mailed promptly to avoid delays.
Missing Transcripts or Scores
▾
Applications are not reviewed until all third-party documents (transcripts, NPTE scores) are received by the Board.
Incomplete Jurisprudence Exam
▾
Failure to complete or pass the Jurisprudence exam with an 80% score will stall the final license issuance.
Questions
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
Physical Therapists must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years. No CE is required for the first renewal.
When do New Mexico PT licenses expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on February 1st. The renewal period typically opens in the months preceding this date.
What is the passing score for the Jurisprudence Exam?
▾
A passing score of 80% or higher is required. It is an open-book exam covering the New Mexico Physical Therapy Act and Board Rules.
Can I get a temporary license?
▾
Yes, a temporary license may be issued for a $35 fee for applicants waiting to take the NPTE or for those practicing under supervision while their application is processed.