New EMS Ambulance Operator License

These instructions are for individuals who do NOT have an EMS license

AND

are associated with a ground ambulance service and will function as ambulance operators.

NOTE: This section does not apply to a person not associated with a ground ambulance service who operates an emergency medical services ambulance (i.e. an ambulance manufacturer or dealer, performing mechanical work, or someone not reasonably expected to be tasked with operating an ambulance as part of an emergency response or transport of a patient)

If you have an expired Maine EMS Ambulance Operator license YOU CANNOT OPERATE AN AMBULANCE!

What is required to apply for an Ambulance Operator License in the State of Maine?

  1. A valid driver's license (any state)
  2. A background check
  3. Verification review of any previous or current EMS certification/licensure in any state at any time

Residency in Maine or affiliation with an EMS service or agency is NOT required. 

What are the details of an Ambulance Operator license?

  • The State of Maine does not issue physical license cards. You can download and print a copy of your license by logging into your eLicensing account.
  • Maine EMS Operator licenses are valid for up to 2 years and expire at midnight on January 31 of the year listed on your license.
  • Rules regarding the Maine EMS Ambulance Operator License can be found in Chapter 5-B of the Maine EMS Rules
  • People licensed clinically at the EMR, EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic do NOT need this license, but do need an Ambulance Operator Course (or equivalent). See Chapter 5 of the Maine EMS Rules

To obtain a Maine EMS Ambulance Operator License license:

  • Create a new account near the bottom of the page at
  • Log in to the account and complete an "EMS Clinician & New Vehicle Operator Application"
  • You will need a background check of EVERY state you have lived in for the past 3 years, except Maine.
    • This must be done through a state agency and cannot be done through a private organization. Typically, this is the through the State Police in the state you lived in.
      • Maine EMS will conduct the background for Maine
      • You are responsible to obtain any background checks from states you lived in at any point for the past three years (Maine EMS licensing team can help you)
      • You are responsible for any verification of previous or current EMS licensure in any other state at any time (Maine EMS licensing team can help you).
    • It can be mailed to directly to Maine EMS or to you and submitted electronically to Maine EMS, or
      • Mailed to Maine EMS at 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1, 152 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
      • Faxed to 207-287-6251 or
      • Emailed to ems.licensure@maine.gov
  • Submit the application and any background checks completed, along with a $21 fee. This fee covers the cost of a State of Maine background check which we will complete.
  • Once all materials have been received, processing may take up to 10 days.
  • You MUST maintain your Maine EMS Ambulance Operator License to operate an ambulance.

Do I need to report or update anything during my licensure period?

A licensee or an applicant for licensure under this chapter shall notify the Board in writing within 10 days of a:

  1. Change of name or address.
  2. Criminal conviction.
  3. Change in driver’s license status or conditions resulting from a revocation, suspension, or restriction.
  4. A change in the status of the exemption under MRS 29-A Chapter 11 § 1251 (6)
  5. Revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action taken in this or any other jurisdiction against any occupational or professional license held by the applicant or licensee; or
  6. Material change in the conditions or qualifications set forth in the original application for licensure submitted to the Board.