New Mexico Physical Therapist License Requirements

Who This Guide Is For

• New physical therapy graduates applying for an initial New Mexico PT license by examination.
• Licensed PTs relocating to or seeking licensure in New Mexico by endorsement from another state.
• Travel physical therapists who need a full New Mexico PT license rather than a compact privilege — New Mexico is not currently a PT Compact member state.

New Mexico PT Licensing Overview

New Mexico requires a state-issued PT license to practice physical therapy within the state. New Mexico is not currently a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact — all practitioners, including travel PTs, must hold a full New Mexico license rather than a compact privilege. The New Mexico Physical Therapy Board, operating within the Regulation and Licensing Department, administers licensure under the New Mexico Physical Therapy Act (NMSA 1978, Chapter 61, Article 12D) and the implementing rules in Title 16, Chapter 20 of the New Mexico Administrative Code.

Two features distinguish New Mexico’s licensure process: a mandatory state jurisprudence examination on New Mexico PT law and regulations, and a streamlined application process. Timeline depends on receipt of all required documentation — notably, DPS background check approvals are received by the Board once per week depending on DPS backlog, so the background check is often the rate-limiting step.

PT Compact — Pending Legislation

As of July 2026, New Mexico is not a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. HB 82 (Physical Therapy Licensure Compact) was introduced in the New Mexico Legislature in January 2025 but has not been enacted. Until legislation is passed and implemented, New Mexico cannot issue or accept compact privileges — all PTs practicing in the state must hold a full New Mexico license regardless of home state. Travel PTs and staffing agencies should confirm current compact status directly with the Board before relying on a compact privilege for New Mexico practice.

Licensing Requirements

• Education: Graduation from a physical therapist program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Applicants who graduated on or after January 1, 2002, must hold a post-baccalaureate degree in physical therapy. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Board from the granting institution. (16.20 NMAC)
• NPTE: Passage of the National Physical Therapy Examination is required for examination-pathway applicants. The $485 NPTE fee is paid directly to FSBPT by money order; the Board also collects a separate $25 administrative fee for NPTE processing.
• Jurisprudence Examination: New Mexico requires passage of a state jurisprudence examination covering the New Mexico Physical Therapy Practice Act and Board regulations. The exam is open-book and administered online. A $25 jurisprudence examination fee applies. Confirm the current passing score requirement directly with the Board before registering.
• Criminal History Background Check: All initial applicants must complete a Department of Public Safety (DPS) Authorization for Information form, have it notarized, and mail it with a $15 check or money order directly to DPS. This is a listed checklist requirement — the applicant handles it as part of the application process, pursuant to §61-12D-13 NMSA 1978. Source: NM PT Board Licensing, Registration, and Renewal page

How to Apply

1. Identify your pathway: examination (new graduate), endorsement (currently licensed elsewhere), or temporary license. Note that New Mexico is not currently a PT Compact member state — a full license is required.
2. Submit your application through the New Mexico RLD online licensing portal. Pay the $250 PT application fee, $25 jurisprudence examination fee, and $25 Board NPTE administrative fee via credit or debit card.
3. Pay the $485 NPTE examination fee separately and directly to FSBPT by money order (not through the RLD portal).
4. Request official transcripts sent directly from your institution to the Board at physical.therapy@rld.nm.gov.
5. Complete the DPS Authorization for Information form, have it notarized, and mail it with a $15 check or money order directly to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. This step runs concurrently with your application — DPS background check approvals are received by the Board once per week depending on DPS backlog.
6. Complete the New Mexico jurisprudence examination online.
7. For endorsement applicants: provide verification of current, active, unrestricted licensure from your home state.

Relevant Statutes

• New Mexico Physical Therapy Board — Licensing, Registration, and Renewal
• New Mexico Physical Therapy Board — Fee Schedule
• New Mexico Physical Therapy Board — Background Report Instructions (§61-12D-13 NMSA 1978)
• New Mexico Physical Therapy Act (NMSA 1978, Chapter 61, Article 12D) and 16.20 NMAC

Related Pages

• New Mexico PT License Renewal
• Arizona PT Licensing
• Colorado PT Licensing

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Mexico require a jurisprudence exam for PT licensure?
Yes. New Mexico requires passage of a state jurisprudence examination covering the New Mexico Physical Therapy Practice Act and Board regulations. The exam is open-book and administered online. A $25 fee applies. Confirm the current passing score requirement directly with the Board before registering. Source: NM PT Board Fee Schedule

Is a background check required for New Mexico PT licensure?
Yes. All initial applicants must complete a DPS Authorization for Information form, have it notarized, and mail it with a $15 check or money order directly to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety — this is a listed checklist requirement the applicant handles as part of the application process, per §61-12D-13 NMSA 1978. DPS background check approvals are received by the Board once per week depending on DPS backlog. Source: NM PT Board Licensing, Registration, and Renewal — Licensure Checklist

How much does it cost to apply for a New Mexico PT license?
The Board charges a $250 PT application fee, a $25 jurisprudence examination fee, and a $25 administrative fee for NPTE processing — all payable online by credit or debit card. The $485 NPTE examination fee is paid separately and directly to FSBPT by money order and is not processed through the RLD portal. Source: NM PT Board Fee Schedule

What education is required for New Mexico PT licensure?
Applicants must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist program. Those who graduated on or after January 1, 2002, must hold a post-baccalaureate degree in physical therapy. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Board from the granting institution. Source: NM PT Board Licensing, Registration, and Renewal page

Is New Mexico a PT Compact member state?
No. As of July 2026, New Mexico is not a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. HB 82 (PT Compact legislation) was introduced in January 2025 but has not been enacted. All PTs practicing in New Mexico — including travel PTs — must hold a full New Mexico license. Confirm current compact status directly with the Board, as this may change if legislation is enacted. Source: PT Compact member state map — New Mexico listed as Non-Member State