For years, we’ve helped massage therapists across Texas navigate massage licensing exams, license application, and required continuing education.
One of the most significant changes in recent years, and one that still generates a lot of questions in our inbox, is the mandatory TDLR fingerprinting and background check.
We’re here to simplify the requirements and walk you through the process whether you are a new applicant, a transferring professional, or a returning therapist looking to reactivate a lapsed license.
Understanding the TDLR Fingerprinting and Background Check Mandate
What is the primary goal of this requirement? It is simple – public protection. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has the important task of ensuring public safety in the Lone Star State. That’s why we have licensing.
This requirement is about creating a safer environment for clients and bolstering the credibility of ethical licensed massage therapists across Texas. For example, just this year – a massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting a client had their license immediately suspended when their arrest matched a name in the TDLR license database.
This also keeps those with certain previous arrests from getting a Texas massage license (or other licenses under the TDLR). For example, if a person was charged with human trafficking in Florida moves to Texas and tries to open up a massage establishment, their name and conviction should keep them from ever getting a massage or establishment license in Texas.
Massage therapists are not the only profession required to require fingerprints and a background check. If a professional role involves maintaining a high degree of public trust (like teachers, doctors, or law enforcement), Texas law is likely to require a mandatory require fingerprints and a background check for licensees.
Fingerprinting for New Applicants, Transfers, and Renewals
Whether you are graduating from massage school, moving your practice to Texas, or renewing a license that has been expired for more than a year, fingerprinting is a prerequisite for getting your license in hand. Failure to be fingerprinted will make you ineligible for a license.
The Process Flow for Applicants
If you are an individual applying for your initial Texas Massage Therapist license, or renewing a lapsed one, you must successfully pass the criminal history background check, which includes fingerprinting, to be eligible for licensure. This is for anyone who is moving to Texas and for those that are finishing up massage school in Texas.
SPECIAL NOTE: The actual fingerprint appointment and steps below occur AFTER you submit your application to the TDLR and receive your instructions via email. You must include the agency service number when scheduling a fingerprint appointment. TDLR will not be able to accept your fingerprints if you scheduled the appointment without the correct service code, and you will have to do it again.
Your email will include your TDLR entity number in the top right portion of the document. You will need this number when submitting your IdentoGO receipt in Step 3.
For New Applicants: Fingerprinting Instructions for New Applicants
The 4-Step Fingerprinting and Submission Process
Step 1: Submit Application and Schedule Your Appointment
After you submit your initial or renewal application to the TDLR, you will receive an email from TDLR directing you to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting with the approved vendor, IdentoGO. You cannot get fingerprinted without an appointment.
Step 2: Get Fingerprinted
- Be sure to arrive at your fingerprint appointment at least 10 minutes early.
- Bring your valid photo ID.
- Bring the required payment of $39.05. IdentoGO accepts credit cards, business checks, money orders and coupon codes (employer accounts). IdentoGO does not accept personal checks or cash.
- IdentoGO will submit your digital fingerprints to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) electronically.
- Be sure to request an IdentoGO receipt if you are not given one at your fingerprinting appointment.
Step 3: Send a Copy of Your Receipt to TDLR
You must send a receipt from IdentoGO to TDLR to complete the fingerprinting process and receive your license. Your application is not complete until TDLR receives a copy of your receipt.
- Upload Your Receipt: Please upload an image (JPG, PNG, or PDF file) of your fingerprinting receipt as soon as possible after you are fingerprinted, so that your license can be issued.
- If you are unable to upload your receipt, you may send a copy by mail to:
TDLR Massage Fingerprints
PO Box 12157
Austin TX 78711*If you choose to send your receipt by mail, please keep a copy for yourself in case the original is lost or does not arrive at TDLR.
Step 4: Criminal History Review
TDLR will begin a review of your nationwide criminal history after you have been fingerprinted. The criminal history review process can take between 1-6 weeks for processing and review. You can login to your IdentoGO account to determine when your fingerprint results have been made available to TDLR.
What Happens Next? If the fingerprint search shows you do not have a criminal history, or if you are found to have a criminal history that is not disqualifying in nature, and all requirements for the license have been met, then your license will be issued. You should receive the license within 7-10 business days after it is issued.
TDLR will be notified of any arrests or criminal convictions that occur after you are fingerprinted.
Important Clarifications for Current License Holders
It’s a One-Time Event
If you successfully completed the fingerprinting process before the 2021 deadline (or upon your initial license application if submitted after September 1, 2019), you do not need to repeat this step for subsequent renewals. The TDLR keeps your information on file and uses the FBI Rap Back Program for continuous monitoring.
This can be confusing since other states have “retention fees” for fingerprints that need to be renewed every two to five years. In Texas, for an actively maintained license, this step is complete.
For Expired Licenses and Returning Therapists
Lapsed/Expired Texas License: If you were previously licensed in Texas and successfully completed the required fingerprinting before your license lapsed, you should not have to complete the process again upon reapplication. Your prints are a one-time requirement linked to your identity.
If you were never fingerprinted during your previous license term, you will need to complete this requirement by following the detailed steps in the “4-Step Fingerprinting and Submission Process” above.
For more detail on current license holder requirements: Fingerprinting Instructions for Current License Holders
Essential Details and Troubleshooting
We want to make sure your fingerprinting experience is as smooth as possible. Here are a few final, authoritative tips based on years of experience helping LMTs:
1. What is the Fee?
While the TDLR sets the requirement, the fee is paid directly to the service vendor (IdentoGO). The fee covers the cost of taking and processing your prints, as well as the fees charged by the Texas DPS and the FBI for conducting the background check. The required payment is currently $39.05. This fee is subject to change, so always check the current rate when you register to schedule your appointment.
2. How Long Does it Take?
The actual appointment only takes about 10–15 minutes. However, the background check results take time to process and return to the TDLR. While electronic submissions are quick, it can take several days for the TDLR to receive and process the final report, sometimes longer. This is why we always recommend completing this step early in your licensing or renewal process—do not wait until the last minute!
3. What if I Have a Criminal History?
Having a criminal history does not automatically disqualify you from licensure. However, the TDLR will review any convictions carefully, particularly those related to moral turpitude, crimes against persons, or issues related to the scope of massage practice. The TDLR provides information regarding criminal conviction guidelines (view here for more information on convictions).
The most common conviction we get questions about is OWI (or driving while intoxicated) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrests. The key thing to understand is that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) does not have an automatic disqualification rule for every type of offense, including a DWI arrest.
While the TDLR’s Criminal Conviction Guidelines focus heavily on crimes directly related to the duties of a Massage Therapist (like sexual misconduct, human trafficking, or assault, which involve clients and safety). However, an OWI/DWI conviction must still be disclosed and reviewed.
Need Help Scheduling or Payment? For assistance with scheduling an appointment, modifying your existing appointment, or payment issues, contact IdentoGO at 1-888-467-2080.
Need Help with Licensing? For issues relating to the license application or renewal process, please contact our customer service division by email or call us at (512) 463-6599.
Your Path to Stress-Free Licensure
Once you’ve tackled this mandatory administrative hurdle, your path to licensure should be clear of one of the biggest hurdles.
Disclaimer: Advanced Massage Techniques is committed to providing accurate and helpful guidance, but we are not the TDLR. Always refer to the official Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website and documentation for the final, governing requirements.
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