Transferring Your Massage License to Texas

Navigating the path to becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Texas can feel overwhelming. There’s paperwork, massage licensing exams, and different rules depending on where you’re coming from and your current license status. It’s easy to get lost in the red tape. This can be particularly frustrating for massage therapists because our goal is to help people relax and feel better. Government paperwork and isn’t typically where massage therapists excel.

That’s where we come in.

For the past 15 years, we have successfully guided tens of thousands of people just like you through this exact process. We’ve seen *almost* every possible snag, helped solve unique problems due to the wide variety of massage licensing laws, and celebrated with licensees when they tell us they finally received their new Texas massage license. We know the system inside and out, and we’re here to make it simple for you.

This article will break down everything you need to know. All applications and rules that govern massage therapists in Texas can be found on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website. Under the TDLR you will find the Texas Massage Advisory Board. Our job is to help you get your application approved by them and licensed with as little stress as possible.

Whether you are moving for better weather, opportunities, or a military move – Let’s find your path to getting your Texas massage license.

The best news is that Texas does a better job than every other state we have worked with to give a rough idea of what you need to do based on where you are coming from.

The below link allows you to put in where you are coming from and what you need to do in order to get your Texas massage license. It includes instructions for individual states, U.S Territories, and out of country applicants.

Texas Massage Board Instructions for Out of State and Out of Country Applicants

Below is a video where I walk through how to use the above page to figure out what your next steps are based on where you are currently licensed as a massage therapist.

Texas Massage License Steps for Out of State and Out of Country Transfers Instruction Video

Three Texas Massage License Paths

• Transferring from another state (with an active license)
• Military, veterans, and spouses
• Out of country and expired licenses

Our Pro-Tip: Regardless of your path, start this process before you move. Seriously. It can take weeks or even months for some applicants. You don’t want to be in a new city, paying a new lease or house payment, and be unable to work.

Path 1: Moving from Another U.S. State With an Active Massage License

This is the most common path we see. In this case, you have a massage license from another state, like California, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, or New York, and you’re ready to move to Texas.

Step 1: Apply for a License

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” — Plato

If a massage license application seems like an obvious place to start, you are correct. Here is a link to get started:

Texas Massage Therapy License Application

The fee for application is $100 and it is not refundable.

Common Education Questions

Texas requires 500 hours of education from a licensed school. Many states are very strict on this rule, but Texas appears to have some leeway.

• If your state required 500 hours or more (like New York or Florida): You are probably fine. You just need to have your original school send an official transcript directly to the TDLR.
• Even If your state requires less than 300 hours (like some Delaware licensees): It does not appear that you will have a problem as long as you have had your license for six months.
• If you were grandfathered in your current state without ever going to massage school: It is hard to say, but many of the questions on the application ask for applicants to verify that they have completed 500 hours. Contact the Texas Massage Advisory Board if this pertains to you.

Step 2: The MBLEx, Texas Massage Exam, and Juris Exam

This is the second-biggest hurdle for some people who have yet to take a massage licensing exam. To get a Texas license, you must have passed an approved exam for the state of Texas.

Approved massage exams in Texas include:

1. The new Texas Massage Therapy State Exam
2. The MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination)

The Texas massage exam includes questions pertaining to Texas massage therapy laws. If you took the MBLEx, you will also need to take the Juris, or Jurisprudence Exam. This is a short, online exam pertaining to Texas massage therapy laws and rules.

Texas Massage Licensing Exam Options: A Quick Guide

Path 1: The MBLEx

• Exam Name: Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
• National Recognition: High Mobility. This exam is the standard, accepted in over 40 U.S. states. It is essential if you might move or practice outside of Texas.
• Total Cost (Approximate): $300
  • This is the total cost, combining the $265 MBLEx fee and the $35 Texas Jurisprudence fee.
• Exams Required: Two separate steps (The MBLEx plus the Texas Jurisprudence Exam).
• Time Limit: 110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes).
• Languages Offered: English, Spanish.

Path 2: The Texas Massage Exam

• Exam Name: Texas Massage Exam.
• National Recognition: Texas-only Licensure. This exam is only valid for practicing within the state of Texas. It offers little license portability (though a few states may accept it).
• Total Cost (Approximate): $60
  • This single fee covers both the Texas Massage Exam and the Texas Law requirement, making it the most cost-effective option.
• Exams Required: One single exam. It simplifies the process by satisfying both the core knowledge and jurisprudence requirements.
• Time Limit: 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes).
• Languages Offered: English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese.

The Texas Jurisprudence Exam (State Law)

This required component covers Texas state laws and rules related to massage therapy.

• Cost: Approximately $35 if taken separately.
• Format: It is an online, open-book test.
• Required Separately: This $35 exam must be taken in addition to the MBLEx.
• Included: This law requirement is built into the single $60 Texas Massage Exam.

Common Exam Questions

What if I took the NCETMB, Hawaii, New York, or old Ohio state massage exam?

Excellent question! Here is what the Texas board website says for many of these states:

If the state where your license was issued uses a different licensing examination, please include as much information about the exam as you can, including your scores, and dates that you took the exam. Your credentials will be evaluated on an individual basis.

What if I never took a massage exam to get my current license?

Taking an approved exam is a requirement to get a Texas massage license. So, if you haven’t taken an exam, you will need to schedule to take the Texas massage exam or the MBLEx.

We know this is intimidating. You haven’t taken a test in a decade! Don’t panic. You have years of hands-on knowledge. You know this material. You just need to learn how to take the test. We have massage study guides and practice exams designed specifically for experienced therapists who just need a refresher to pass this exam.

My license in another state has expired. Do I need to take an exam again?

It appears so from what we have seen. This is not typical in most other states. However, for Texas, if your license in another state has expired and you cannot, or choose not to renew it (and wait another six months), you will need to take the MBLEx. One of the applications questions for those that do not have an active license says:

I have completed a 500 or 500+ hour course and I have taken and passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) within the last two years.

If you are in this situation, contact the Texas Massage Board. You may need to take the Texas Massage Exam, or retake the MBLEx.

Step 3: Background Check

The required payment for the fingerprinting and national criminal history record review is approximately $39.05.

• This fee is paid directly to IdentoGO (the vendor contracted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)) at the time of your appointment.
• Note: This is separate from the $100 non-refundable application fee you pay to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) when you submit your initial license application.

Background Check Process Steps

1. Receive Instructions: After submitting your application, TDLR will notify you with the necessary service code and instructions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment.
2. Schedule Appointment: Schedule an appointment online with IdentoGO or call them. You must use the Texas Fingerprint Service Code provided by TDLR.
3. Get Fingerprinted: Attend your appointment with a valid photo ID and the required payment of $39.05. IdentoGO submits your fingerprints electronically to the DPS and FBI.
4. Submit Receipt: You must send a copy of your IdentoGO receipt to TDLR to complete the fingerprinting process and allow your license to be issued.

TDLR Massage Industry Fingerprinting Instructions for New Applicants https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mas/fingerprinting-new.htm

• Our Guidance: Be 100% honest on your application. If you have a misdemeanor from 10 years ago, disclose it. The TDLR is far more likely to deny you for lying about it than for the old offense itself.

Path 2: Applying for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Spouses

We understand those who serve our country, and their families, often face unique challenges when moving and maintaining professional careers. Texas recognizes this sacrifice by offering simplified licensing paths for military service members, veterans, and their spouses.

If you or your spouse has served in the military, you may qualify for one of these special pathways, which can significantly speed up your ability to practice massage therapy in Texas.

Who Qualifies for Military Expedited Licensing?

The Texas Occupations Code provides special licensing consideration for three main groups:

1. Military Service members: Current or former members of the U.S. armed forces.
2. Veterans: Honorably discharged veterans.
3. Military Spouses: Spouses of current or former service members.

How the TDLR Streamlines the Process

The TDLR, in accordance with State law, provides several advantages to military-affiliated applicants:

• Temporary Authorization to Work: For military spouses who hold a current, active, and comparable license in another state, the TDLR can often issue a temporary authorization to work that allows you to work. It is not a Texas massage license.
• License Via Reciprocity: If you currently hold a massage license in another state, you can transfer your license to Texas. And because of you or your family member’s service, your application will be expedited, and you’ll receive your license faster.

Next Steps for Military Applicants

To utilize these benefits and find the specific forms and steps that apply to your situation, you must follow the TDLR’s dedicated military guidance page for professional licenses.

Military Licensing Information: TDLR Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Spouses Page

Path 3: Applying from Another Country

In general, this is the most complex path, but it is absolutely doable. We have helped therapists from all over the world (the UK, the Philippines, Mexico, India, Canada, and more) successfully get their Texas massage license.

The problem is that there are some countries that require zero hours of education and some that require 2000 hours (four times Texas’ minimum requirement).

Because of this, we are unable to tell you in this article if your education will be accepted by Texas. You will need to go through the Texas Massage Application process for out-of-state applicants. This requires you have your education evaluated by a credential evaluation service.

This path requires patience and some meticulous paperwork.

Step 1: Gather Educational Documents

Be prepared to obtain the following documents to submit with your Texas massage license application:

• Official certified transcript(s) (not just a diploma) of all relevant massage coursework from the massage school you attended
• Course descriptions from the school catalog for each course listed on your transcript

In addition, these documents need to go through a certified translation and you may need hire an independent credential evaluation service.

This service will act as a detective. You will send them all your educational documents (transcripts, course descriptions, diplomas), and they will write an official report for the TDLR that compares your foreign education, subject-by-subject, to the 500-hour Texas standard.

This is the longest and most expensive part of your journey. For some, this part can take months.

Step 2: Apply for a Texas Massage License

Now that you have your paperwork, the next thing you need to do is apply for a license.

Texas Massage Therapy License Application

The fee for application is $100. It is not refundable.

Step 3: Take a Massage Therapy State Exam (Texas, MBLEx and Jurisprudence)

Everyone from another state or country must pass a Texas-approved massage exam. You have two options for Texas, the MBLEx or the Texas Massage Exam.

Texas Massage Licensing Exam Options: A Quick Guide

Path 1: The MBLEx

• Exam Name: Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).
• National Recognition: High Mobility. This exam is the standard, accepted in over 40 U.S. states. It is essential if you might move or practice outside of Texas.
• Total Cost (Approximate): $300
  • This is the total cost, combining the $265 MBLEx Fee and the $35 Texas Jurisprudence Fee.
• Exams Required: Two separate steps (The MBLEx plus the Texas Jurisprudence Exam).
• Time Limit: 110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes).
• Languages Offered: English, Spanish.

Path 2: The Texas Massage Exam

• Exam Name: Texas Massage Exam.
• National Recognition: Texas-Only Licensure. This exam is only valid for practicing within the state of Texas. It offers little license portability. A few states may accept it.
• Total Cost (Approximate): $60
  • This single fee covers both the Core Knowledge and the Texas Law requirement, making it the most cost-effective option.
• Exams Required: One single exam. It simplifies the process by satisfying both the core massage knowledge and jurisprudence requirements.
• Time Limit: 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes).
• Languages Offered: English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese.

The Texas Jurisprudence Exam (State Law)

This required component covers Texas state laws and rules related to massage therapy.

• Cost: Approximately $35 if taken separately.
• Format: It is an online, open-book test.
• Required Separately: This $35 exam must be taken in addition to the MBLEx.
• Included: This law requirement is built into the single $60 Texas Massage Exam.

Our Guidance: For many international applicants, English is a second language. Here are some tips for passing your massage exam.

Step 4: Complete a Background Check

The required payment for the fingerprinting and national criminal history record review is approximately $39.05.

• This fee is paid directly to IdentoGO (the vendor contracted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)) at the time of your appointment.
• Note: This is separate from the $100 non-refundable application fee you pay to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) when you submit your initial license application.

Background Check Process Steps

1. Receive Instructions: After submitting your application, TDLR will notify you with the necessary service code and instructions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment.
2. Schedule Appointment: Schedule an appointment online with IdentoGO or call them. You must use the Texas Fingerprint Service Code provided by TDLR.
3. Get Fingerprinted: Attend your appointment with a valid photo ID and the required payment of $39.05. IdentoGO submits your fingerprints electronically to the DPS and FBI.
4. Submit Receipt: You must send a copy of your IdentoGO receipt to TDLR to complete the fingerprinting process and allow your license to be issued.

TDLR Massage Industry Fingerprinting Instructions for New Applicants

You’ve Got This

Moving your career to a new state or a new country is a brave and exciting step. It’s also a bureaucratic nightmare. We know this article will help you get started on your new adventure in Texas. If you have questions along the way, let us know.