Licensing, Registration, and Renewal Requirements
License categories and process
Texas regulates massage therapists, massage establishments, massage schools, massage therapy instructors, and continuing education providers. Each has its own application, qualification, fee, and renewal requirements. A therapist license is personal and nontransferable; an establishment license is tied to the location and operation. Applicants generally must meet education, examination, criminal-history, and application requirements, and must provide accurate information. False or incomplete applications can lead to denial or discipline.
Renewal and continuing education
Licenses renew on the schedule set by TDLR. Before renewal, a licensee must complete the required continuing education and submit the renewal with the correct fee. Late renewal may require additional fees and may affect the ability to practice until the license is active. Keep proof of CE and keep contact information current. Do not practice on an expired or inactive license.
Traps
Do not import another state’s hour or CE numbers; learn the current Texas figures from Chapter 117. Do not confuse the therapist license with the establishment license or assume a school license authorizes clinical practice. Watch for questions about displaying the license, name changes, address changes, and transferability. “Registration” may refer to a specific TDLR process; read the question’s category carefully.
Worked example
A therapist completes CE but forgets to renew before expiration. She may not continue practicing merely because CE is done; she must restore active licensure under the applicable renewal or late-renewal rule.
Rule of thumb: a personal license follows the person; an establishment license follows the location; neither is transferable without TDLR approval.