If you’re a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in Texas, keeping your license current is critical to maintaining your legal ability to practice. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) governs massage therapy licensure in the state and has specific requirements you must meet every two years to renew your license.
In this post, we’ll break down the Texas massage therapy license renewal requirements in detail, covering timelines, continuing education, fees, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
✅ Overview: When Do You Need to Renew Your License?
Massage therapy licenses in Texas must be renewed every two years. The expiration date is printed on your license card, and the TDLR typically sends a renewal notice approximately 60 days before expiration. However, it’s your responsibility to ensure timely renewal, even if you don’t receive the notice.
📚 Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
One of the core components of renewing your massage therapy license in Texas is continuing education (CE). Here’s what you need to know:
Total Hours Required
- You must complete 12 hours of continuing education every renewal period (every two years).
Required Content
- 6 of those hours must be in massage therapy techniques, ethics, or laws and rules relevant to massage therapy.
- The remaining 6 hours can be in related coursework—such as anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, business practices, or additional massage techniques.
Approved Providers
- CE hours must be obtained from TDLR-approved continuing education providers.
- At least 6 hours must be in-person or live online (not prerecorded).
💡 Pro tip: Keep a folder (physical or digital) with your CE certificates. You’re not required to submit them when you renew, but the TDLR can audit you at any time.
💳 Renewal Fees
To renew your massage therapy license in Texas, you’ll need to pay a $75 renewal fee. This fee must be submitted along with your renewal application.
If your license has expired, additional late fees apply:
- Up to 90 days late: $75 renewal fee + $37.50 late fee
- 91 days to 18 months late: $75 renewal fee + $75 late fee
⚠️ Note: If your license has been expired for more than 18 months (but less than 3 years), you must request approval to reinstate it by contacting the TDLR directly. Beyond 3 years, you may need to reapply as a new applicant.
📝 How to Renew Your License
You can renew your license through the TDLR’s online licensing portal:
Steps:
- Go to the TDLR Massage Therapy Licensing Portal.
- Log in using your credentials.
- Complete the renewal form.
- Pay the $75 renewal fee.
- Confirm your continuing education completion (keep your certificates).
Your updated license will be mailed to you upon approval.
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Renew?
Practicing massage therapy with an expired license in Texas is illegal and can result in:
- Fines
- Formal disciplinary actions
- Public record violations
- License suspension or revocation
Additionally, working without a valid license can void your liability insurance and expose you to legal risk.
🔁 Renewal Reminders & Best Practices
- Mark your calendar for your renewal date.
- Complete CE hours early—don’t wait until the last minute.
- Check the TDLR website annually for any regulatory changes.
- Renew online for faster processing.
🧾 Summary Checklist
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal Frequency | Every 2 years |
| CE Hours Required | 12 total (6 mandatory content, 6 related) |
| In-Person/Live Hours | At least 6 |
| Renewal Fee | $75 |
| Late Fees | $37.50–$75 (depending on how late) |
| Renewal Method | Online via TDLR portal |
🔍 Final Thoughts
Staying compliant with the Texas massage therapy license renewal requirements not only keeps your license active—it also ensures that you’re continually growing as a professional. Regular continuing education keeps your skills sharp, your business protected, and your clients safe.
For the most up-to-date information, always consult the official TDLR Massage Therapy webpage.
