Home › Alabama › Massage Therapy License

Massage Therapy License in Alabama: Cost, Steps & How to File

Every Alabama business owner eventually needs to answer the massage therapy license question: what does it cost, how long does it take, and where do I actually file? This page answers all three with the current Alabama numbers, plus the government link to start the application.

Typical cost

$100–$500

Timeline

30–90 days

Renewal

Every 1-2 years with continuing education

Who needs it

licensed massage therapists (LMT)

Steps to get a massage therapy license in Alabama

Step 1: Graduate from an approved massage therapy program (500-1000 hours in most states)
Step 2: Pass the MBLEx exam (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination — accepted in ~45 states)
Step 3: Submit fingerprints and background check
Step 4: Apply to the state's massage therapy board
Step 5: Get commercial liability insurance (usually through AMTA or ABMP membership)
Step 6: Verify local (city/county) licensing — some cities require an additional 'body work' permit on top of the state LMT

Required documents

School transcript
MBLEx score report
Fingerprints
Government-issued ID
Insurance certificate

Where to file in Alabama

Business filings: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities
Secretary of State: https://www.sos.alabama.gov
Tax authority: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov
Labor/workforce: https://labor.alabama.gov

Heads up: A common Alabama mistake: assuming this massage therapy license covers your city and county requirements too. It usually doesn't. Check your city's business division separately — most cities in Alabama require their own general business license on top of state filings.

Related permits in Alabama

Business License in Alabama

Frequently asked questions

How much does a massage therapy license cost in Alabama?

Typical cost ranges from $100–$500. The exact fee depends on your specific business type, city, and any expedited processing you choose.

How long does it take to get a massage therapy license in Alabama?

Most Alabama applications complete in 30–90 days. Same-day or next-day processing is often available for an added fee at the state level.

Do I need a massage therapy license if I'm just starting a home business in Alabama?

In most cases, yes — even home-based businesses in Alabama are subject to the same state filing rules. Local rules (city and county) may add a home occupation permit on top.

This page reflects general Alabama filing rules as of 2026. Fees and processing times change; verify the current amounts with the linked state agency before filing.