How to Guide: Massage Therapist
How to Apply
If you would like to apply as a Massage Therapist, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State and renew every two years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- Licensure requires completing an application, get it signed and notarized, and pay the required fee.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by October 31st of even numbered years. Late renewal period is November 1 to November 30 of even numbered years.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication for the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form >>
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. See program information here >>
- If you are claiming veteran’s preference points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Fees
MT application |
$125 |
Provisional permit |
$125 |
Educational program application |
$125 |
MT renewal |
$75 |
MT late renewal |
$150 |
MT Reinstatement |
$200 |
MT Endorsement |
$125 |
Educational program renewal |
$75 |
Inactive status |
No fee |
License pocket card |
$25 |
Durable plastic license pocket card |
$50 |
Decorative wall certificate |
$50 |
Verification of licensure |
$35 |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
Massage Therapist
If you have previously held this license and it has been expired for more than two years, you must re-take the exam and upon passing the exam, submit a reinstatement application and fee.
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Official Transcript
- School Approval
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Proof of Liability Insurance
- National Exam Scores
- Employment Verification
- Background Consent Form
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $125.
Massage Therapist Provisional Permit
Provisional Permits are only available to non-residents of Georgia.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Verification of Employment
- Proof of Residency
- Planned Georgia Employment Form
- Background Consent Form
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $125.
Reinstatement
If you have previously held this license and it has been expired for more than two years, you must re-take the exam and upon passing the exam, submit a reinstatement application and fee.
If you have previously held this license and it has been expired for more than two years, you must re-take the exam and upon passing the exam, submit a reinstatement application and fee.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Continuing Education Hours
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Proof of Liability Insurance
- Official Transcript
- National Exam Scores
- Employment Verification
- Background Consent Form
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $200.
Endorsement
If you have previously held this license in another state and are wishing to apply for licensure in Georgia, apply for licensure by endorsement.
If you have previously held this license in another state and are wishing to apply for licensure in Georgia, apply for licensure by endorsement. You must submit this application by mail.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Official Transcript
- School Approval
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Proof of Liability Insurance
- National Exam Scores
- Employment Verification
- Background Consent Form
- Background Check
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $125.
Renewal
If you have previously held this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before October 31st of even-numbered years to avoid late fees.
If you have previously held this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before October 31st of even-numbered years to avoid late fees.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the right hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
Please note that a license will remain in “Active-Renewal Pending” status when:
- A licensee has applied for renewal before the deadline; and,
- A licensee has supplied all of the required information to complete the renewal application before the deadline; and,
- It has been determined that the application requires additional review by the Board.
In accordance with O.C.G.A. §50-13-18(b), a license in this status is not considered to be lapsed, expired, inactive or invalid until the renewal application has been finally decided upon by the Board. If the license remains in that status or another active licensing status as allowed by statute or rule, the licensee may legally continue to engage in the practice of the profession.
Licensees will be notified of a change in status by email.
A non-refundable application fee of $75.00. ($150.00 for late renewal.)
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
To file by mail:
Call 404-424-9966 and request a paper renewal coupon be mailed to you. When completed, please mail the renewal coupon, the required fee, and any supporting documents to:
Georgia Board of Massage Therapy
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
- After renewing online or by mail, CHECK your license expiration date online to assure the renewal was completed.
- Please note, endorsement applications must be submitted by paper only.
- Please note, if you fail to apply for the renewal of your license before the deadline, a reinstatement application will be required. Reinstatement applications must be submitted by paper only.
Identification Card
Once your application is approved, you may order an Identification Card.
Contact
Related Resources
- Form Identification Card
- Online Resource Georgia Non-Post-Secondary Commission
- Online Resource National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Body Work
- Online Resource The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
- Online Resource AMTA Georgia
- Online Resource Georgia Applicant Processing Services