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 it every two years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- Licensure requires completing an application and paying the required fee.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees to be considered for licensure.
- Immediately after applying, you must register and complete a fingerprint background check to be considered for licensure. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) awarded Idemia the contract to provide a service for electronic submission of fingerprints for Georgia applicants. The Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) is simple and easy to use.
- To watch the training video to navigate the process: Training Video >>
- To access a downloadable set of instructions for the process: GAPS/Idemia Instructions.
- 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 processed in the order in which they are received.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, please submit all requested items at one time, as soon as possible, to prevent processing delays.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.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 >>
Massage Therapist
If you have never held a massage therapy license in Georgia or have an expired massage therapy license in another state or U.S. territory, submit this application and fee.
If you have never been licensed as a massage therapist before or have an expired massage therapy license in another state or U.S. territory and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by application.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- 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
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Massage Therapist Provisional Permit
Provisional Permits are only available to persons who are not residents of Georgia and meet the requirements set forth in Board Rules.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- 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
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Reinstatement
If you have previously held a massage therapy license in Georgia and it has expired for more than two years, you submit a reinstatement application and fee, submit the required continuing education, and re-take the exam.
If you meet the requirements for reinstatement of a massage therapy license, use the following checklist:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- 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
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Inactive Status
If you want to cease the practice of massage therapy in Georgia temporarily, you may be eligible to apply for Inactive Status.
If you want to cease the practice of massage therapy in Georgia temporarily, you may be eligible to apply for Inactive Status. If you later choose to resume the practice of massage therapy in Georgia, you will have to meet all reactivation or reinstatement requirements in place at the time you apply to restore the license to an active status.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
Reactivation
If you have previously held a massage therapy license in Georgia and it has expired for less than two years, you submit a reactivation application and fee.
If you meet the requirements for reactivation of a massage therapy license, use the following checklist:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- 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
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Endorsement
If you have an active massage therapy license(s) in another state of U.S. Territory, apply for licensure by endorsement.
The following is a checklist of required documents for the endorsement application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- 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)
- Proof of Military Service
Renewal
If you need to renew your massage therapy license to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before October 31st of even-numbered years to avoid late fees.
To renew your massage therapy 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 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.
How to File
Identification Card
Once your license has been issued, 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