Massage Therapy

Follow the instructions on the Update Your License Record webpage.

When logged into My License One, click on the three dots under the "Actions" column and select "print."

Follow these steps:

1. Request Official License Verification: Have your state's licensing authority email an "Official License Verification" directly to [email protected]. The verification must confirm that your license has been held for at least one year and is in good standing.
2. Complete the Application: Submit an online application and pay the required processing fees.
3. Background Check: Follow the fingerprinting instructions to submit to a criminal background check, as required for the license.

Please note: having a license in another state does not guarantee you qualify for licensure by endorsement. You may still need to meet additional education, experience, or examination requirements. Incomplete applications are subject to denial.

A criminal background check is required, by Utah Code § 58-47b-302, for any of the following individual licenses:

• Massage Therapist
• Massage Apprentice
• Massage Assistant
• Massage Assistant-in-Training

To submit fingerprints for a criminal background check, follow the fingerprinting instructions on our fingerprinting webpage.

Yes, Utah requires passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) to obtain licensure.

Yes, all applicants, including those applying by endorsement, are required to take and pass the MBLEx. Utah does not accept state-level exams.

To be authorized to take the MBLEx:

1. Register with FSMTB: Create an account and register with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) at www.fsmtb.org.
2. Submit Massage Therapist Application: Submit your formal Massage Therapist License application to the Division, including your verification of completion form. This form must be completed and signed by your supervisor. 
3. Wait for Authorization: The Division will review your application; if your education meets the requirements, you will be authorized to take the exam.
4. Schedule Your Exam: Once authorized, you will receive an Authorization to Test from the Division, which allows you to schedule your exam date and location.

All massage locations, see FAQ above. This includes: any place where massage services are performed by an individual, even locations rented or leased to multiple sole practitioners. Each physical location must be registered separately.

The following establishments or facilites are exempt from registering as massage establishments:

1. hospitals or medical clinics;
2. physician offices;
3. physical therapy facilities;
4. chiropractic offices;
5. athletic training facilities or institutions of secondary or higher education when massage services are performed in connection with employment related to athletic teams; and
6. a sole practitioner who only rents or leases to a sole practitioner if the sole practitioner meets the requirements described in Utah Code section 58-47b-504.

The following locations are not considered to be "massage establishments" and therefore do not need to register:

1. a location owned, rented, or leased by a single sole practitioner to perform massage services;
2. an out-call location; or
3. a massage school where massage services are only performed for an educational purpose.

To register, an owner must:

• Submit an application and pay a fee.
• Provide a valid business registration number from the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
• Provide a city or county business license, if required at that location.
• Document that the facility complies with the Division's rules.
• Provide proof of ownership or the right to possess the premises (ex., lease or deed).
• Provide information regarding certain individuals who own/manage the business, along with proof of their lawful presence in the United States.
• Consent to a criminal history background check (see FAQ below).
• Submit a signed attestation that the business does not engage in illegal activities such as human trafficking.
• Meet with DOPL or the Board of Massage Therapy, if requested.

A criminal background check is required for each individual who:

• personally or constructively holds (including as the beneficiary of a trust) at least 10% of the entity's outstanding stock, or more than $25,000 of its fair market value;
• has a direct or indirect participating interest of 10% or more in the entity's profits, proceeds, or capital gains;
• is a member of the board of directors or other governing body of the entity; or
• serves as an elected officer or general manager.

(Note: Minors who are owners as beneficiaries of a trust are exempt from the criminal background check requirement.)

Operating a massage establishment without a valid registration is unlawful conduct and can lead to serious penalties. DOPL can impose an administrative fine or take other administrative actions, such as notifying the local police department and municipality where the establishment is located.

In addition to, or in place of a fine, DOPL can assess a penalty of up to $10,000 for a single violation or up to $2,000 per day for an ongoing violation to any massage establishment that is in violation of the provisions of Chapter 1, Division of Professional Licensing Act, Section 58-47b-501.1 or 58-47b-502.1, or any rule or order issued with respect to these provisions.

Massage establishment registrations cannot be assigned or transferred. If ownership or legal possession of a massage establishment changes, or upon the sublease of a massage establishment, the new owner, lessee, or legal possessor must notify the Division within 30 days. (There will be a form on the Divisions website.)