Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $900–$2,500 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of California

2 stops

  1. California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) Certificate

    California has no state massage license; CAMTC provides voluntary state certification (CMT) that most California cities accept in lieu of, or as a prerequisite for, local massage permits. Requires 500 hours of education at CAMTC-approved schools and a background check. Certification renews every two years. Cities may still impose their own permit requirements.

    Official government source

    $300 two-year CAMTC certification fee (per CAMTC fee schedule) + fingerprinting/background costs4–8 weeks

  2. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

    Required if selling tangible retail products (oils, lotions, gift items). Apply through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Free to obtain.

    Official government source

    Free1–2 weeks (online application)

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

3 stops

  1. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC)

    All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance and pay an annual business tax. The Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) must be obtained before opening. Massage businesses fall under personal services and are taxed based on gross receipts.

    Official government source

    $0 to register; annual tax gross-receipts-based ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal filed on time)1–2 weeks (online application)

  2. Los Angeles Massage Establishment Permit (Board of Police Commissioners)

    Under LAMC Section 103.205, massage establishments in the City of Los Angeles must hold a Massage Establishment Permit issued by the Board of Police Commissioners (a Group 1 police permit; applications are processed through the Office of Finance with the BTRC). Requirements include CAMTC certification for massage practitioners, background review of owners, and premises inspection.

    Official government source

    $961 original application; $393 annual renewal (Office of Finance police permit fee schedule, item P951)6–12 weeks

  3. City of Los Angeles Certificate of Occupancy (LADBS)

    A Certificate of Occupancy from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) is required for commercial locations in the City of LA. Ensure the space is zoned for personal-service use before leasing. Apply through LADBS.

    Official government source

    $200–$6002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $900–$2,500 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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