Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 5 stops $200–$700 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
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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 or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners — Massage Therapist License

    All massage therapists in Maryland must be licensed (LMT) or registered (RMP) with the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners. LMT requires at least 750 hours of accredited massage therapy education; RMP requires at least 600 hours (COMAR 10.65.01.07). Applicants must pass the MBLEx (or equivalent national exam) plus the Maryland jurisprudence exam and hold CPR certification.

    Official government source

    $100 (initial)4–8 weeks

  2. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

2 stops

  1. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license. The Annapolis Department of Finance does not license businesses. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

  2. Zoning / Certificate of Occupancy

    A use and occupancy permit is required to occupy or change the use of a commercial space in Annapolis. Confirm with the City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning (410-260-2200) that the location is properly zoned for a personal-service business; zoning approval plus building, fire, and health code compliance and an inspection are required before the permit is issued.

    Official government source

    Fees vary; confirm with the Department of Planning and Zoning1–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses

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