Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Michigan Massage Therapist License (LARA)

   Michigan requires massage therapists to be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Requirements include 500 hours of education from an approved program, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses expire every three years on the therapist's birth month.

   Official government source

   $75 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)·4–8 weeks

   $75 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)

   4–8 weeks

2. Michigan Business Registration

   LLCs and corporations must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Corporations Division. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a DBA certificate.

   Official government source

   $50 (LLC) or $10–$25 (DBA)·1–3 weeks

   $50 (LLC) or $10–$25 (DBA)

   1–3 weeks

1. City of Detroit Business License

   Detroit requires all businesses to obtain a business license from the Detroit Business License Center. Massage establishments must also comply with Detroit's massage establishment ordinance and undergo a premises inspection. All therapists must hold Michigan state licenses.

   Official government source

   $150–$400/year·3–6 weeks

   $150–$400/year

   3–6 weeks

2. Wayne County DBA (Assumed Name Filing)

   Required if operating under a business name other than your legal name. Filed with the Wayne County Clerk.

   Official government source

   $10–$25·Same day to 1 week

   $10–$25

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• Michigan LARA — Massage Therapy
• City of Detroit — BSEED
• Wayne County Clerk — Assumed Name

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