Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy — Massage and Bodywork Therapist License

   Massage and bodywork therapists in New Jersey must be licensed by the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Licensure requires completing an approved massage and bodywork education program, passing an accepted licensing examination such as the MBLEx, and a criminal history background check. Confirm the current required training hours and accepted examinations directly with the Board.

   Official government source

   Confirm the current application and initial licensure fees with the NJ Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.·Applications are reviewed once the examination result and background check are on file — confirm current processing times with the Board.

   Confirm the current application and initial licensure fees with the NJ Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.

   Applications are reviewed once the examination result and background check are on file — confirm current processing times with the Board.

2. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

1. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

   Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

   Official government source

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.·Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.

   Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

2. City of Paterson UCC Construction/Buildings — Zoning Approval and Certificate of Occupancy

   Commercial space used as a massage therapy practice requires a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Paterson's UCC Construction/Buildings division, which issues Certificates of Occupancy and Continued Certificates of Occupancy under the NJ Uniform Construction Code. Confirm separately with Paterson's Planning & Zoning division that the location is zoned for a personal service use.

   Official government source

   Paterson construction permit and certificate fees are set by city ordinance — confirm the current amount with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.·Depends on plan review and inspection scheduling — confirm current timing with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

   Paterson construction permit and certificate fees are set by city ordinance — confirm the current amount with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

   Depends on plan review and inspection scheduling — confirm current timing with the UCC Construction/Buildings division.

Official Sources

• New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy — License
• City of Paterson Department of Business Administration

Related Guides