Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 7 stops $500–$1,500 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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)

    Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas Massage Establishment License (TDLR)

    The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires massage establishments operating in Texas to hold a Massage Establishment License. An establishment may employ only licensed massage therapists to perform massage therapy, and must meet TDLR facility and sanitation requirements. The non-refundable application fee is $200 and the license is valid for two years.

    Official government source

    $200 non-refundable application fee (license valid 2 years)4–8 weeks

  2. Texas Massage Therapist License (TDLR)

    Each massage therapist must hold an individual Texas Massage Therapist License from TDLR. Requirements: at least 500 hours of massage therapy coursework at a massage school licensed in Texas, passing an accepted licensing exam - either the TDLR State of Texas exam (administered by PSI, which includes Texas law and rules) or the MBLEx (FSMTB) plus the separate Texas Jurisprudence Exam - and a background check. The non-refundable application fee is $100; the license is valid for two years.

    Official government source

    $100 non-refundable application fee + exam fee (TDLR state exam via PSI, or MBLEx + Texas Jurisprudence Exam)4–8 weeks after completing education and passing exam

  3. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Massage therapy services are generally not taxable in Texas, but retail sales of products (oils, lotions, gift cards for taxable items) may require a Sales Tax Permit. Apply free through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Austin / Travis County

3 stops

  1. TDLR Massage Establishment License (no separate Austin permit)

    Massage establishments are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, not the City of Austin - there is no City of Austin massage establishment permit. Every massage establishment must hold a TDLR establishment license before operating, and all therapists must hold TDLR massage therapist licenses. City-level requirements are the generic ones: zoning compliance and a Certificate of Occupancy for the commercial space.

    Official government source

    $0 city fee (no city permit); TDLR establishment license fees are set by TDLR - see the TDLR application page2–4 weeks (application review and inspection)

  2. Austin General Business License (Home Occupation or Commercial)

    Austin does not require a general business license. For a commercial location, confirm the space's zoning allows personal services and that it has a Certificate of Occupancy for that use. If operating from home, no permit is needed - comply with the home occupation use standards in Austin Land Development Code sec. 25-2-900 (no client-heavy traffic, no signage, no off-site impacts).

    Official government source

    $0 - no general business license and no home occupation permit exist1–2 weeks

  3. Travis County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Required if operating under a business name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Travis County Clerk. Valid up to 10 years.

    Official government source

    $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides