Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $600–$1,800 est. 6–14 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 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

    Required if selling retail products (oils, lotions). Massage therapy services themselves are not taxable in Texas. Apply free through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Dallas / Dallas County

2 stops

  1. No City of Dallas Massage Establishment Permit (state TDLR licensing applies)

    There is no City of Dallas massage establishment permit. Massage establishments and massage therapists are licensed exclusively at the state level by TDLR under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455, and Sec. 455.005 supersedes local licensing -- cities may only apply zoning, hours-of-operation, and owner background-check regulations. Ensure the establishment holds a TDLR massage establishment license and all therapists are TDLR-licensed; a Certificate of Occupancy is required for the commercial space.

    Official government source

    $0 city permit (none exists); TDLR massage establishment license fee applies at the state level -- see TDLR3–6 weeks (background check, inspection)

  2. Dallas County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Required if operating under a trade name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Dallas County Clerk's office. Valid for 10 years.

    Official government source

    $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,800 · 6–14 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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