Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $500–$1,600 est. 6–13 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. Massage services themselves are not taxable in Texas.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Fort Worth / Tarrant County

2 stops

  1. No Fort Worth Massage Establishment Registration (state TDLR licensing applies)

    There is no City of Fort Worth massage establishment registration. Massage establishments and 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 registration (none exists); TDLR massage establishment license fee applies at the state level -- see TDLR3–5 weeks

  2. Tarrant County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

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

    Official government source

    $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,600 · 6–13 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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