Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Houston, Harris 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. Massage therapy services are not taxable in Texas. Apply free through the Texas Comptroller.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Houston / Harris County

2 stops

  1. City of Houston — No Massage Establishment Permit (TDLR state license applies)

    Houston does not issue a massage-establishment permit or registration. Massage establishments and therapists are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Occupations Code Chapter 455; Houston's Code of Ordinances (Ch. 28) imposes operating rules such as displaying the TDLR license and sanitation standards, but there is no city permit or city fee.

    Official government source

    None (state TDLR license fees apply)3–6 weeks

  2. Harris County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

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

    Official government source

    $24 (notarized; plus $0.50 per additional owner) or $25 + $1 witnessing fee if not notarizedSame 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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Official Sources

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