The State of Alabama requires that anyone operating or advertising as a massage therapist or offering massage therapy services be licensed by this Board. All business or establishments offering massage therapy services must be licensed unless specifically exempt.

The Massage Therapist License requirements are a minimum of 650 hours from an accredited massage therapy school. Additionally, an applicant must have taken and passed either the NCBTMB exam or the MBLEx exam. Each Massage Therapist applicant must also produce evidence of a $1,000,000 Personal Liability Insurance coverage along with certified transcripts and verification of passing one of the approved exams.

ATTENTION: AMTLB LICENSEES

The Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Act requires each Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) performing massage therapy services in the state to register to a duly licensed massage therapy establishment.

To help facilitate a smooth transition and ensure efficiency, the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board is postponing the implementation of LMT registration for establishments until July 1, 2025. This extension will give everyone ample time to adjust to the new process in a straightforward and effective manner.

As the AMTLB works to refine and enhance its processes, please be sure to take note of the following important announcements:

  1. Licensing Management System Update: The AMTLB recently changed the licensee management software resulting in numerous changes to the system. We recognize how difficult change can be and appreciate your patience as these services will continue to improve in the coming days. Currently, staff are converting historical data to the new system and developing new capabilities for the future. Our IT staff continue to work on improving the available options and services. License Look Up is now available. In addition, staff have access to all old records as needed.
  2. Insurance Proof of Coverage: Massage therapists, massage therapy establishments, and massage therapy schools are required to carry professional and general liability insurance with an “A” rated or better insurance carrier in the amount of at least one million dollars. When you apply for an initial license or for renewal of your license, you will be required to provide proof of current coverage. Please make sure (1) that the certificate you send in reflects current coverage, and (2) that the names on the certificate match the therapist/establishment/school applying. This will greatly expedite the processing of your application.
  3. Schedule of Future Board Meetings: The AMTLB board will not meet in December. Beginning in January, the AMTLB will meet every other month. If you are an initial applicant for a massage therapist license, you are encouraged to also apply for a temporary permit for supervised practice through the AMTLB website. Upon approval of your temporary permit for supervised practice, you will be able to begin working in that approved supervised practice until the AMTLB meets to vote on your initial license application.
  4. License Renewal: You must have submitted a COMPLETE renewal application before your license expires, and a complete application includes all of the required paperwork AND receipt by the AMTLB of the results of your fingerprint background check. Thus, we strongly encourage you to begin the renewal process early so that your license does not go into an inactive status. Licensure renewal takes longer than previously due to the statutory changes in 2024. You will go into an inactive status if you do not renew early and allow time for all information to be verified including background checks. There is no grace period and if you go into an inactive status you cannot practice as a massage therapist in Alabama until your license is reinstated to active status.