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Start a massage therapy practice in Texas

Typically $1,000 to $8,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.

Start on Allpage

Licenses and permits in Texas

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

Here’s what businesses like yours in Texas typically need. Requirements change, so confirm each one with the agency that issues it.

Local requirements not covered yet

This is what applies across Texas. Cities and counties often have their own permits too, so check with yours.

State: TX

Assumed name (DBA) for an LLC or corporation

LLCs and corporations in Texas that do business under a name other than their legal name typically file an assumed name certificate with the Secretary of State. Sole proprietors file with their county clerk instead.

Why it may apply: you do business in Texas.
Renews
Check with the agency
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. File Form 503 with the Secretary of State
  2. Pick a term of up to 10 years
Franchise tax report

LLCs, corporations and other taxable entities formed or doing business in Texas typically file a franchise tax report every year by May 15. Below the no-tax-due threshold they file an information report instead. Sole proprietors typically don’t file one.

Why it may apply: you do business in Texas.
Renews
Every year
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. File the yearly report by May 15
  2. File through Webfile or approved tax software
  3. Below the threshold, file the Public Information Report or Ownership Report
Massage establishment license

Places in Texas that offer massage therapy typically hold a TDLR massage establishment license before they open, and only licensed therapists work there.

Why it may apply: you run a massage therapist.
Renews
Every 2 years
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. Apply with TDLR
  2. Get owners over 10%, officers and managers fingerprinted
  3. Wait for approval before opening
Massage therapist license

People who practice or advertise massage therapy in Texas typically hold a TDLR massage therapist license, which starts with at least 500 hours at a Texas-licensed massage school.

Why it may apply: you run a massage therapist.
Renews
Every 2 years
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. Finish 500 or more hours at a Texas-licensed massage school
  2. Apply with TDLR and send your transcripts
  3. Get fingerprinted for the background check

Federal

Terms and consent for automatic renewalsAllpage covers this

Businesses that charge customers on a renewing plan online typically show all the terms clearly and get the customer’s express consent before charging, under the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act.

Allpage shows renewal terms before checkout, sends reminders and lets customers cancel online.

Why it may apply: it applies to most US businesses.
Renews
Once
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026

What it takes

To start
Typically $1,000 to $8,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time
It can start part-time, around another job.
License to practice
The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients.
How it charges
Per session, by length.
  • A massage therapy license, in most states
  • A table, linens and supplies
  • Liability insurance and a room, or travel to clients

What goes wrong early

  • Licensing hours come before paid clients
  • The work is physical, which limits sessions a day
  • Slow weeks between regulars

Steps to start

  1. Check the licenses and permits. Businesses like it in Texas typically need: Terms and consent for automatic renewals; Assumed name (DBA) for an LLC or corporation; Franchise tax report; Massage establishment license; Massage therapist license. This is what applies across Texas. Cities and counties often have their own permits too, so check with yours. Requirements change, so confirm each one with the agency that issues it. This isn’t legal advice.
  2. Get what you need to start. A massage therapy license, in most states. A table, linens and supplies. Liability insurance and a room, or travel to clients. Typically $1,000 to $8,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
  3. Set your prices. Per session, by length.
  4. Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (bookable sessions, a personal story and gentle faqs) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and win-back. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (bookable sessions, a personal story and gentle faqs) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and win-back. You approve anything that matters.

  • Review requests after visits. Asks customers for a review the day after they come to a session or appointment.
  • Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
  • Rebooking reminders. Asks customers to book again a set time after a visit, if they haven’t already.
  • Win-back. Invites customers back when they haven’t come in a while, counted from their last visit.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a massage therapy practice?

Typically $1,000 to $8,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a massage therapy practice part-time?

It can start part-time, around another job.

What licenses does a massage therapy practice need in Texas?

Businesses like it in Texas typically need: Terms and consent for automatic renewals; Assumed name (DBA) for an LLC or corporation; Franchise tax report; Massage establishment license; Massage therapist license. This is what applies across Texas. Cities and counties often have their own permits too, so check with yours. Requirements change, so confirm each one with the agency that issues it. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per session, by length.

What goes wrong early?

Licensing hours come before paid clients. The work is physical, which limits sessions a day. Slow weeks between regulars.

How does Allpage help?

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (bookable sessions, a personal story and gentle faqs) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and win-back. You approve anything that matters.