How to become a massage therapist in Alabama
Alabama massage therapists are licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Massage Therapy Program. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Alabama, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in Alabama?
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check (applicants who have not applied since June 1, 2024)
- Professional and general liability insurance of at least $1 million
- 650 hours of massage therapy instruction
- Passing score on the MBLEx or another ADPH-approved national exam
Alabama massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. A state license is required. As of October 1, 2026 the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Massage Therapy Program regulates massage therapy, taking over from the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Alabama Department of Public Health, Massage Therapy Program |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) |
| Education or training | A minimum of 650 hours of instruction in massage therapy meeting the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Act. |
| Exam | Pass the MBLEx or another national standardized exam approved by ADPH; Texas exams are not currently accepted. |
| Insurance or bond | Proof of current professional and general liability insurance from an A-rated or better carrier of at least $1,000,000 is required at application and renewal. |
| License term | Two years. |
| Continuing education | 16 hours of continuing education per two-year renewal. |
How much does it cost?
| Application and license fee (two-year license) | $150 |
|---|---|
| License renewal (two-year) | $125 |
| Reinstatement (more than one year past expiration) | $175 |
| Federal and state background check | Actual cost, billed by third-party vendor |
| Duplicate license | $30 |
| License verification | $35 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a massage therapist in Alabama
- Complete 650 hours of massage therapy instruction
- Pass the MBLEx
- Get professional and general liability insurance of at least $1 million
- Apply online through the ADPH massage therapy gateway and pay the $150 fee
- Complete fingerprinting after your application is on file
- Have transcripts, exam scores and any out-of-state license verifications sent to ADPH
Apply on the official Alabama site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Alabama?
- Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Massage Therapy Program.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.