How to become a massage therapist in Missouri
Missouri massage therapists are licensed by the Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage (Division of Professional Registration). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed massage therapist in Missouri, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a massage therapist in Missouri?
- Be 18 or older
- Complete 625 clock hours from an approved school or certified mentor apprenticeship
- Pass an approved exam
- Fingerprint background check through MACHS
- Professional liability insurance
- Notarized application
Missouri massage therapist license requirements
| State license | Yes. Missouri requires a state massage therapist license. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage (Division of Professional Registration) |
| License name | Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) |
| Education or training | At least 625 clock hours of massage therapy training from an approved program or an apprenticeship with a certified mentor. |
| Exam | Pass an approved exam such as the MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, NCCAOM ABT or AMMA NBCE. |
| Insurance or bond | Professional liability insurance is required; the application asks for the policy or company name and number. |
| License term | Two years; the current renewal window runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. |
| Continuing education | 12 clock hours during each two-year license period. |
How much does it cost?
| Massage therapist application | $125 |
|---|---|
| Renewal | $100 |
| Late renewal (1-30 days) | $50 |
| Provisional license application | $75 |
| Student license | $25 |
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 Missouri
- Complete 625 hours of approved training
- Pass an approved national exam
- Register for fingerprints through MACHS (registration number 5407)
- Get professional liability insurance
- Submit the notarized application with transcript and $125 fee
- Allow 2-4 weeks for processing
Apply on the official Missouri site
How do you check a massage therapist's license in Missouri?
- Search the name or license number on the official Missouri massage therapist license lookup.
- 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.