Establishments
Establishment Resources
The Alabama Department of Public Health's Massage Therapy Program conducts inspections of massage therapy establishments for two reasons:
- Prior to issuing an initial establishment license
- Upon receipt of a complaint against a licensed massage therapy establishment
The following documents are intended to assist massage therapy establishments in preparing for an inspection:
- New License – Instructions Before You Apply
- License Renewal – Instructions Before You Apply
- Fingerprinting
- Apply Now
New License - Instructions Before You Apply
These instructions are designed to assist you in the online application process.
Fees associated with the online application and criminal background check:
- Application and license fee for a two-year license: $350
- Background check required for the owner and each additional owner, director, officer, partner, or member listed in the application
- Actual cost of federal and state background checks: to be billed by a third-party vendor
Files to be uploaded are marked with an asterisk (*) below:
- * U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence documentation for the applicant. If the massage therapy establishment is owned, leased, or legally possessed by a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company, each owner, director, officer, partner, or member must submit supporting documentation. Use the form that applies to the individual.
- * Supplemental Regulatory Questions: The individual completing the application will be required to answer a series of regulatory questions. If the establishment is owned, leased, or legally possessed by a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company, a Supplemental Regulatory Questionnaire must be uploaded for each owner, director, officer, partner, or member. Answer all questions. Provide an explanation for all "Yes" answers. Sign the document.
- * Proof of current professional and general liability insurance with an "A" rated or better insurance carrier in the amount of at least one million dollars. The establishment's name must be on the certificate of insurance.
- * Copy of deed, lease, or other document showing the applicant has the right to possess the premises where the establishment will be located.
License Renewal - Instructions Before You Apply
These instructions are designed to assist you in the online application process.
Fees associated with the online application and criminal background check:
- Application and renewal license fee for a two-year license: $250
- Background check required for the owner and each additional owner, director, officer, partner, or member listed in the application
- Actual cost of federal and state background checks: to be billed by a third-party vendor
Files to be uploaded are marked with an asterisk (*) below:
- * U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence documentation for the applicant. If the massage therapy establishment is owned, leased, or legally possessed by a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company, each owner, director, officer, partner, or member must submit supporting documentation. Use the form that applies to the individual.
- * Supplemental Regulatory Questions: The individual completing the application will be required to answer a series of regulatory questions. If the establishment is owned, leased, or legally possessed by a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company, a Supplemental Regulatory Questionnaire must be uploaded for each owner, director, officer, partner, or member. Answer all questions. Provide an explanation for all "Yes" answers. Sign the document.
- * Proof of current professional and general liability insurance with an "A" rated or better insurance carrier in the amount of at least one million dollars. The establishment's name must be on the certificate of insurance.
- * Copy of deed, lease, or other document showing the applicant has the right to possess the premises where the establishment will be located.
- A list of all licensed massage therapists employed by the establishment, including the license number of each therapist.
Fingerprinting
Visit our Fingerprinting Page for instructions for applicants requiring fingerprinting.
Note: You must have an application on file with the Alabama Department of Public Health's (ADPH) Massage Therapy Program prior to submitting for fingerprinting. You cannot begin the background check process until AFTER the license application submission date. If ADPH's Massage Therapy Program receives a background check before receiving an application, the applicant will be required to undergo another background check. This will result in you having to pay for the background check again.
Apply Now
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Page last updated: September 3, 2026
