What you need to do to get your Tennessee massage license back
To reinstate a massage license in Tennessee, you must contact the Tennessee Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy and meet their current requirements, which typically include proof that your license has lapsed, payment of reinstatement fees, and completion of any continuing education hours you missed while unlicensed. The exact steps depend on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily surrendered.
Tennessee does not have a single reinstatement form that works for all situations. Instead, the Board handles reinstatement requests on a case-by-case basis, so your first step is to contact them directly to learn what documents and fees explore to your specific situation. This conversation will also tell you whether you can reinstate or whether you need to retake the licensing exam.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Tennessee Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy directly to find out whether your license can be reinstated or whether you must retake the exam.
- Reinstatement typically requires proof of your lapsed license, payment of reinstatement fees, and documentation of any continuing education hours completed during the inactive period.
- If your license has been inactive for more than a certain number of years, Tennessee may require you to retake the massage therapy exam instead of allowing reinstatement.
- The Board's decision depends on the reason your license lapsed and how long it has been inactive, so the timeline and cost vary by individual case.
- You cannot legally practice massage therapy in Tennessee while your license is inactive, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request.
How to contact the Tennessee Board of Massage Therapy
The Tennessee Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy is the only body that can reinstate your license. You can reach them by phone, mail, or through their office in Nashville. Their phone line is the fastest way to learn what documents you need and what fees explore to your case.
When you call, have your name, license number (if you remember it), and the date your license lapsed ready. The Board staff can tell you when ready whether reinstatement is an option for you or whether you will need to retake the exam. If reinstatement is possible, they will mail or email you a list of what to submit and the total cost.
You can also visit the Board's office in person if you live in or near Nashville, though calling ahead to confirm their hours is recommended. Mailing your request is slower but works if you prefer written communication.
Documents and fees required for reinstatement
Most reinstatement requests require proof that your license was valid before it lapsed. This usually means a copy of your original license, a letter from the Board confirming your license history, or a screenshot from the Board's online license verification system. You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on how long your license has been inactive.
If you completed continuing education hours while your license was inactive, bring documentation of those courses. Some massage therapists complete education during the lapsed period hoping it will count toward reinstatement; the Board will review what you completed and tell you whether it meets their current requirements. Hours completed more than a certain number of years ago may not count.
If your license lapsed because you did not renew it on time, you may also need to pay a late renewal fee in addition to the reinstatement fee. The Board will calculate the total cost when you contact them.
When Tennessee requires retaking the exam instead of reinstatement
Tennessee has time limits on reinstatement. If your license has been inactive for longer than the Board's threshold—typically several years, though the exact number changes based on Board rules—you will not be allowed to reinstate. Instead, you must retake the massage therapy licensing exam and meet all current requirements as if you were a new applicant.
The Board will tell you during your initial contact whether your license falls within the reinstatement window or whether you must retake the exam. If retaking is required, you will need to complete a massage therapy program that meets Tennessee's current standards, pass the exam, and pay the full licensing fee.
Even if reinstatement is allowed, the Board may require you to retake the exam if your license was inactive due to disciplinary action or if you cannot document that you maintained your skills during the lapsed period. Ask the Board directly whether exam retaking is a requirement in your case.
Continuing education requirements during reinstatement
Tennessee requires massage therapists to complete continuing education hours to maintain an active license. If your license has been inactive, you may need to complete the hours you missed during that period before the Board will reinstate you. The number of hours required depends on how long your license was inactive and what the current continuing education standard is.
Some massage therapists complete continuing education courses before contacting the Board, hoping to satisfy the requirement ahead of time. This can speed up the reinstatement process, but only if the courses meet Tennessee's standards and were completed by an approved provider. Contact the Board before enrolling to confirm which courses count.
If you completed continuing education while your license was inactive, keep all certificates of completion and course descriptions. The Board will need to verify that the hours meet their requirements before they count toward reinstatement.
Timeline for reinstatement approval
The time it takes to reinstate your license depends on how quickly you gather the required documents and how busy the Board is. Once you submit a complete reinstatement request with all required documents and fees, the Board typically processes it within two to four weeks. If your request is missing information, the Board will contact you and the timeline will extend while you provide what is needed.
Do not expect to practice massage therapy while your reinstatement request is pending. Your license remains inactive until the Board officially approves the reinstatement and issues you a new license or reinstated license document. Practicing without an active license is illegal in Tennessee and can result in fines or other penalties.
If the Board needs additional information from you, respond as quickly as possible. Delays on your end will slow down the entire process. Once approved, the Board will send you a new license or confirmation of reinstatement, and you can legally resume practice.
What to do if the Board denies your reinstatement request
If the Board denies your reinstatement request, they will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons for denial include that your license has been inactive too long, that you do not meet current continuing education requirements, or that your license was revoked rather than straightforward lapsed. The Board's letter will tell you what your options are.
If denial is based on the length of time your license has been inactive, you will typically be told that you must retake the massage therapy exam and complete a current program. If denial is based on disciplinary history, the Board may require you to take additional steps or may tell you that reinstatement is not possible.
You have the right to request a hearing or to appeal the Board's decision. The denial letter will include information about how to file an appeal and the important date for doing so. If you believe the Board made an error, you can request a formal hearing to present your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reinstate a massage license in Tennessee?
Reinstatement fees vary based on how long your license has been inactive and whether you owe late renewal fees. The Board will give you the exact total when you contact them. Fees typically range from a reinstatement fee plus any continuing education or exam costs if required, but the specific amount depends on your individual case.
Can I practice massage therapy while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice massage therapy in Tennessee while your license is inactive, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval. Practicing without an active license is illegal and can result in fines, legal action, or permanent loss of your license.
What if I cannot find my original license number?
You do not need your license number to start the reinstatement process. Contact the Board with your full name and date of birth, and they can look up your license history in their system. They will provide you with your license number and tell you what reinstatement requires in your case.
Do I have to retake the massage therapy exam to reinstate my license?
Not always. If your license has been inactive for a short period and you meet current continuing education requirements, reinstatement without retaking the exam may be possible. If your license has been inactive for many years or was revoked, the Board will likely require you to retake the exam. Contact the Board to find out which applies to you.
How do I contact the Tennessee Board of Massage Therapy?
You can reach the Board by phone, mail, or in person at their Nashville office. Call the Tennessee Department of Health and ask for the Board of Massage Therapy, or visit the Department of Health website to find current contact information and office hours. Having your name and former license number ready will speed up the process.