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Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Verified 2026-10-09 7 stops $500–$2,500 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of California

2 stops

  1. California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) Certificate

    California has no state massage license; CAMTC provides voluntary state certification (CMT) that most California cities accept in lieu of, or as a prerequisite for, local massage permits. Requires 500 hours of education at CAMTC-approved schools and a background check. Certification renews every two years. Cities may still impose their own permit requirements.

    Official government source for California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) Certificate (opens in a new tab)

    $300 two-year CAMTC certification fee (per CAMTC fee schedule) + fingerprinting/background costs4–8 weeks

  2. California Seller's Permit (CDTFA)

    Required if selling tangible retail products (oils, lotions, gift items). Apply through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Free to obtain.

    Official government source for California Seller's Permit (CDTFA) (opens in a new tab)

    Free1–2 weeks (online application)

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

4 stops

  1. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC)

    All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance and pay an annual business tax. The Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) must be obtained before opening. Massage businesses fall under personal services and are taxed based on gross receipts.

    Official government source for City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) (opens in a new tab)

    $0 to register; annual tax gross-receipts-based ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal filed on time)1–2 weeks (online application)

  2. Los Angeles Massage Establishment Permit (Board of Police Commissioners)

    Under LAMC Section 103.205, a Massage Establishment — a business with a fixed place of business where massage is performed — must hold a Massage Establishment Permit issued by the Board of Police Commissioners (a Group 1 police permit). Applications are submitted to the LAPD Commission Investigation Division, which investigates and inspects; the fee is paid to the Office of Finance. The application requires a Certificate of Occupancy that indicates "Massage Establishment/Parlor" use, an LADBS zoning clearance, and a lease stating massage use. Permits are not transferable: moving locations or changing ownership requires a new application. Every person performing massage must hold a valid CAMTC certificate, and no massage may be given between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. If you will perform massage away from a fixed, permitted establishment, see the Out-Call Massage Business Permit instead.

    Official government source for Los Angeles Massage Establishment Permit (Board of Police Commissioners) (opens in a new tab)

    $961 original application; $393 annual renewal (Office of Finance Group 1 police permit fee schedule, item P951)6–12 weeks

  3. Los Angeles Out-Call Massage Business Permit (Board of Police Commissioners)

    Under LAMC Section 103.205, an Out-Call Massage Business — any business that performs massage for consideration "at a location other than a Massage Establishment" — must hold its own Board of Police Commissioners permit (a Group 2 police permit) in addition to the BTRC. Mobile, in-home, event, and pop-up massage performed in spaces that are not themselves permitted Massage Establishments is the situation this permit covers. Every person performing massage must hold a valid CAMTC certificate, and no out-call massage may be given between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Confirm which permit fits your operating model with the LAPD Commission Investigation Division, Permit Processing Section, (213) 996-1210.

    Official government source for Los Angeles Out-Call Massage Business Permit (Board of Police Commissioners) (opens in a new tab)

    $176 original; $176 annual (Office of Finance Group 2 police permit fee schedule, item P954)Varies — includes an LAPD background investigation; confirm with the Commission Investigation Division

  4. City of Los Angeles Certificate of Occupancy (LADBS)

    A Certificate of Occupancy from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) is required for commercial locations in the City of LA. For a Massage Establishment Permit, the Certificate of Occupancy must indicate "Massage Establishment/Parlor" use, and the LAPD application also requires an LADBS zoning clearance; a space approved only for general retail or personal-service use does not meet this. Confirm the use before leasing.

    Official government source for City of Los Angeles Certificate of Occupancy (LADBS) (opens in a new tab)

    $200–$6002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,500 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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