Massage Therapist License Reciprocity by State
- States researched
- 51
- Offer endorsement
- 44
- Interstate compacts
- 1
Already hold a Massage Therapist license and moving your license to another state? Most states offer an endorsement (sometimes called "reciprocity") route that lets you transfer an active out-of-state license without repeating training from scratch, though you may still need to pass a state-specific exam, submit fingerprints, or pay a transfer fee. A handful of occupations also participate in interstate compacts, which let a single license cover practice in every member state. The table below covers every state we've researched for Massage Therapist.
| State | Endorsement available | Compacts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | — | Applicants must still submit license verification from every state where they hold or have held a massage therapy license as part of the standard application, and must have passed the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam — Alabama's board page does not describe a separate reduced-requirement reciprocity track. Alabama has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); massagecompact.org lists Alabama as having no IMpact legislation as of this research date. |
| Alaska | Yes | — | Alaska offers a 'Massage Therapist License by Credentials' pathway for applicants currently licensed in one of a specific list of states: Alabama, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Credentials applicants still need current CPR certification and fingerprint-based background check. Alaska has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); massagecompact.org states Alaska has no IMpact legislation currently introduced. |
| Arizona | Yes | — | Arizona offers three non-regular licensure pathways: (1) 'License by reciprocity based on out-of-state license' (A.R.S. Sections 32-4222 & 32-4223, A.A.C. R4-15-203) for applicants licensed in another state/territory for at least 2 of the last 5 years; (2) 'License by reciprocity based on NCBTMB certification' for applicants holding a current NCBTMB certification and a minimum 500-hour school graduation; and (3) 'License by universal acceptance' (A.R.S. Section 32-4302) for applicants licensed elsewhere for at least 1 year, active, who have established Arizona residency. Arizona has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); massagecompact.org states Arizona has no IMpact legislation currently introduced. |
| Arkansas | Yes | Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) | Rules Section 5 (Reciprocity, Temporary Licensure and Military Licensure), implementing Act 1011 of 2019, allows reciprocal licensure for applicants holding a substantially similar out-of-state license in good standing (500+ in-classroom hours or equivalent), who pass a comparable licensing exam and the Arkansas Law exam, and submit three letters of recommendation; a 90-day temporary license is available while the full application is processed. Arkansas enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) via HB1217/Act 267, signed by Governor Sanders on March 12, 2025, becoming the third state to join — per massagecompact.org, the compact is not yet operational (requires 7 enacting states to form the Commission), but Arkansas is a confirmed member state. |
| California | No | — | California has no mandatory statewide massage therapist license, so there is no formal state-to-state license reciprocity/endorsement process — out-of-state applicants instead apply for CAMTC certification like any other applicant, with their prior out-of-state education evaluated by CAMTC for equivalence to the 500-hour standard. California is not eligible to join the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact): per massagecompact.org, California is listed as 'Currently Ineligible' because IMpact requires member states to have statewide licensure in place, which California does not. |
| Colorado | Yes | — | 3 CCR 722-1 Rule 1.4 (Licensure by Endorsement): a person licensed/registered to practice massage therapy in another state, territory, or foreign country may apply for endorsement if they hold substantially equivalent experience/credentials — either completion of a 500-hour program (with credit of 50 hours granted for each year of 400 hours of documented practice, if the applicant's original program was shorter) plus a qualifying exam, or NCBTMB certification — and pass a fingerprint-based background check. Colorado has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); massagecompact.org states Colorado currently has no IMpact legislation introduced. |
| Connecticut | Yes | — | Licensure by endorsement is available to applicants who have practiced as a massage therapist for at least 1 year immediately preceding application, hold verification of an out-of-state license, and have passed the MBLEx or NCTMB exam (the NESL exam does not qualify). The endorsement application fee is the same $379.75. Connecticut has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); massagecompact.org states Connecticut currently has no IMpact legislation introduced. |
| Delaware | Yes | — | Out-of-state applicants may apply if they hold an active license in another jurisdiction, have practiced continuously in that jurisdiction for at least two years, and hold a valid NCBTMB certification; state/jurisdiction licensure verification must be sent directly to the Board from each state where the applicant currently or has ever held a license. Delaware has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — massagecompact.org reports Delaware introduced IMpact legislation for the first time in the 2026 session, but it did not pass before the session ended. |
| District of Columbia | Yes | — | DC offers licensure by Endorsement for applicants who hold a license in good standing in another U.S. state or territory with standards comparable to DC's requirements, plus successful completion of the NCETMB or another Board-approved exam. The application/license fees for Endorsement are identical to the Examination pathway ($85 + $177 = $262). DC has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); massagecompact.org lists DC as having no IMpact legislation currently introduced. |
| Florida | Yes | — | Florida offers a MOBILE (Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement) pathway for applicants holding an active, unencumbered license from another state, DC, or a U.S. territory, who have actively practiced at least 3 of the last 4 years, have no pending disciplinary complaints or investigations, and have passed the MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, or NESL exam. MOBILE Endorsement's own fee table totals $155.00 (application $50 + initial license $100 + ULA fee $5, with no inspection fee). Electronic fingerprinting is still required under HB 975. Florida has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); massagecompact.org states Florida currently has no IMpact legislation introduced. |
| Georgia | Yes | — | Georgia's own FAQ states plainly that holding a massage therapy license from another state does not authorize practice in Georgia — 'You must hold an active license issued by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy to practice as a massage therapist in Georgia.' However, Board Rule 345-5-.01 does provide a Licensure by Endorsement pathway (same $125 application fee as initial licensure) for applicants holding a current out-of-state/foreign license in good standing whose requirements are substantially equal to or exceed Georgia's, subject to the same age/education/citizenship/background-check requirements as new applicants. Georgia has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); massagecompact.org reports 2025 IMpact legislation came close to passage but did not complete final steps before adjournment, and the state remains well-positioned for future enactment. |
| Hawaii | No | — | The Board's official FAQ states unambiguously that Hawaii does NOT license by reciprocity: an out-of-state license cannot be transferred, and every applicant — including MBLEx passers and nationally certified therapists — must meet Hawaii's own hours, exam, and application requirements. Hawaii has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Idaho | Yes | — | Idaho Code §54-4010 authorizes the Board to grant a license without examination (by endorsement) to anyone licensed/certified in good standing by another state's massage therapy board, provided that state's requirements are substantially equivalent to Idaho's, upon payment of the endorsement fee. Per the Board's own FAQ, California applicants specifically do NOT qualify for endorsement and must apply by examination instead. Idaho has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Illinois | Yes | — | Illinois grants licensure by endorsement (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1284.40) to applicants currently licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction who completed a substantially similar training program and passed the NCBTMB or MBLEx exam, plus certification of licensure history and fingerprint processing. Illinois has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Indiana | Yes | — | Per 847 IAC 1-3-4, the Board may certify by endorsement an applicant who otherwise meets Indiana's baseline requirements (age, education, exam) and who is licensed/certified/registered in good standing in another state with credentialing standards at least as strict as Indiana's, provided each state that previously credentialed the applicant verifies current status and disciplinary history directly to the Board. Indiana has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Iowa | Yes | — | Per 481 IAC 821.4, Iowa grants licensure by endorsement to an applicant already licensed in another jurisdiction whose requirements are equal to or exceed Iowa's own (481 IAC 821.2), with direct verification of exam passage and current license status/disciplinary history from the issuing jurisdiction. A temporary license (up to 1 year, not renewable) is also available under 481 IAC 821.6 for an endorsement applicant still completing remaining requirements. Iowa has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Kansas | No | — | No statewide reciprocity/endorsement process exists because there is no state-issued massage therapist license to endorse into. Any reciprocity between local permits, where offered, would be negotiated between individual Kansas jurisdictions rather than administered by a state board. Kansas has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Kentucky | Yes | — | Per KRS 309.359, the board may grant a license to anyone licensed/certified/registered in another state with standards at least as stringent as Kentucky's. If the other state's standards are lesser, the board may still grant a license by endorsement if the applicant's combined training, professional experience, continuing education, or other credentials are determined equivalent to Kentucky's KRS 309.358 standards; applicants who don't meet either path may appeal for a board hearing. Kentucky has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Louisiana | Yes | — | Per R.S. 37:3556(B)(2), an applicant holding a valid, current, unexpired license or registration from another state/territory/DC whose standards substantially conform to Louisiana's (as determined by the board) is exempt from Louisiana's own education and exam requirements; the board verifies the out-of-state license directly with that state's licensing agency. The board's site also describes a 'Welcome Home Act' pathway for applicants with an active out-of-state license in good standing for at least a year plus proof of Louisiana residency, and a military-spouse relocation pathway — though the board notes a Louisiana license obtained this way does not itself make the licensee eligible to work in another state under a compact or transfer via reciprocity. Louisiana has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Maine | Yes | — | Per 32 M.R.S. §14306-H, the commissioner must establish a licensure-by-endorsement process (per the general framework in 10 M.R.S. §8003-H) for licenses the commissioner determines are appropriate for it; an applicant may apply either through that endorsement process or through any other licensure process authorized under this chapter. Maine has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); as of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana, per massagecompact.org. |
| Maryland | Yes | — | COMAR 10.65.01.06 allows applicants already licensed/registered in another jurisdiction to apply with verification of status sent directly to the Maryland Board by the issuing state; out-of-state practitioners may also practice in Maryland up to 7 consecutive days with prior Board approval. Maryland has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) and, per massagecompact.org, currently has no IMpact legislation introduced. As of this research, the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. |
| Massachusetts | No | — | Mass. General Laws c.112 Section 230 authorizes the Board to grant reciprocal licenses to massage therapists licensed elsewhere under reasonably equivalent standards (fee not less than $100, and unavailable to anyone whose out-of-state license is revoked or suspended), but the Board has not implemented an active reciprocity process; out-of-state applicants must submit a standard new application (which does accept a certificate of standing/verification of licensure from other jurisdictions as supporting documentation, per the apply page). Massachusetts has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) and, per massagecompact.org, currently has no IMpact legislation introduced. As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. |
| Michigan | Yes | — | MCL 333.17959(2) requires the department to issue a Michigan license to an applicant who meets the age and good-moral-character requirements and is currently licensed as a massage therapist in another state, country, jurisdiction, territory, or province with standards the Board determines are substantially equivalent to Michigan's. Michigan has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); per massagecompact.org, Michigan's status is 'No IMpact Legislation – At Risk' because a competing bill (HB 5948) was introduced that does not use the compact's model language, rather than adopting the original IMpact framework already enacted in other states. As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-04-21 (legislature.mi.gov blocks non-browser fetches). |
| Minnesota | No | — | Not applicable — Minnesota has no state license to endorse into or out of. Per massagecompact.org, Minnesota is currently ineligible to join the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) because the compact requires member states to first have statewide licensure in place; massagecompact.org's advocacy page for Minnesota explicitly frames establishing statewide licensure as a prerequisite step toward future IMpact participation. As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. Statewide licensure legislation (HF362/SF1131) was pending in the 2026 Minnesota legislative session but had not been enacted as of this research. |
| Mississippi | Yes | — | Rule 4.5 allows licensure by reciprocity for applicants currently licensed in another state, but requires proof of at least 3 years' work experience as a massage therapist, passing scores on a Board Comprehensive Examination, passing the Mississippi State Law Examination (MSLE), and a certified transcript showing a minimum of 500 in-class academic hours from an accredited school (additional training may be required for non-accredited schools). Requirements differ slightly depending on whether the applicant's origin state regulates massage therapy. Mississippi has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) and, per massagecompact.org, currently has no IMpact legislation introduced. As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. |
| Missouri | Yes | — | Missouri's dedicated 'Reciprocity' regulation (20 CSR 2197-2.020) was rescinded effective February 29, 2020, but the board's own Application for License as a Massage Therapist form still offers 'Reciprocity' as one of two licensure pathways (alongside 'National Examination'), requiring direct verification of licensure/certification/registration from each other state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia where the applicant has held a massage credential. Under 20 CSR 2197-2.010, if the board determines another jurisdiction's licensure requirements are not substantially the same as Missouri's, the applicant may still qualify by separately meeting Missouri's standards. RSMo 324.265 also exempts nonresident therapists licensed elsewhere from Missouri licensure when practicing temporarily for conventions, sporting events, or emergency disaster relief. Missouri has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); the board's own website hosts an informational IMpact page (pr.mo.gov/massage-impact.asp) linking to the model legislation and massagecompact.org, but does not claim Missouri has adopted it, and per massagecompact.org Missouri's status is 'No IMpact Legislation.' As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. |
| Montana | Yes | Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) | Per 37-33-502(2)(b), MCA and ARM 24.155.608, an applicant licensed by credential must hold an active license, certificate, or registration in good standing from another state whose current licensing requirements are equivalent to Montana's (at minimum, a 500-hour program per the curriculum guidelines and a passing score on the MBLEx, NCETMB, NESL, NCETM, or an equivalent state exam), plus fingerprint-based background check and license verification from every jurisdiction where the applicant has held a professional license. Montana enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) on April 16, 2025 via Senate Bill 233, becoming the 5th state to adopt it, though per massagecompact.org the compact remains inactive pending a 7th state's enactment. As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. |
| Nebraska | Yes | — | Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1712 allows the department to issue a license based on licensure in another jurisdiction meeting substantially equivalent requirements. Per 172 NAC 81-003.01(3)(b), a reciprocity applicant licensed elsewhere who hasn't completed the full 1,000 training hours may make up the difference through a massage program, college/university coursework, work experience (100 hours credited per year of full-time practice), and/or up to 100 hours of NCBTMB/FSMTB-approved continuing education, without needing to match Nebraska's specific subject-area hour minimums. Reciprocity applicants must still pass a national exam (MBLEx or NCBTMB) and Nebraska's own jurisprudence exam (75%+). Nebraska has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact); per a direct check of massagecompact.org's Nebraska page, Nebraska's status is 'No IMpact Legislation' (note: an older informational page on the Missouri massage board's website references Nebraska among states where IMpact 'has already been introduced,' but the compact commission's own current per-state page does not reflect this, so it is treated as outdated). As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. |
| Nevada | Yes | Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) | NRS 640C.580(2)(b)(4) requires applicants who are or have been licensed in another state to submit a certified statement from each such state's licensing authority verifying no pending/completed disciplinary action, and the Board's application guide confirms transferring applicants go through the same overall process (1-3 months) as new applicants. NRS 640C.426 additionally provides an expedited license-by-endorsement pathway for active-duty military, military spouses, veterans, and veterans' surviving spouses who hold a valid, unrestricted out-of-state license. Nevada enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) on June 12, 2023 via SB161, becoming the first state to adopt it (the compact's text is codified at NRS 640C.650); per massagecompact.org the compact remains inactive pending a 7th state's enactment. As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-05-27 (leg.state.nv.us blocks non-browser fetches). |
| New Hampshire | Yes | — | RSA 328-B:6.III lets the executive director waive most licensure requirements (except the 18+ age minimum and the no-violent/sexual-conviction requirement) for an applicant who holds a valid license from another state or country whose requirements are substantially equivalent to New Hampshire's. Per the Board's reciprocity checklist, an applicant with 500-749 hours of education (rather than the full 750) may qualify by having worked as a massage therapist for 1 year for each 50 hours short of 750, and must still pass the MBLEx, maintain current CPR/First Aid certification, and submit a written good-standing statement from the state where licensed. New Hampshire has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) and, per massagecompact.org, currently has no IMpact legislation introduced. As of this research the compact's enacted states are Nevada, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and Montana. |
| New Jersey | Yes | — | N.J.A.C. 13:37A-2.2: the Board issues a license by reciprocity to an applicant holding a valid, current out-of-state license in good standing if the issuing state's education/training/exam requirements were substantially equivalent to New Jersey's current standards, and the applicant practiced at least 3 of the past 5 years. New Jersey is not a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — massagecompact.org lists New Jersey as having 'no legislation introduced' as of this research. |
| New Mexico | Yes | — | 16.7.8 NMAC 'Expedited Licensure by Credential': applicants holding a current license in good standing in an eligible jurisdiction (any US state/territory except the U.S. Virgin Islands and Vermont, which are disapproved) may qualify for expedited licensure, processed within 30 days of a complete application. Applicants may not qualify based on practice in a jurisdiction that doesn't license/register/certify massage therapists at all (American Samoa, California, Guam, Kansas, Minnesota, Northern Mariana Islands, Wyoming). Expedited licensees must still pass the NM jurisprudence exam (and a national exam if not already required in their original jurisdiction) upon renewal. Military service members/veterans and their qualifying family members have a separate expedited pathway and are exempt from licensing fees for the first three years. New Mexico is not a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — massagecompact.org states New Mexico has no IMpact legislation introduced as of this research. |
| New York | Yes | — | New York offers licensure by endorsement to applicants licensed in another state/country/territory who have practiced massage therapy there for at least 2 years (1 year = an average of at least 12 hours/week for 52 weeks). Two pathways: (A) at least 2 years of acceptable post-licensure professional experience, or (B) at least 5 years of experience within the preceding 10 years; combined with at least 800 clock-hours of qualifying education. Endorsement applicants must be at least 21 years old. New York is NOT a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — per massagecompact.org, IMpact legislation has been introduced in New York in 2024, 2025, and 2026 sessions but did not advance into law as of this research. |
| North Carolina | Yes | — | North Carolina offers License by Endorsement through two pathways: (A) for applicants duly licensed/certified/registered as a massage and bodywork therapist in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements, holding a license in good standing; or (B) for applicants from a state that does not license massage therapists at all, based on a Board-accepted competency assessment exam (MBLEx, NCETMB, NCETM, or ABTE) plus equivalent education documentation. Both pathways require the license fee, a State Bureau of Investigation/NC DOJ criminal history records check with fingerprint card, a photograph, four Statements of Moral Character and Professional Competence, and proof of English proficiency and U.S. citizenship/legal work eligibility. North Carolina is NOT a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — per massagecompact.org, HB693 (the NC IMpact bill) is pending/under legislative consideration, not yet enacted, as of this research. |
| North Dakota | Yes | — | N.D.C.C. 43-25-18: an applicant duly licensed in another city, county, state, territory, or U.S. jurisdiction may be granted a North Dakota license without taking an exam, upon paying a $150 fee, if the applicant: is licensed in good standing elsewhere; actively practiced massage for at least 2 of the last 3 years; graduated from a board-approved massage school; passed an exam acceptable to the board; has no suspended/revoked/restricted license elsewhere; and submits to the statewide/nationwide criminal history record check. North Dakota is NOT a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — per massagecompact.org, North Dakota has no IMpact legislation introduced as of this research. |
| Ohio | Yes | — | R.C. 4731.19(E): the board shall issue a license under Ohio's universal-recognition law (R.C. Chapter 4796) to an applicant who either (1) holds a license or certificate to practice massage therapy in another state, or (2) has satisfactory work experience or a government/private certification to practice massage therapy in a state that does not issue such a license, without requiring the applicant to separately meet Ohio's 600-hour education/exam pathway. Separately, OAC 4731-1-15(B)(4) allows a diploma/certificate requirement to be satisfied by a current out-of-state license held in good standing for the 5 years preceding application. Ohio previously enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) but per massagecompact.org is now listed as 'IMpact Adopted – At Risk': the page states a subsequent bill (cited on the page as both SB 276 and, in its own heading, SB 246 — the source page is internally inconsistent on the bill number) substantively altered Ohio's enacted compact language so that it no longer conforms to the official multistate model, and Ohio needs corrective legislation to restore full participation. Because Ohio is not currently a conforming, active member, compacts is recorded as empty. |
| Oklahoma | Yes | — | Applicants whose massage school certificate/transcript is from outside Oklahoma must select the Reciprocity option ($115 fee) and submit a certification/affidavit of records — a sealed legal document from the other state's board showing licensing history and hours completed (a copy of the current license is not accepted). Oklahoma is NOT a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — per massagecompact.org, Oklahoma has no IMpact legislation introduced as of this research. |
| Oregon | Yes | — | A license, certificate, or registration to practice massage issued by another state is not automatically valid in Oregon — an applicant must obtain an Oregon license. OBMT offers a credentialing review pathway (additional $250 fee) for applicants who have been legally practicing for many years but may not meet the traditional 625-hour certified-classroom-instruction requirement: prior continuing education and practical work experience can substitute for a portion of the hours (e.g., up to 40 hours of practical work experience toward the massage/bodywork component, and up to 80/120 CE hours toward the anatomy/physiology and massage-theory components respectively), though minimum certified-classroom hours (120 anatomy/physiology, 140 massage theory) still apply. All out-of-state applicants must still pass the Oregon jurisprudence exam. Oregon is NOT a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — per massagecompact.org, Oregon has no IMpact legislation introduced as of this research. |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | — | 49 Pa. Code Section 20.25: an out-of-state applicant must have every jurisdiction where they hold a massage therapy license provide the Board with verification of good standing (plus any disciplinary history), submit official transcripts confirming their school meets state recognition/accreditation standards, and show evidence of passing the MBLEx, NCETM, NCETMB (or the NESL option), OR evidence of having obtained original licensure through qualifications equivalent to those required of existing PA practitioners. Pennsylvania is NOT a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — per massagecompact.org, Pennsylvania has no IMpact legislation introduced as of this research. |
| Rhode Island | Yes | — | R.I. Gen. Laws Section 5-95-9(a)(3)(ii) and (b): an applicant for licensure by endorsement who holds a massage therapist license in another state must show completion of an approved massage therapy education program meeting the 800-hour standard (or its equivalent), and the department may grant a license to any applicant who has met substantially equivalent standards in obtaining a valid license/permit/certificate/registration from another U.S. state/territory or a foreign country, plus payment of fees and completed forms. Rhode Island is NOT a member of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — per massagecompact.org, Rhode Island has no IMpact legislation introduced as of this research. |
| South Carolina | Yes | — | Endorsement is available if the applicant's other-state licensure requirements are at least equal to South Carolina's; the applicant must hold a current license in good standing, pass the required criminal history/fingerprint checks, demonstrate English proficiency, and have passed the MBLEx (or, for pre-November 2014 licensure, the NCE). Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), South Carolina does not currently have Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) legislation introduced, so compacts is empty. |
| South Dakota | No | — | The Board's own licensing-requirements page states: 'South Dakota does not have a reciprocity application at this time.' Out-of-state licensees must complete the standard application, submitting education verification and current out-of-state license documentation like any other applicant. Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), South Dakota does not currently have Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) legislation introduced, so compacts is empty. |
| Tennessee | Yes | — | Per Rule 0870-01-.05(1)(m), applicants licensed or previously licensed in another state may seek reciprocity licensure by (i) submitting transcripts meeting Tennessee's 650-hour curriculum plus proof of an approved competency exam, or (ii) if qualifying under T.C.A. 63-18-116, avoiding the educational requirement by submitting proof of NCBTMB certification for the 5 years preceding application and documentation of active practice in another state for that same 5-year period. All reciprocity applicants must still complete 5 classroom hours on Tennessee massage statutes/regulations and at least 10 classroom hours of ethics instruction (not self-directed). Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), Tennessee does not currently have Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) legislation introduced, so compacts is empty. |
| Texas | Yes | — | Texas does not have a blanket reciprocity agreement with other states. Out-of-state licensed therapists (or applicants who attended massage school outside Texas) apply through an individualized evaluation process: submitting transcripts/course descriptions proving they meet Texas's 500-hour curriculum, a letter of good standing from their original licensing board, and passing both the Texas Jurisprudence Examination and the MBLEx, plus fingerprinting. Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), Texas does not currently have Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) legislation introduced, so compacts is empty. |
| Utah | Yes | — | Rule R156-47b-302a provides an 'equivalent education and training' pathway for out-of-state applicants: graduation from a licensed or recognized school outside Utah with a minimum of 500 hours, completion of the exam requirements, and at least 3 years of practice as a licensed massage therapist (or, alternatively, completion of a substantially equivalent out-of-state apprenticeship program plus exam and 3 years of practice). Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), Utah does not currently have Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) legislation introduced, so compacts is empty. |
| Vermont | Yes | — | Per 26 V.S.A. Section 5422 (Registration by endorsement), the Director may issue a Vermont registration to anyone who holds a license, registration, certification, or other authorization to practice massage therapy or bodywork from any U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction in good standing, by submitting a 'verification of licensure' — no exam scores are required. Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), Vermont is listed as 'Currently Ineligible' for the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) because the compact requires member states to have full statewide licensure in place, which Vermont's registration-only model does not meet, so compacts is empty. A 2026 bill (H.623) has been introduced that could upgrade Vermont's registration to full licensure, which would be worth re-checking in future research. |
| Virginia | Yes | Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) | Per 18VAC90-50-50 (Licensure by endorsement), applicants licensed/certified/registered in another U.S. jurisdiction may apply by endorsement, submitting official verification of licensure from every jurisdiction in which they have ever held a massage credential, in addition to meeting the Board's education, exam, and background-check requirements. Virginia enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) when Governor Youngkin signed the legislation on March 21, 2025, becoming the 4th state to adopt it; per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), the compact is not yet operational (it requires 7 enacting states to form the Interstate Massage Compact Commission), but Virginia is a confirmed enacted member state. |
| Washington | Yes | — | Per WAC 246-830-035 and DOH's FAQ page, out-of-state applicants may qualify for licensure by endorsement if their jurisdiction's requirements are substantially equivalent to Washington's: either (1) at least 625 hours of education completed in 24+ weeks from an approved program, or (2) at least 500 hours of education plus 2+ years of practice experience and 24 hours of continuing education completed within the two years prior to application. Applicants with a practice gap of 3+ years must document 24 hours of hands-on CE from the two most recent years. Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), Washington does not currently have Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) legislation introduced, so compacts is empty. |
| West Virginia | Yes | — | Per 194CSR1 Sections 3.4-3.6 and W. Va. Code Section 30-37-7(c)(2), the Board may issue a reciprocal license to applicants otherwise qualified for West Virginia licensure who submit a photocopy of their current/most recent out-of-state license, information on any pending or prior disciplinary actions from every state in which they are or were licensed, and documentation of continuing education completed in the preceding two years. Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), West Virginia does not currently have Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) legislation introduced, so compacts is empty. |
| Wisconsin | Yes | — | Per DSPS Form #2960 (Licensure by Reciprocity section), an applicant may qualify if they hold a current, substantially equivalent license/registration/certificate from another U.S. state/territory or another country — 'substantially equivalent' means either NCBTMB certification (or certification by another National Commission for Certifying Agencies-accredited body) or at least 600 classroom hours of instruction from an accredited school. Reciprocity applicants must still pass the Wisconsin State Law Examination, submit verification letters from every jurisdiction where they've ever held a credential, and meet the same insurance/CPR/background requirements as exam applicants. Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), Wisconsin has not enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact): legislation was introduced during the 2026 session but did not advance before the legislature adjourned, so compacts is empty. |
| Wyoming | No | — | No statewide reciprocity/endorsement process exists because there is no state-issued massage therapist license to endorse into. Per massagecompact.org (checked 2026-07-12), Wyoming is listed as 'Currently Ineligible' for the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) because the compact requires member states to have statewide licensure in place first, which Wyoming does not have. |
"Endorsement available" reflects whether the destination state has a published route to transfer an active out-of-state license. Always confirm current rules with the issuing board before relying on endorsement to practice in a new state.