Support Statewide Licensure in Minnesota

AMTA is proud to lead the charge toward statewide massage therapy licensure in Minnesota. This legislative session, we urge you to support HF362/SF1131 and help ensure that massage therapy in Minnesota is safe, professional, and regulated. Only three states in the U.S. still lack licensure — let’s make sure Minnesota is the next to join, not the last to act.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

Check back here regularly for the latest updates on licensure efforts in Minnesota. In the meantime, learn more about:

• How licensure benefits massage therapists and clients
• Answers to frequently asked questions

FAQs: What Massage Therapists Need to Know about Statewide Licensure

Q: Doesn’t Minnesota already have statewide massage therapy licensure?
A: No. Minnesota is one of just three states in the U.S. without any form of statewide massage therapy regulation. This means there’s currently no system in place to ensure that massage and bodywork therapists meet minimum education standards or practice safely, competently, and ethically.

Q: How can I support the licensure initiative?
A: Make your voice heard! AMTA will be reaching out to Minnesota massage therapists with opportunities to contact your state representative and senator to share your support for HF 362/SF1131. The more legislators who hear that their constituents want this change, the greater the chance the bill will pass. Every message matters!

Q: Why do we need licensure? 
A: Minnesota’s lack of licensure poses significant challenges — from public safety concerns to professional credibility. Licensure establishes consistent standards and helps protect both practitioners and clients.

Without statewide regulation, unqualified or unethical individuals can practice without oversight, harming the profession’s reputation and endangering the public. Unregulated states also tend to have higher rates of illicit activity disguised as massage. Licensure helps ensure accountability, integrity, and professionalism across the field.

Q: Where else is massage therapy licensure required?
A: Forty-five states and two U.S. territories already have mandatory statewide licensure for massage therapy. It’s time for Minnesota to join them!

Q: Will licensure make it more difficult for me to practice massage or bodywork therapy?
A: No. The bill creates the Massage and Asian Bodywork Therapy Practice Act, which clearly defines qualifications and scope of practice. If you are properly trained and currently practicing, you’ll be able to continue your work without interruption.

Q: Will I need to go back to school or take a test to get my license?
A: No! The bill includes a generous “licensure by prior experience” provision to make the transition to licensure smooth for experienced therapists. You may qualify for a license if you:

• Submit an application
• Have at least two years of experience in massage or Asian bodywork therapy within the past five years
• Pass a criminal background check
• Carry liability insurance (your AMTA membership meets this requirement)
• Pay the applicable fees

Q: Where can I read the bill?
A: You can view the proposed legislation here:

• HF 362 (House File 362) – 94th Legislature (2025–2026)
• SF 1131 (Senate File 1131) – 94th Legislature (2025–2026)

Q: How much will it cost to get a license?
A: The initial licensure fee will be capped at $285 (and may be lower). The biennial renewal fee will be capped at $185 (and may also be lower).

AMTA Is Here for Minnesota Massage Therapists

As the legislative process progresses in Minnesota, AMTA will continue to share updates and ways to take action with our massage community. In the meantime, we encourage you to contact the AMTA Government Relations Team with any questions.