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How to get a Massage Therapist license in New Mexico

New Mexico licenses massage therapists statewide through the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board.1 For the Massage Therapist (licensed massage therapist) license you need at least 650 clock hours2 of education and a passing score on the MBLEx (FSMTB), NCETM or NCETMB (NCBTMB), or other board-approved exam3. The board lists $75 for the application4 and $5 for the initial license4, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years4 and complete at least 16 hours of continuing education5.

Last checked · 14 official sources

Who issues it

New Mexico Massage Therapy Board

Training and experience

Training: at least 650 clock hours2

Exam

MBLEx (FSMTB), NCETM or NCETMB (NCBTMB), or other board-approved exam3

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $754
Initial license fee: $54

Renewal

Every 2 years4, at least 16 hours of continuing education5

From another state

License by endorsement and Military service members and spouses16 Details

On this page
  1. New Mexico massage therapist licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Massage Therapist license
  4. Requirements for a Massage Therapist license
  5. How much a Massage Therapist license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to New Mexico with a license from another state
  9. Temporary License
  10. Massage Therapy School registration
  11. City and county rules
  12. Check a license or report a problem
  13. Laws and rules
  14. Rule changes since January 2024
  15. Common questions
  16. Massage therapist licenses in other states

New Mexico massage therapist licenses

New Mexico issues 3 massage therapist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Temporary License (massage therapy)Practice massage therapy while the permanent application is pending and before the national exam; may not advertise in yellow pages or similar directories.2Training 650 clock hours2No2$754
Massage Therapist (licensed massage therapist)Massage therapy is a health care service treating soft body tissue for therapeutic purposes; it does not include diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease.7Training 650 clock hours2Yes2$754
Massage Therapy School (registration)Operating a school that offers massage therapy education, instruction or training.2Training 650 clock hours8–$4004

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the New Mexico massage therapist licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 3)

How to apply

2. Every license level except Massage Therapy School (registration)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old2
High school diploma or GED
Required2

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$754New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardNot refundable

3. Every license level except Temporary License (massage therapy)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Electronic processing administrative fee$104New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardPer year of license/registration. Not refundable. Effective March 10, 2026
Returned check or returned electronic check processing fee$354New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardReturned payments only. Not refundable. Effective March 10, 2026

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

4. Every license level except Massage Therapist (licensed massage therapist)

From another state

Route
No reciprocity

Who needs a Massage Therapist license

Massage therapy is a health care service treating soft body tissue for therapeutic purposes; it does not include diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease.7

Work that does not need this license:

  • Exempt: other NM licensees within scope (not using the massage therapist title); students of a registered school; sobadores, Hispanic traditional and Native American healers, reflexologists limited to hands/feet/ears, polarity, Trager, Feldenkrais, craniosacral, Rolfing, reiki, ortho-bionomy, ch'i gung and other modalities that do not manipulate soft tissue.1

Requirements for a Massage Therapist license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
At least 650 clock hours2
The board's words

“The applicant for licensure by examination must have completed at least the 650 hour minimum curricula of massage therapy training.”


Who may teach it: Out-of-state or multiple schools, or graduation more than 2 years ago: the school sends Form A, an official transcript and proof of state approval directly to the Board. Continuing education is not accepted toward the 650 hours (except to fill small core gaps).6
Alternative: Up to 150 hours of documented, legally performed professional work experience (Form C) may count toward the 650 hours.6
Alternative: Elective courses in the "other" category, or programs at non-registered schools, are reviewed case by case ($50 review fee).2
Exam
MBLEx (FSMTB), NCETM or NCETMB (NCBTMB), or other board-approved exam3
Given by: Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (MBLEx) or NCBTMB (NCETMB/NCETM)9
When you can take it: Apply directly to the exam owner and meet its requirements; scores go directly to the Board (an uploaded score report is also accepted).3
Retakes: Retakes are arranged directly with the examining agency.3
Exam
New Mexico jurisprudence examination (open book)3
Given by: Massage Therapy Board (launched inside the NM-PLUS online application)10
Retakes: Unlimited retakes3
Background check
No background check stated as required11
No fingerprints required11
Only listed disqualifying convictions (homicide, kidnapping/aggravated assault, sexual offenses, prostitution-related and human trafficking, robbery/fraud-type crimes, etc.) may be considered; disclosed on application questions.2
Also required
Current CPR/AED (4 contact hours) and first aid (4 contact hours), in person only, kept current.2
Also required
Display license at the practice location; advertising must show the license number and "licensed massage therapist".4

How much a Massage Therapist license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$54New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardPer month of the initial term (up to two years, ending October 31); billed once all requirements except exam proof are met. Not refundable
Review fee for “other” elective courses as provided in 16.7.4.14 NMAC$504New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardOnly if non-registered-school or "other" electives need review. Not refundable
License verification to another state$154New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardNot refundable
Duplicate or replacement license$254New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardNot refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

How to apply

  1. Complete a 650-hour massage program at an approved school, plus current CPR/AED (4 contact hours) and first aid (4 contact hours) certification taken in person.2
  2. Register on the NM-PLUS portal and start the Massage Therapist application (pre-screening asks about out-of-state licenses and military status).6 nmrldlpi.my.site.com6
  3. Upload documents (CPR/first aid, headshot photo; Forms A/B/C as applicable; school sends transcript) and pay the $75 application fee.6
  4. Pass the MBLEx or NCBTMB exam and have results sent to the Board (or upload the score report).9
  5. When notified that all requirements are met, pay the prorated initial license fee within 30 days; the application expires if not completed within one year.2
Temporary or provisional license
One-time 3-month temporary license for first-time exam candidates.2
Processing time
Up to 2 weeks after the application is complete.9

Renewal and continuing education

How often
Every 2 years4
When it expires
Licenses expire October 31; therapists renew every two years in odd or even years depending on when first licensed.12
Renewal fee
$1254
Continuing education
At least 16 hours each renewal period5
Required topics
4 hours ethics5
8 hours live, in-person (up to 8 online)5
Excess hours cannot be carried over5
Approved courses
Any course related to massage practice; courses by continuing education providers need no prior approval (except providers who were NM registered instructors on Feb. 4, 2019); other courses need board approval ($50). Hands-on technique courses must be live, in person. At least 10% audited.5
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $754 (renewal during the 60-day grace period (Nov 1 - Dec 30), on top of the $125 renewal fee)
Reinstatement fee: $1254 (inactive license (within 2 years); plus the $75 late renewal penalty)
If it expires
60-day grace period to December 30 (may keep practicing; late penalty applies); unrenewed licenses go inactive December 31 and expire after 2 years inactive; expired licenses cannot be reactivated (apply as new).12
Inactive licensees may not practice; reactivation needs the form, CE proof, $125 reactivation fee and $75 late penalty.12

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your New Mexico Massage Therapist (licensed massage therapist) license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to New Mexico with a license from another state

These are the routes the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board publishes for the Massage Therapist license.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Expedited licensure by credentials (NMSA 61-1-31.1 / 61-12C-16): holders of a current license in good standing from an eligible US jurisdiction get a license within 30 days of a complete application; at first renewal they must pass the NM jurisprudence exam and, if their original jurisdiction did not require it, the MBLEx, NCETM or NCETMB.1
Conditions
License from a jurisdiction on the disapproved list (US Virgin Islands, Vermont) is not eligible.13
Out-of-state license alone does not authorize practice in NM.9
Fee
$54
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Expedited licensure (16.7.8.11 NMAC, NMSA 61-1-34) for military service members, their spouses (including spouses of deceased members), dependent children and veterans who hold a license in another jurisdiction (including a branch of the armed forces); license issued within 30 days of a complete application. Service members and veterans are not charged a licensing fee for the first three years.6
Conditions
Military orders (member/spouse/dependant) or proof of honorable discharge (veterans).13

Temporary License

Practice massage therapy while the permanent application is pending and before the national exam; may not advertise in yellow pages or similar directories.2

Requirements

Education or training
At least 650 clock hours2
Same 650-hour education as the full license.2
Exam
Not required2
Background check
No background check stated as required11

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Temporary license or permit$254New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardNot refundable

How to apply

  1. Meet all education and other requirements for the full license and file the massage therapist application.9
  2. Pay the $25 temporary license fee with the application.2
  3. Do not start work until the temporary license is issued, received and posted at the main practice location.2

Renewal

How often
Every 3 months9
If it expires
Void if the holder fails the national exam; surrender to the Board within 15 days.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Massage Therapy School registration

Operating a school that offers massage therapy education, instruction or training.2

Requirements

Education or training
At least 650 clock hours8
The board's words

“B. A 650 hour curriculum that must meet the following minimum curricula requirements:”

Business requirements
Submit curriculum and syllabi, calendar, admissions application, enrollment agreement, catalog, policies, instructor qualifications/CVs and teach-out policy.6
Business requirements
Board inspection at registration (provisional registration up to 1 year until inspected); local business license must be posted.8

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$4004New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardNot refundable
Registration fee$504New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardNot refundable
Curriculum change review$504New Mexico Massage Therapy BoardEach curriculum change. Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Apply online for Massage Therapy School registration (see the School Application Guide) and pay the $400 application review and $50 registration fees.6
  2. Send the required school documents (curriculum, catalog, policies, instructor CVs, teach-out policy) to the board office by mail or email.6
  3. Pass the board inspection (provisional registration until inspected).8

Renewal

How often
Every year12
Renewal fee
$504
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $754 (renewal in the 60-day grace period)

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Massage Therapist (licensed massage therapist)Counties and municipalities may add regulation of licensed massage therapists consistent with the Act, and may regulate unlicensed persons.1

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a massage therapist in New Mexico, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in New Mexico is on the New Mexico license lookup page.

Look up a license
nmrldlpi.my.site.com14
File a complaint
nmrldlpi.my.site.com7

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • March 10, 2026: Rule amendments effective 3/10/2026: headshot photo upload required with applications (16.7.4.10(F), 16.7.8.10(A)(5)); $10/year electronic processing fee and $35 returned-payment fee added, paper list and label fees dropped (16.7.3.8(C)); CE audit non-compliance now subject to fines (16.7.11.8(B)(5)). Not yet compiled on srca.nm.gov as of November 7, 2026.4

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Massage Therapist license in New Mexico?

The rules set at least 650 clock hours2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: Up to 2 weeks after the application is complete.9

Can I transfer my massage therapist license to New Mexico?

The New Mexico Massage Therapy Board publishes this route for the Massage Therapist license: license by endorsement1. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in New Mexico?

Every 2 years4. Continuing education: at least 16 hours5. The renewal fee is $1254.

Massage therapist licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. NMSA 1978 Chapter 61 Article 12C, Massage Therapy Practice ActNew Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource, official NMSA)Checked November 8, 2026
  2. 16.7.4 NMAC Requirements for Licensure by ExaminationNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 16.7.10 NMAC ExaminationsNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. New Mexico Register Volume XXXVII Issue 5 (March 10, 2026) - Massage Therapy Board amendmentsNew Mexico Commission of Public Records, Administrative Law Division (New Mexico Register)Dated March 10, 2026Checked November 8, 2026
  5. 16.7.11 NMAC Continuing EducationNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 8, 2026
  6. Massage Therapy Board: Licensing, Registration, and RenewalNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Massage Therapy BoardChecked November 8, 2026
  7. Massage Therapy Board: Overview and Contact InformationNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Massage Therapy BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  8. 16.7.5 NMAC Massage Therapy SchoolsNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Massage Therapy Board: FAQsNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Massage Therapy BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Massage Therapist Application User Guide (NM-PLUS)New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Massage Therapy BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Massage Therapy Board: Background Report InstructionsNew Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Massage Therapy BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  12. 16.7.12 NMAC License/Registration RenewalNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 8, 2026
  13. 16.7.8 NMAC Expedited Licensure by CredentialsNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 8, 2026
  14. Verify Professional Licenses | NM Regulation & Licensing Dept.New Mexico Regulation & Licensing DepartmentChecked November 8, 2026