NC Massage License Renewal
If you’re a licensed massage therapist in North Carolina, your license is more than just a piece of paper. When it’s time to renew, the process can be straightforward and stress-free. North Carolina has made it surprisingly easy!
Renewals are free if done on time, since all resources are available online.
This guide will walk you through each step with helpful tips to make the process quick, smooth, and hassle-free.
Your Renewal Timeline
In North Carolina, every massage therapy license expires on December 31 of the year in which it was issued, regardless of the date of issuance. While the renewal deadline doesn’t target individuals specifically, it can catch you off guard if you’re not attentive.
Luckily, the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy opens the online renewal portal on October 1 each year, providing a three-month window. The Board recommends renewing by November 1 to avoid busy processing times in December and to address any unforeseen issues like missing CEU certificates or password problems. The best part? If you renew on time, there’s no charge. North Carolina doesn’t impose a renewal fee.
Missing the deadline results in the license lapsing, and a late renewal process will be required, accompanied by additional fees and paperwork. Renewing early not only reduces stress but also saves money.
What You Need to Renew
Before clicking the submit button and marking your renewal as complete, confirm that your continuing education is up to date. North Carolina requires all massage therapists to complete 24 hours of continuing education within their two-year license cycle. Out of these 24 hours, at least three must focus specifically on professional ethics.
The Board additionally mandates that a minimum of 12 hours be completed in a live, classroom, or practical setting. This in-person part is really important for sharpening your skills and keeping that personal touch in massage therapy, which online videos alone just can’t offer.
The remaining 12 hours can be completed through distance learning or online CEU courses, allowing flexibility to learn on your schedule. Therapists can now count up to eight hours of business-related coursework toward renewal, whether updating bookkeeping or marketing skills.
Make sure courses are from Board-approved providers; the NCBMBT website has a searchable list.
Forget the Fees… Renewal is Free in NC
Unlike many states that impose yearly or every two-year renewal fees, sometimes exceeding $100. North Carolina offers a straightforward and supportive approach. If you renew by December 31, you pay nothing. This is not a mistake. There’s no processing fee, no credit card is needed, and no checkout page is required. Just complete your education, submit your renewal online, and you’re all set.
If you miss the deadline, however, you will be required to pay a $175 late renewal fee ($100 for the standard renewal and $75 as a penalty). You will also need to submit a paper application and provide an explanation as to whether you continued practicing after your license expired, which is a concern to the Board. The key point to remember is to set a reminder and renew your license proactively.
How to Renew Your NC Massage License
Renewing your massage license in North Carolina is easy—and completely free if done on time. Just follow these quick steps:
- Go to www.bmbt.org and click “Renew Your License.” Log in using your license number and the last four digits of your SSN (or your saved password).
- Review and update your contact info. If you’ve changed your address or workplace, update it. Name changes require a separate mailed form.
- Enter your continuing education. Enter course details, select relevant categories (e.g., ethics, business), and upload certificates. You must meet a total of 24 hours, including three ethics hours and 12 in-person hours.
- Answer a few compliance questions and agree to follow NC’s massage laws.
- Submit your renewal. No payment required… Click submit and you’re done!
- Your new license and wallet card will arrive by mail in a few days. In the meantime, you can verify your renewal status on the Board’s website.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
Let’s hope you don’t miss the December 31 deadline! If life gets busy and you do, remember that your license will expire at midnight, and practicing massage therapy in North Carolina without a valid license isn’t allowed until you complete the late renewal process.
Good news is the Board offers a 24-month grace period for license reinstatement. However, it requires effort, filling out a paper application, resubmitting CE documentation, and paying a $175 fee. The Board may also verify that you haven’t practiced without a license, which could have serious consequences.
And if your license remains expired for over two years, you’ll need to start the process all over again, which means reapplying and possibly retaking your exam. Missing that deadline can be costly, so it’s best to stay on top of your renewal!
Renew Early. Keep Healing.
Renewing your massage therapy license isn’t just a box to check; it’s a way to stay informed, inspired, and prepared for the next stage of your career. North Carolina makes it easy by offering an intuitive renewal process, no hidden fees, and a Board that wants to see you succeed.
Looking for approved CE courses? We’ve got you covered with options specially designed for North Carolina therapists.
Check out our CE courses, improve your skills, and confidently keep your license active.
