Massage Therapy License Renewal in Virginia (2026)

Massage Therapy license renewal in Virginia is handled by the Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions), which requires Massage Therapist (LMT)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Virginia Massage Therapy renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Licenses renew biennially and expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month, in even- or odd-numbered years depending on the licensee's birth year. Renewal requires submitting the renewal form, paying the fee, and attesting to continuing competency. Failure to receive renewal materials does not extend the expiration date; practicing or using the LMT title after lapse is prohibited.
CE hours required	24 hours
Renewal fee	$95.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions)

Go to the official Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions). automated research workflow (official virginia massage board), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for Massage Therapys in Virginia

24 hours of continuing education/learning activities per biennial renewal, including at least 1 hour in professional ethics. At least 12 of the 24 hours must be courses/activities from approved providers (e.g., NCBTMB, FSMTB, AMTA, ABMP, COMTA, or accredited massage schools); up to 12 hours may be other activities such as consultation, independent reading/research, presentation prep, or a CPR course. Exempt from continuing competency for the first biennial renewal following initial Virginia licensure. The board may grant up to a one-year extension for good cause on written request before the renewal date. Records must be kept for four years.

Need approved hours? Compare Virginia Massage Therapy CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your Massage Therapy license in Virginia

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions) portal.
Complete the required 24 CE hours.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Massage therapists are licensed at the state level by the Virginia Board of Nursing under the Department of Health Professions (DHP); there is no separate Board of Massage Therapy. CE rule per 18VAC90-50-75; renewal per 18VAC90-50-70; fees per 18VAC90-50-30. Reinstatement fee is $150 ($200 if the license was suspended or revoked). Online renewal available via the DHP practitioner renewal portal. No specified state CE tracking system; licensees self-attest and retain records.

Massage Therapy license renewal in Virginia: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my Massage Therapy license in Virginia?

Virginia Massage Therapy licenses renew every 24 months. Licenses renew biennially and expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month, in even- or odd-numbered years depending on the licensee's birth year. Renewal requires submitting the renewal form, paying the fee, and attesting to continuing competency. Failure to receive renewal materials does not extend the expiration date; practicing or using the LMT title after lapse is prohibited.

How many CE hours are required to renew an Massage Therapy license in Virginia?

Approximately 24 continuing-education hours per cycle. 24 hours of continuing education/learning activities per biennial renewal, including at least 1 hour in professional ethics. At least 12 of the 24 hours must be courses/activities from approved providers (e.g., NCBTMB, FSMTB, AMTA, ABMP, COMTA, or accredited massage schools); up to 12 hours may be other activities such as consultation, independent reading/research, presentation prep, or a CPR course. Exempt from continuing competency for the first biennial renewal following initial Virginia licensure. The board may grant up to a one-year extension for good cause on written request before the renewal date. Records must be kept for four years. Confirm the current requirement with the Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions).

Can I renew my Virginia Massage Therapy license online?

Yes — Virginia offers online renewal through the Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Virginia Massage Therapy license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $30 may apply. Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Massage Therapist (LMT) renewal