Massage Therapy & Bodywork

The City issues licenses to businesses and therapists wanting to provide massage therapy or bodywork services or to operate a massage therapy or bodywork establishment in Oakdale. 

Application Requirements: New License

  • Before you apply for a massage or bodywork premises license, please refer to the City's zoning map to ensure the location where you would like to conduct business is eligible for a premises license. You may also contact the City Planner at 651-730-2720 with any zoning questions.
  • Massage Therapy and Bodywork License Application (PDF) All business partners must complete an application.
  • Massage Therapy and Bodywork Supplemental Form (PDF) Must be completed by applicant’s spouse, officer, person in charge of premises, or any person(s) controlling or owning an interest in excess of five percent.
  • Payment to the City of Oakdale - The City offers a quick and easy way to pay your license online.You may also pay by mail or in person with a check or cash.
     
    License Type
    Fee
    Massage Premises License$157.50
    Massage Premises Investigation$375.00
    Public Hearing Notice (per notice posting)$30.00
    Massage Practitioner License (per person)$36.75
    Massage Practitioner Investigation (per person)$55.00

Application Requirements: License Renewal

License holders wishing to renew their license must re-apply annually by July 22. The license renewal process may take up to four weeks to complete.

Licensing Process

Once a completed application packet has been received by City staff, applicants will undergo a background investigation conducted by the Oakdale Police Department, and a report will be submitted to the City Council. Please note that the licensing process may take 6-8 weeks for new applicants.

License Term

The term for new licenses is October 1 through September 30.

Exceptions

Not all persons and business entities are required to obtain a massage license to practice. 

  • Practitioners who are supervised by medical professionals licensed by the state to practice medicine, surgery, osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy, or podiatry, provided the massage is administered in the regular course of medical treatment.
  • Beauty culturists licensed by the state, provided that the massages are limited to the head, hand, neck, and feet.
  • Barbers licensed by the state, provided that massages are limited to the head and neck. 
  • Students participating in an educational massage therapy program at an accredited college providing therapeutic massage therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed massage therapist/bodyworks therapist, or licensed health professional under which massage is within the scope of their practice.

City Code

View City Code on Massage Therapy and Bodywork (PDF)