What I Wish I Knew Before Applying for a Massage Establishment License in Tucson
If you’re a massage therapist thinking about setting up shop in Tucson…welcome. I moved here from Texas thinking I could just find a space, hang my shingle, and start working. Ha. Cute.
Here’s a short guide based on my actual experience, because I learned some of this the hard way so you don’t have to.
1. Yes, you need a Massage Establishment License, even if you work alone
If you’re planning to see clients in your own private office or studio (even just you, no employees), the City of Tucson requires you to apply for a Massage Establishment License.
EXCEPTION: If you rent a room from someone who already holds a valid establishment license, you don’t need your own. But remember: trust, but verify.
What I wish I knew:
Renting from someone licensed would’ve saved me months of paperwork and headache.
2. Zoning is a thing here, and it's not optional
Before you even apply, you need to make sure your chosen location is zoned for massage therapy. This means working with the city’s zoning department to verify your address. Don’t sign a lease before checking zoning, or you might end up with a space you can’t legally work from.
3. This can’t be done online (because... Tucson)
You’ll need to:
Drive to the city's business licensing office (approx. 40 minutes for me)
Don’t rely on google maps for the address. Ask me how I know.
Pick up a paper application packet (no online version available), review it with them as it WILL have outdated information. Ask me how I know.
Fill it out by hand
Have 3 reference letters from people you know. Make sure they include their addresses, how long they’ve known you, and are dated and signed. Like, a real letter.
If you just moved here, like I did, and ask for email letters you might need them to be scanned or converted to pdf. Yes, the office will nitpick your letters. Ask me how I know.
Get passport photos taken. I went to FedEx and they were wonderful and fast. Do not wear a white shirt.
Return the packet in person with a physical check (yes, like it’s 1996). The amount is dependent on the time of year as it will be prorated.
What I wish I knew:
Build in time for multiple in-person trips. Pay for parking.
4. You’ll need to get fingerprinted … again
Already fingerprinted for your Arizona state massage license? Cool. Now do it again for the city.
What they may not tell you up front:
Fingerprint appointments can take weeks to months. There is only ONE fingerprinting office that can see you, and they are only open on Wednesdays. So, moral of the story is make your appointment the day you pick up your packet.
After fingerprinting, the city’s background check takes a minimum of 45 days.
What I wish I knew:
The background check is entirely separate and it seriously delays your timeline.
5. You will need to have a physical inspection of your space.
Once your packet is accepted, you’ll get a call from an inspector. The inspection may be done in person or virtually. But they want to make sure you have an accessible restroom, running water, a decent table, etc. They want to make sure it’s a professional space.
6. Nothing happens fast, so plan ahead
From start to finish, the process can easily take 2–3 months (or more) depending on fingerprinting and background check delays. You can't legally work until it's approved, so plan financially and emotionally for a waiting period.
Final Thoughts
I wish someone had laid this all out for me before I dove in. So here you go: the guide I wish I had. It’s not meant to scare you, just to help you plan smarter.
If you’re thinking about starting your own practice here in Tucson and have questions, feel free to reach out. I’m attaching the packet that I received - for reference use ONLY. The information therein can and will change. Be sure you speak with a licensing representative.
Hope this helps!