Illinois requires you to renew your massage license every two years, but if it has lapsed, you can restore it without retaking the full licensing exam in most cases
A lapsed massage license in Illinois can be reinstated through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR), the state body that oversees massage therapy licensing. The path depends on how long your license has been expired. If your license lapsed fewer than five years ago, you can typically reinstate it by paying a reinstatement fee and meeting any continuing education requirements that came due while it was inactive. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to retake the licensing exam and meet current education standards.
The reinstatement process is faster and less expensive than obtaining a new license from scratch, but it does require you to act through the official DFPR channels. You cannot straightforward resume practice when your license expires — practicing massage therapy without a current, valid license is illegal in Illinois and can result in fines and legal action against you.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois massage licenses expire every two years and must be renewed before the expiration date to remain valid.
- If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can reinstate it by submitting a reinstatement request, paying the fee, and completing any overdue continuing education hours.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must retake the Illinois State Board of Massage Therapy Examination (ISBMTE) and meet current education requirements.
- The DFPR processes reinstatement requests and can tell you your specific requirements based on how long your license has been inactive.
- You must reinstate your license before you can legally practice massage therapy in Illinois again.
How to find your license status and expiration date
Before you begin the reinstatement process, you need to confirm that your license is actually expired and find out how long it has been inactive. The DFPR maintains a public license lookup tool on its website where you can search by your name or license number. This search will show you whether your license is current, expired, or inactive, and it will display your expiration date.
If you cannot locate your license number, you can contact the DFPR directly. The office that handles massage therapy licensing can provide your license status and tell you the exact date it expired. This information is essential because the reinstatement rules change depending on whether your license has been expired for fewer than five years or longer.
Reinstatement for licenses expired fewer than five years
If your massage license expired within the last five years, the DFPR allows reinstatement without retaking the exam. You will need to submit a reinstatement request form to the DFPR, along with the reinstatement fee. The fee amount varies and should be confirmed with the DFPR directly, as it may differ from the standard renewal fee.
You must also complete any continuing education hours that came due during the period your license was inactive. Illinois requires massage therapists to complete a set number of continuing education hours during each two-year licensing period. If your license has been expired for one or more full renewal cycles, you will owe the education hours for those cycles. The DFPR can tell you exactly how many hours you need to complete and what types of courses are acceptable.
Once you submit the reinstatement request, pay the fee, and provide proof of completed continuing education, the DFPR will process your request. Processing times vary, so contact the office to ask how long reinstatement typically takes in your case.
Reinstatement for licenses expired more than five years
If your massage license has been expired for more than five years, Illinois treats reinstatement differently. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and renew — you must retake the Illinois State Board of Massage Therapy Examination (ISBMTE). This is the same exam required for new applicants and tests your knowledge of massage therapy practice, anatomy, and Illinois regulations.
Before you can sit for the exam, you must also meet current education requirements. This may include completing additional coursework or training hours beyond what was required when you originally obtained your license, depending on how long you have been inactive and whether Illinois has updated its standards. The DFPR can provide a list of approved schools and programs where you can complete any required education.
After you pass the exam and meet education requirements, you submit your reinstatement request to the DFPR along with proof of exam passage and education completion. The reinstatement fee applies in addition to exam fees and any education costs.
Continuing education requirements during reinstatement
Continuing education is a key part of reinstatement for most lapsed licenses. Illinois requires massage therapists to complete a certain number of continuing education hours during each two-year licensing period. The specific number of hours and the types of approved courses change periodically, so you need to check the current requirements with the DFPR.
Acceptable continuing education includes courses in massage therapy techniques, anatomy, physiology, ethics, and other health-related topics. Courses must be offered by providers approved by the DFPR or by accredited institutions. Online courses may be acceptable, but you should confirm this with the DFPR before enrolling, as not all online providers meet Illinois standards.
You will need to provide documentation of completed continuing education when you submit your reinstatement request. This typically includes certificates of completion or transcripts from the course provider. Keep these documents until your reinstatement is approved.
The reinstatement process and required documents
To reinstate your massage license, you will submit a reinstatement request directly to the DFPR. The exact form and submission process may be available on the DFPR website, or you may need to contact the office to request the reinstatement form. Some states allow online submission, while others require mailed or in-person forms — the DFPR can tell you which method applies in Illinois.
You will need to provide your license number, proof of identity, and proof of any continuing education completed. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will also need to submit proof that you passed the ISBMTE exam. The DFPR may also ask for information about any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions that occurred while your license was inactive, as these can affect reinstatement.
Pay the reinstatement fee at the time you submit your process. The fee amount should be confirmed with the DFPR, as it may vary from standard renewal fees. Once the DFPR receives your complete process, it will process your request and notify you when your license has been reinstated.
What happens after your license is reinstated
Once the DFPR approves your reinstatement request, your massage license becomes active again and you can legally practice massage therapy in Illinois. The DFPR will issue you a new license certificate or confirmation of reinstatement, depending on its procedures. You should keep this documentation with you or display it in your workplace, as clients and employers may ask to see proof of a current license.
Your reinstated license will have a new expiration date, typically two years from the date of reinstatement. You will need to renew your license before that date to keep it active. Renewal is simpler than reinstatement — you pay the renewal fee and complete the required continuing education hours during the two-year period before expiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice massage therapy while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally practice massage therapy in Illinois with an expired license, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. You must wait until the DFPR notifies you that your license has been reinstated. Practicing without a valid license can result in fines and legal consequences.
What if I cannot find proof of my continuing education hours?
Contact the schools or course providers where you completed your education and request official transcripts or certificates of completion. If you cannot locate the original provider, the DFPR may allow you to retake the required courses. Ask the DFPR what documentation it will accept in your situation.
Do I need to retake the massage therapy exam if my license expired two years ago?
No. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you do not need to retake the exam. You only need to pay the reinstatement fee and complete any overdue continuing education hours. The five-year threshold is the key dividing line.
How much does it cost to reinstate a massage license in Illinois?
The reinstatement fee varies and should be confirmed directly with the DFPR. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will also pay exam fees and potentially course fees for any required education. Contact the DFPR for a complete cost estimate based on your specific situation.
What if my license was suspended or revoked rather than straightforward expired?
Suspension and revocation are disciplinary actions that differ from expiration. If your license was suspended or revoked, reinstatement is more complex and may require a hearing or additional steps. Contact the DFPR when ready to understand your options, as the process is different from standard reinstatement.