Reinstatement is possible if your license lapsed or was suspended, but the path depends on why it ended
If your Tennessee massage license has expired or been suspended, you can restore it through the Tennessee Department of Health's Board of Massage Licensure. The process is not the same as getting a new license — it is faster and costs less — but you will need to show that you meet current requirements and, if there was a disciplinary action, that the reason for suspension no longer applies. The exact steps depend on whether your license straightforward lapsed because you did not renew it, or whether it was suspended or revoked for a violation.
Tennessee massage licenses expire every two years. If you let yours expire without renewing, you have a grace period to restore it without taking the exam again. If the suspension was due to a disciplinary action — unpaid fines, a complaint, or a violation of practice rules — you will need to resolve that issue first before the board will consider reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- A lapsed license (one that expired without renewal) can usually be restored within a set timeframe without retaking the exam, but you must pay back fees and renewal costs.
- A suspended or revoked license requires you to address the reason for suspension — such as paying fines, completing continuing education, or waiting out a suspension period — before the board will consider reinstatement.
- Contact the Tennessee Department of Health's Board of Massage Licensure directly to find out your license status and what specific documents or payments you need to submit.
- Reinstatement typically takes several weeks after you submit all required materials and fees.
How to find out why your license is no longer active
Before you can move forward, you need to know whether your license straightforward lapsed or whether it was suspended or revoked. Call the Tennessee Department of Health's Board of Massage Licensure at the phone number listed on their website, or visit their office in Nashville. Have your license number or full name ready. The board staff can tell you the current status of your license in one call.
If your license lapsed, they will tell you the expiration date and what you owe in back renewal fees. If it was suspended or revoked, they will explain the reason and what you must do to resolve it. Ask for the specific documents you need to submit and whether there are any fines or continuing education requirements you must complete before reinstatement is possible.
Reinstating a license that straightforward expired
If your license expired because you did not renew it on time, and there was no disciplinary action, reinstatement is usually straightforward. You will need to submit a reinstatement request form (available from the Board of Massage Licensure), pay the current renewal fee, and pay any back fees for the years your license was inactive. Some states allow a grace period of one to two years after expiration during which you can restore your license without retaking the exam; Tennessee's grace period and fee structure should be confirmed directly with the board.
You may also need to show proof of continuing education hours if your license has been inactive for more than a certain period. The board can tell you whether this applies to you. Once you submit the form, fees, and any required documentation, the board will process your reinstatement. This typically takes two to four weeks.
Reinstating a suspended or revoked license
If your license was suspended or revoked due to a complaint, violation, or unpaid fines, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the issue that led to the suspension. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a remedial continuing education course, submitting to a background check, or waiting out a suspension period set by the board.
The board's disciplinary order will specify what you must do. Request a copy of this order from the Board of Massage Licensure if you do not have it. Once you have completed all required steps, you can petition for reinstatement. The board may require you to appear at a hearing or submit written documentation explaining how you have addressed the violation. This process takes longer than a straightforward reinstatement — often two to three months or more — because the board must review your case before approving it.
Documents and fees you will likely need
The exact documents depend on your situation, but most reinstatement requests require the following:
- A completed reinstatement process form from the Tennessee Department of Health
- Proof of identity (driver's license or passport)
- Payment for current renewal fees and any back fees owed
- Proof of continuing education hours (if required by the board)
- If your license was suspended: documentation showing you have resolved the issue (proof of payment, completion certificate, etc.)
Fees vary depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether you owe back renewal costs. Contact the board directly for the exact amount you owe. Most boards accept payment by check, money order, or credit card. Some allow online payment through their website.
What to do if the board denies your reinstatement request
If the board denies your reinstatement request, they must provide a written reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines, or failure to meet continuing education requirements. Review the denial letter carefully and contact the board to ask what specific steps you can take to address the issue.
In some cases, you may have the right to request a hearing before the board or to appeal the decision. The denial letter should explain your options. If you believe the denial was unfair, you can also consult with an attorney who specializes in professional licensing in Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement usually take?
A straightforward reinstatement of a lapsed license typically takes two to four weeks after you submit all required materials and fees. If your license was suspended or revoked, the process can take two to three months or longer because the board must review your case and may require a hearing before approving reinstatement.
Do I have to retake the massage exam to reinstate my license?
Not if your license straightforward lapsed and you are within the grace period. However, if your license was revoked, or if you are outside the grace period, the board may require you to retake the exam. Ask the board directly whether this applies to your situation.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the back fees at once?
Contact the Board of Massage Licensure and ask whether they offer a payment plan. Some boards will work with you to set up installments, especially if you can show financial hardship. This is not may provide, but it is worth asking before assuming you cannot reinstate.
Can I work as a massage therapist while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally practice massage therapy in Tennessee without an active license. Working without a license can result in fines and criminal charges. Wait until your reinstatement is approved before you resume practice.
Where do I send my reinstatement process?
Mail your completed process, fees, and supporting documents to the Tennessee Department of Health's Board of Massage Licensure at the address listed on their website. Some boards also accept applications in person at their Nashville office. Call ahead to confirm the current mailing address and whether they accept in-person submissions.