Licensee Notices
As everyone is aware the website is NOT available for online renewals due to the data breach back in October.
Renewal FAQ for 26/27 Renewal Year
Having the ability to renew licenses online has been the top priority since the security breach of the website in October. Unfortunately the renewal function will not be available for this renewal season. As per the 2/27/20256 & 3/19/2026 emails sent to all licensees – Because all renewals are required by rule to be received by March 31st, each year, the Board is advising that RENEWALS be MAILED to the office to ensure that renewals are received by the March 31st, 2026 deadline.
What happens if I don’t receive my license by March 31st, 2026?
- The Board understands not having licenses until after the expiration date is causing much frustration and concern. Understandably the Board will NOT hold licensees and businesses responsible for a processing delay that could not be avoided. It is important to note that at this time NO licenses are being processed by the office. Although we anticipate that the office will have the ability to renew within the next two weeks, this means processing will begin close to, or after the expiration of ALL license on March 31st.
I was told there was an extension beyond the March 31st deadline.
- No – the issue with the website is causing a processing delay and the same rules apply as with each renewal year. As long as your renewal packet is complete, and received or postmarked for 3/31, there is no penalty. It is advised when sending your renewal to the office to use tracking services to ensure delivery.
The office only takes appointments – can I drop of my renewal?
- Although it is advised to send your renewal to the office postmarked by 3/31/2026 – Yes, the office will be open to the public and renewals can be dropped off
Monday – Friday 9am to 3pm until March 31st, 2026. Please follow the below instructions
- Renewals packets must be sealed envelopes with your name/business name on the envelope
- Renewal packets are to be dropped off in the bins located in reception area
- Renewals cannot be completed in the office, nor can they be reviewed or approved by staff
- Do NOT leave renewals in the mailbox
How and when will I receive my license?
Rest assured that the office will be working as quickly as possible to input and process renewals. Due to the size of the office temporary staffing has been brought in to assist with processing. The office will be emailing and posting updates on the website regarding the status of renewals.
- As always, renewals are processed in the order received, the later the renewal is received, the later the license is received.
- Once processed, licenses will be emailed unless otherwise indicated on the renewal form or there is a request emailed to the office.
Email Sent 3/19/2026 to All Licensees
Subject Line: LBMT License Renewals and Social Media Misinformation
Good afternoon everyone –
It has been brought to the attention of the office that there may be misinformation posted on social media that is being circulated amongst licensees regarding renewals and background checks. Please know that unless information comes from, or is recirculated directly from the Board, the office or on the LABMT website, this information may be incorrect.
For Clarification:
Have there been any changes regarding renewals this year.
There have been no changes to any laws or rules in regards to renewals, only how licenses are processed requiring a paper form. CEU’s still need to be taken between 4/1/2025 to 3/31/2026, registered with the Board with the required LCEU# and postmarked by 3/31/2026.
I was told I also need to do a background check this year with my renewal.
No, this is incorrect. There is no required background check with this renewal year.
What happens if I don’t receive my license by the expiration date?
Understandably the Board will not hold licensees responsible for a processing delay that cannot be avoided.
Where do I find a renewal form?
A temporary website has been available since late October 2025. All renewal forms, license management forms, information etc. have been available on the website and are being processed manually by the office.
- Go to www.labmt.org
- Scroll down to the “License Renewal / Management Forms” button at the middle of the page and click.
- This will bring you to the page where you can locate renewal forms, information needed to renew your license and license management forms.
- Renewal forms are located at the top of the page under the red highlighted banner
I was told there was an extension beyond the March 31st deadline.
No – the issue with the website is causing a processing delay and the same rules apply as with each renewal year.As long as your renewal packet is complete, and received or postmarked for 3/31, there is no penalty.
Why have some LMT’s received their licenses and I haven’t?
Renewals that were received in January were able to be processed in the old system.
What happens next? How will I receive my license(s) this year?
Rest assured that the office will be working as quickly as possible to input and process renewals. Due to the size of the office temporary staffing has been brought in to assist with processing. The office will be emailing and posting updates on the website regarding the status of renewals. Please note as always, renewals are processed in the order received. Once renewals are processed all licenses will be sent via email directly to each licensee.
Lastly, Due to an increase in abusive encounters with phone and email communication, it is necessary to inform every one of the LBMT’s policy in regards to these communications. Abusive language, including but not limited to, demeaning language, profanity and other threats will not be tolerated by the staff and such interactions will be terminated immediately. The office staff strives to offer excellent service and understands that frustrations can occur, especially during renewal season. If you feel that a response by the office is not satisfactory, please put your questions or comments in an email to the Executive Director, Tricia Thibaut at admin@labmt.org to be submitted to the Board for response. Please include your name and contact information. If you would like to be added to a meeting agenda to address the Board directly please indicate so in the email. All licensees and anyone from the public are always encouraged to attend Board meetings. There is time allotted at each meeting for public comment. If you would like to address the Board directly with any questions or concerns, please email the office to be added to the meeting agenda. Meeting dates are posted on the LABMT website
Thank you everyone for your patience and understanding.
At the February 23rd, 2026 Board meeting, the Board released the following statement in regards to renewals for the 26/27 renewal year.
Having the ability to renew licenses online has been the top priority since the unexpected re-build of the website, unfortunately the renewal function is still not available. Because all renewals are required by rule to be received by March 31st, each year, the Board is advising that until further notice, RENEWALS be MAILED to the office to ensure that renewals are received by the March 31st, 2026 deadline. Should the online renewal function become available between now and March 31st, 2026, a notice will be posted on the website, followed by an email and a postcard. Please check your email and the website regularly for any updates or changes.
Lastly, before contacting the office, please read the FAQ’s regarding renewals. They are located below, included with the paper renewal forms or by clicking the FAQ link on the front page of the website.
- Does the LBMT have a website right now?
- Yes, locating CEU courses, license management forms, Establishment Numbers etc. can be found on the website. www.labmt.org
- Where do I find a paper renewal form and how do I pay for my renewal.
- Paper renewal forms can be downloaded through the website by using the “License Renewal / Management Forms” tab or scrolling to the bottom of the front page.www.labmt.org. Payment in the form of a cashier’s check or money order is required with the renewal.
- Does the paper renewal form apply to all licenses?
- Yes, all professional, establishment and establishment registrations will need a paper renewal until further notice.
- I’ve always renewed online, should I send in a paper renewal instead?
- YES, at this time the Board advises that renewals be mailed to the office to ensure receipt by the March 31st, 2026 deadline. If you choose to wait, know that there is no guarantee that the online renewal function will be available and all renewals will need to be received by March 31st, 2026 to avoid the late fee.
- If I send a paper renewal will I get my license faster?
- No, at this time, the office does not have the ability to process any renewals. Once the renewal function is available to licensees it will also be available to the office.
- What happens if I don’t receive my license by March 31st, 2026?
- As long as your renewal is received complete and correctly by March 31st, 2026, there will be no penalty due to the processing delay.
- If I take the wrong CEU’s, my renewal is returned incomplete or my renewal is not postmarked by March 31st, 2026 will there still be a late fee.
- Yes, all rules, laws and policies regarding renewals are still in place. CEU’s must be taken April 1st, 2025 to March 31st, 2026 and registered with the Board.
Background Process Notice and Updates 2024
2021: In August of 2021 legislation was passed to require all active licensees prior to April 1st, 2022 to receive a new state and federal background check. The registration process with the FBI and State Police was extensive and the 2022 deadline could not be met.
2024 / NEW & CURRENT LICENSEES: In 2024 the law was updated by Senator Beth Mizell to include all active massage therapist as well as business owners – ACT 779 (SB332). In April of 2025 all NEW professional applicants began the required background process and beginning January 2026 all NEW Establishment Applicants began the the required background process.
Current Active Licensees: A date has NOT been determined by the Board for current Licensees (Professional & Establishment) to complete the required background process. The Board office will notify each licensee when the date is determined and which renewal year this will apply to. PLEASE NOTE – if you are a licensed massage therapist as well as a licensed Establishment owner or have an Establishment registration, you will only be required to receive ONE background check. The new background process is initiated by using Identogo and has shown to be more efficient and convenient than the previous process. To review the process click here.
Renewal Reminders
- Renewal season begins January 1st and ends March 31st, 2025
- All licenses – professional, establishment and establishment registrations expire March 31st
- 12 hours of continuing education is required unless this is your first year of licensure
- All continuing education must be registered by the provider and courses approved by the Board
- Approval is indicated by a current LCEU# printed on the certificate of completion by the provider
- Certificates are required to be uploaded with each renewal
- It is advised that renewals be completed online for faster processing and submitted no later than 5 days prior to March 31st. This will allow ample time for corrections if your renewal is returned
- Renewals must be received by March 31st or postmarked no later than March 31st.
It is the responsibility of all therapists, establishments owners, providers, schools etc. to understand all Rules, Standards, Policies and Laws that govern the profession of Massage Therapy in Louisiana. Please check the website regularly for updates as well as review any emails or mailed notices from the Board office, and respond accordingly if asked to do so (make sure emails are not going to your spam/junk folder). It is the responsibility of the licensee that contact information is current and changes are registered with the Board office within 30 days.