MASSAGE TECHNICIAN LICENSE

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department issues massage technician permits only for the unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.  To obtain a massage technician permit, you must take the following steps:

Step One - Massage Technician Physical Exam

Have a medical examiner fill out a Massage Technician Physical Exam Form, which requires a tuberculosis (TB) test.  The form must be signed off by a medical examiner before you call the San Diego Sheriff's Licensing Division to make an appointment. 

Massage Technician Physical Exam Form

Step Two - Massage Technician Application

Fill out a Massage Technician Application.  You must fill out the application completely before calling the San Diego Sheriff's Licensing Division to make an appointment.  

Massage Technician Application Form

Step Three - Submission Interview

Call the San Diego Sheriff's Licensing Division (858) 974-2103 to schedule an appointment for a submission interview.  Applicants will be interviewed, fingerprinted and photographed. Appointments are scheduled Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. 

The San Diego Sheriff's Licensing Division office located at:

9621 Ridgehaven Ct
San Diego, CA 92123
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You must bring with you and submit the following at this appointment:

▪ Completed Massage Technician Physical Exam Form
▪ Completed Massage Technician Application
▪ Original transcript and diploma or Certificate of Completion
Note:  Copies of the original transcript and diploma or Certificate of Completion will be made at the time of the appointment
▪ Cash, check or money order for processing fees - $313
▪ Money order for Live Scan Fingerprinting  - $51 (Cash or check will not be accepted)
Note:  Live scan results from other agencies will not be accepted, and a new live scan must be conducted by the San Diego Sheriff's Licensing Division

Step Four - San Diego County Health Department Practical Exam

Applicants must take a practical exam/hands-on massage test conducted by the San Diego County Health Department.  A San Diego County Health Department representative will contact the applicant to schedule an exam time.  The representative will also give the applicant details about the exam.

Note:  Even if you've completed a practical exam with the County of San Diego in the past, you must take the exam again to be issued a Massage Technician license. 

The exam is held at the County Health Services complex located at:

3851 Rosecrans St
San Diego, CA 92110
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Issue of Massage Technician Permit

Upon successful completion of the application, submission interview, and practical exam, applicants will be issued their Massage Technician permit by mail.  Permits are valid for one year. Renewal information is listed on the application.  If there are any questions during the process, contact the San Diego Sheriff's Licensing Division at (858) 974‑2020.