Step one is to have the attached Massage Technician Physical Examination form completed by a medical examiner. This form requires completion of a TB test. The form needs to be signed off by a medical examiner before you call our office to make an appointment.

Step two is the submission of your completed application (including the Physical Examination form). The application must be filled out completely and must be submitted in person by appointment only, at the San Diego County Sheriff’s License Division.

The office is located at 9621 Ridgehaven Court, San Diego, CA 92123. Please be aware that you must call in advance for an appointment (858) 974‑2103. Appointment hours are Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

At the time of the appointment, applicants will be interviewed, fingerprinted and photographed. Applicable fees will be collected: $313 by cash, check or money order only. In addition, there is a $32 fee for live scan fingerprinting; this additional amount must be submitted by money order only. Even if you have completed a live scan before, previous live scan results from other agencies cannot be accepted and a new live scan must be taken.

Applicants must submit an original transcript and diploma or certificate of completion showing completion of a massage program from a state accredited school. Copies of the original transcript and diploma or certificate of completion will be made at the time of the appointment.

After the appointment, the applicant information is submitted to the Health Department for a practical exam or “hands-on” massage test. This is step three of the process. A representative from the Health Department will contact the applicant to set up an exam time. The exam is held at the County Health Services Complex at 3851 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92110. Details about the exam will be given to the applicant when the Health Department sets up the appointment. Even if you have completed a practical with the county in the past, you must take this test again in order for your license to be issued.

Upon successful completion of the application submission interview and the 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, applicants can contact the License Division at (858) 974‑2020.