Massage | Delaware | Licensing updates
Delaware Massage Licenses Expire August 31—Late Renewal Is Not a Grace Period
Delaware massage, bodywork, and establishment credentials expire August 31, 2026; practice or operation must stop after expiration until the credential is…
- Renew the individual or establishment credential in DELPROS before expiration whenever possible.
- If the credential has expired, stop practicing or operating until DELPROS shows it has actually been renewed.
- For a full-period individual renewal, verify the 3-hour ethics, 9-hour hands-on core, 12-hour elective/core, current CPR, and 50-percent online limits.
- Keep CE and CPR documentation ready for a possible post-renewal audit, but follow Delaware's instruction not to upload audit records unless selected.
Published: 2026-08-31 · Reviewed: 2026-08-31
Official context
Delaware's Division of Professional Regulation states that all Massage and Bodywork licenses and certifications, including massage-establishment licenses, expire August 31 of even-numbered years. An active individual credential must be renewed in DELPROS before expiration with attestations for applicable continuing education and current CPR. Establishments must renew but do not have a CE requirement. Delaware randomly audits a percentage of licensees after renewal.
What this means
For a full licensing period, an active massage therapist must complete 24 approved CE hours: at least 3 ethics hours, 9 core credits in a hands-on classroom setting, and 12 elective or core credits that may be online. Online education may not exceed half of the total. If a therapist, certification, or establishment credential expires, Delaware says practice or operation is illegal until the credential is actually renewed; the late-renewal period of up to one year is not a grace period and includes a late fee. A former Certified Massage Technician whose credential expires cannot reapply for another CMT credential because Delaware eliminated that credential type on January 1, 2025; the person must qualify for the LMT route to resume practice.
Official sources
- https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/massagebodyworks/renewal/
- https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/massagebodyworks/continuing-education-and-audit-information/
- https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/5300.shtml
Licensing & Industry Updates is an educational summary of official public communications. It is not legal advice, and filing decisions should be checked against the current board page or rule text.