Licensing in
Missouri
Start with the Missouri Acupuncturist Advisory Committee, which recommends licensing to the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Applicants must be 21 and an active NCCAOM diplomate. Licenses expire every other year and renewal needs 30 hours of continuing education including infection control and CPR. Fees come from board rules not read here.
At a glance
Start with the responsible authority.
- Regulatory authoritySource checked
- State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, on recommendation of the Missouri Acupuncture Advisory Committee, within the Division of Professional RegistrationRSMo 324.475, 324.481 ↗
Last checked October 10, 2026
01
Know which credential fits
License types
Acupuncturist
Independent acupuncture practice
- License requiredSource checked
- Practicing acupuncture requires a license or a supervised course of study as a trainee; licensed physicians and chiropractors are exempt unless they use the title licensed acupuncturist.RSMo 324.484, 324.487 ↗
- Auricular detox technicianSource checked
- Technicians performing only the limited ear detox protocol under a licensed acupuncturist need no license.RSMo 324.475, 324.484 ↗
02
What to confirm
Getting your first license
- QualificationsSource checked
- At least 21, active NCCAOM Diplomate in Acupuncture, application on the Committee's form, and the fee.RSMo 324.487 ↗
- Application documentsSource checked
- Notarized application, two sets of fingerprints, proof of age, and NCCAOM verification; out-of-state licensees add license verification from the other state.20 CSR 2015-2.010 ↗
- FeesSource checked
- The application fee is $200 and the fingerprinting fee is set by the Missouri State Highway Patrol; fees are not refunded if a license is surrendered, suspended or revoked during its term.20 CSR 2015-1.030 ↗
03
What to confirm
Herbal medicine
- Herbal medicine authorityWe haven’t confirmed this from an official source yet. If you know the statute, rule or board page that answers it, share it and we’ll check it.
- The statutory definition of acupuncture covers needles and related modalities and does not mention herbs.Know this? Share an official source
- Retail, compounding, and dispensingWe haven’t confirmed this from an official source yet. If you know the statute, rule or board page that answers it, share it and we’ll check it.
- Not confirmed yet. We only publish what an official source supports.Know this? Share an official source
04
What to confirm
Keeping the license active
- CycleSource checked
- Licenses expire every other year; an unrenewed license is invalid but may be restored.RSMo 324.490 ↗
- Continuing educationSource checked
- 30 hours in each two-year period related to acupuncture, including infection control and CPR certification; not required in the first year of licensure.20 CSR 2015-2.020(3) ↗
- RestorationSource checked
- Within two years of expiration: fee, documentation and continuing education; after two years the applicant reapplies.RSMo 324.493; 20 CSR 2015-2.020(4) ↗
- Renewal fee and late feeSource checked
- The biennial renewal fee is $100 and the late renewal fee is $50.20 CSR 2015-1.030 ↗
05
What to confirm
Rules after you open
- Title and license informationSource checked
- A licensed acupuncturist uses the abbreviation L.AC. or the title Licensed Acupuncturist after their name, must ensure the license bears their current legal name, and must report a changed name or address within 30 days.20 CSR 2015-1.020 ↗
- Records, advertising, and telehealthWe haven’t confirmed this from an official source yet. If you know the statute, rule or board page that answers it, share it and we’ll check it.
- Board rules in 20 CSR 2015 on records retention, advertising and telehealth were not found in the chapters read.Know this? Share an official source
06
Go to the source
Official resources
Community review
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