In most cities in Texas, a license is required for anyone looking to work in a sexually oriented business as an entertainer or manager. One of the primary requirements for this license is that the person will have to be at least 18 years old to apply.

The license will also need to be on their person during working hours. Also, note that a copy of the license will have to be kept with the manager while they are working. Exotic dancers are performers who use their bodies to entertain patrons at nightclubs, bars, and other adult entertainment venues.

These dancers may work in strip clubs, they may perform at private events such as bachelor or bachelorette parties, or they may do both. They may also conduct lap dances with individual customers in secluded areas, or they may perform on stage, dancing and performing acrobatic tricks on a pole.

Some exotic dancers remove all their clothing during performances, and others are required by law to keep certain pieces of clothing on. However, most exotic dance sessions end with the exotic dancer wearing as few clothes as legally possible.

A good number of exotic dancers are self-employed; this entails that they are most often not employed by the clubs they work at, and they are expected to pay a fee to rent the stage and space used at strip clubs.

Owing to this, exotic dancers do not earn an hourly rate and are known to rely mostly on the money they make from dances and tips. Although a good number of exotic dancers get tips from dances performed on stage, they earn most of their money from private lap dance sessions. These are charged for by the song or by a specific time period.

The requirements for obtaining a license in Texas vary from one location to another; however, they will most often include filling and submitting an application along with proof of age and/or ID, paying a fee, and undergoing a background check. It is necessary to consult your local authorities or club manager to understand the specific requirements in your area.

Note that no formal higher education is necessary to become an exotic dancer in Texas. In fact, a good number of exotic dancers in the United States today choose the occupation as a way to earn good money while also pursuing a degree. The major requirement for most exotic dancing roles is that you’re of legal age to work as an exotic dancer.

Steps To Get An Exotic Dancer License in Texas

Just as was noted above, the requirements and procedures to obtain this license in Texas will depend on your location in the state. If you are looking to become an exotic dancer in Texas, here are steps to take to obtain the necessary license.

  1. First Find A Club 

This is, without doubt, the first step to take when looking to obtain an exotic dancer license in Texas. There are numerous means to find employment in the exotic dance market.

For one, you can choose to search online via TUSCL.net (the ultimate strip club list) for a well-detailed list of venues, or even use Yelp to locate open opportunities. You can also walk into the club in person and meet with the manager or owner.

These sorts of venues will request that you fill out a form or even ask that you make a copy of your ID. Others might even ask you to audition with at least one song on stage. A good number of them tend to charge dancers a nightly fee to work. The club’s house fees will vary based on the club you work at, as well as the night you work.

  1. Apply for Your License or Permit

The requirements and procedures to obtain this license in Texas will most often depend on your location in the state. However, a good number of cities and local authorities in the state offer numerous channels to make it easier for individuals and businesses in the strip business.

Most often, you will be expected to fill out an application form, a General Questionnaire, Affidavit of Lawful Presence, Applicant Criminal History Form, and provide a photo ID coupled with your fingerprints taken by the government agency.

In some places in Texas, you are permitted to submit and follow up on your application via email; however, when submitting your application via email, just make sure you append all required documents mandated by your local licensing body in one email.

If you can’t send via email, some places also allow you to send in your application online and also follow up on the process online or via phone. Don’t forget to visit your local licensing board for more information on how to submit payment for your application.

  1. Pay the Required Fees

The exact cost of acquiring an exotic dancer license in Texas will vary depending on your exact location in the state. It may also vary based on application method and other requirements.

For instance, the city of Houston, Texas requires exotic dancers to obtain a numbered ticket for a non-disclosed fee at the Information Desk, and then wait in the lobby until their number is called. They also require a criminal background check. Fees can be paid with cash, check, money order, or credit card. Checks should be made payable to the agency in charge.

  1. Obtain Your License

In most places in Texas, you are permitted to notify the agency or department in charge of how you prefer your license to be delivered to you once all of the steps noted below have been completed.

  • All documents necessary for the application are complete and submitted to the office.
  • The background check, if applicable, is accepted and approved.
  • Fees are paid in full.
  • All required examinations, if applicable, are passed.

Immediately after your application is approved, your license or permission is valid for one year, starting from the day the license money was received.

Basic Requirements to Get an Exotic Dancer License in Texas

To obtain an exotic dancer license in Texas, there are certain requirements you will be expected to meet. These requirements include;

  • Age Requirements: In Texas, patrons and employees are expected to be 18 and older; 21 if alcohol is served
  • Nudity Rules: Certain localities in the state allow full nudity, others require nipples and genitals to be covered, and some give room full nudity only if alcohol is not served
  • Contact with Patrons: Note that some clubs allow “lap dancing,” or some form of limited contact, while others have stringent distance requirements between patrons and dancers
  • Licensing: Exotic dancers in Houston, for instance, will have to pay an annual fee to be licensed and also must pass a background check
  • Taxation: Texas mandates the collection of a $5 entrance fee, which is paid to a foundation for victims of rape.

Conclusion

Just as was noted above, the requirements for obtaining a license in Texas vary from one location to another; however, they will most often include submitting an application along with proof of age and/or ID, paying a fee, and undergoing a background check. Always remember that this license will have to be on your person during working hours.